According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2012, 39.4% percent of Americans between 25 and 64 had at least a two-year college degree. That was up from 38.7% percent in 2011, the largest single year gain since 2008. In terms of a bachelor’s degree, only 30.4% percent of people over 25 have one. And for graduate degrees, 8.05% have masters, while 3.07% have a doctoral or professional degree.

Every year, over 1.2 million students drop out of high school in the United States alone. That is one student every 26 seconds, or 7,000 a day. Specifically, Las Vegas, Nevada is considered one of the worst cities to live in because of their dropout rate of 23%. According to The New Brain Power Study, nearly one in six adults in San Antonio do not have a high school diploma, and more than 17 percent of San Antonians 25 and over have dropped out of high school.

These are daunting statistics.

Everyone acknowledges that education is important. However, it seems that the majority of the population does not find value in education or a degree. We are so focused on monetary success that we forget the hard work it takes to get that success. The most valuable thing you will get is your education, a piece of paper that no one will be able to take from you.

The percentage of students who pursued a higher education immediately after high school and said they will do it again was around 90%, while a majority of those who moved from high school directly into the workforce said that if they could reconsider their choice today, they would instead seek more education. A high school dropout will earn $200,000 less than a high school graduate over his lifetime, and almost a million dollars less than a college graduate.

Advancing a college degree, there are common reasons why people choose to attend graduate school. One reason is intellectual curiosity, because students have a real interest in an academic area. Another is career entry or advancement – students either want to enter a field that requires an advanced degree or have determined that an advanced degree will enhance their career advancement or options. Lastly, postpone job hunting is probably the most important – some students continue their education simply because they are afraid of the alternatives.

The main goal of advancing your education is to eventually get employed.

Unfortunately, a 1998 study showed that children of divorced parents are less likely to matriculate in college, and receive less financial support than children of intact marriages. The study, The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: A 25 Year Landmark Study, found that 29% of children with divorced parents get parental support for college expenses, compared with 88% of children from intact families.

Future employers look for certain qualities in their prospective employees. According to How to Motivate-No-Inspire Employees: 10 Keys to Employee Engagement, the book list 10 qualities that employers seek. First, companies look for achievement – working hard to align people with the right role where they can succeed. Employers want to see learning abilities – having pride in one work fuels self-motivation and pride. They also look for respect, responsibility, and trust. More importantly, employers look for growth, people who can motivate themselves to develop skills. It has been drilled in our heads that communication skills are important, and that is what employers look for as well. Lastly, they seek for people who can recognize and praise others, and have the ability to set their own goals.

The importance of education can not be measured. Its value is unmatchable. Getting your education is better for your future and can open many more doors than those who choose to not get one. With it, solutions, alternatives, and new ideas can be brought forth to further improve the evolution of man kind. It guides you to so many great opportunities that are unimaginable. You will not regret getting your education.