Is A College Education Still Worthwhile? 

With the rising costs of college tuition, it’s common to hear the question, “Is college worth it?” At Marshall University, the answer is a resounding “Yes!”

When affordability meets quality, the result is value. That’s as true for a college education as it is for all that stuff we order on Amazon. Of course, financial aid is a key factor for most students considering college. Fortunately for Marshall University students, the average financial aid award is more than $11,000 per year – so we’ve got affordability covered. And with more than 150 majors and an average class size of 21, Marshall scores on quality.

The other side of the equation is what happens after graduation. Does your student’s degree have real value? Will they be prepared for a career after graduation? And will employers hire them? Read on to learn more about the value of a Marshall education.

Return on Investment

ROI is built directly into Marshall’s academic programming, beginning freshman year with the First-Year Seminar in Critical Thinking. The semester-long course helps students develop critical thinking skills through discussion, interaction, writing, and research. Limited to 22 students per class, FYS courses are active, energetic, and hands-on. By the time your student graduates, they’ll be fully prepared with the critical thinking skills needed to succeed in a chosen field.

In fact, studies conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers show that employers rate critical thinking as the single most important qualification for career readiness for new college graduates. That’s great news for Marshall students and grads – and for their parents!

Choosing A Major – and A Career

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in healthcare are among the fastest-growing occupations in the United States. They rank at the top of the most popular majors at Marshall, too, next to business, engineering, education, and liberal arts and sciences. Whatever your student’s interests, at Marshall they’ll have help choosing a major – usually in the second year. Explore Marshall’s majors.

Marshall’s Office of Career Education is the place for career planning and support. In addition to offering help exploring and declaring a major and setting career goals, career counselors can help your student find the perfect internship, craft a résumé, and hone interview skills. (It turns out oral communications skills also rank high with U.S. employers). Then there are the networking events, career expos, and the all-important job search assistance.

Of course, parents are always included in the process. Marshall’s Career Services offers resources you can use to support your student throughout all four years of college.

A Network for Life

Students can also connect with alumni and other professionals through the Marshall Mentor Network. A one-on-one relationship gives your student the opportunity to gain insight into a chosen field, learn strategies for professional development, and establish industry contacts. Working with a Marshall mentor is an invaluable way to network and hit the ground running.

As a graduate of Marshall, your student will have access to the benefits of the Marshall University Alumni Association, including ongoing career services and a network of Marshall alumni who are proud to call themselves the Sons and Daughters of Marshall.

Is a college education worth it? At Marshall University, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Find out how your student can join the Sons and Daughters of Marshall.