What Could My Life Be Like If I Go To College?
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably tired of adults asking, “So, what are your plans after graduation?” The big question weighing on my mind is, What could my life look like if I choose to go to college? I’m actively comparing the value, the opportunities, and the costs to figure it out.
Imagining My Future Self
There are so many things that come to mind when I try to answer that question. When I imagine how to choose a college, I picture move-in day with too many boxes, meeting a roommate I’ve only texted, getting lost on campus, and staying up late studying (or pretending to). I think about making new friends, tackling more challenging classes, gaining more freedom, and taking on more responsibility.
But I also envision something bigger:
- Having more say in what kind of work I do
- Not stressing as much about money
- Feeling like I’m building a life that actually fits me
People say, “College opens doors.” I wanted to know if that is still true, especially with how expensive everything feels right now. So I started looking at what the data actually says.
Money Talk: How College Could Change My Paycheck
Let’s be real. I don’t just want a job. I want a life where I can pay my bills, help my family, buy groceries without panic, and maybe travel a little.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2024, workers with a bachelor’s degree earned a median of $1,543 per week, while workers with only a high school diploma earned about $930 per week.
That’s more than a $600 difference every week. Over a year, that adds up to thousands of dollars.
So, when I ask, “What would my life be like if I went to college?” One answer is: I’d probably earn more over time, and I’d have more financial options.
Job Security: Not Just Any Job, but a More Stable One
Money is one thing. Stability is another.
The same BLS data shows that in 2024, people with only a high school diploma had an unemployment rate of 4.2 percent, while people with a bachelor’s degree had an unemployment rate of 2.5 percent.
That doesn’t mean college graduates never struggle or never get laid off. But it does mean that, on average, people with more education are less likely to be unemployed.
When I think about my future, that difference matters. I don’t want to constantly worry about losing my job and not finding another one.
Beyond the Paycheck: Health, Happiness, and Purpose
I was surprised to learn that college doesn’t just affect income. It can also shape health, well-being, and even how involved people are in their communities.
A Lumina Foundation–Gallup study found that adults who completed education beyond high school tend to report better health, higher well-being, and more often fit jobs to their talents than adults with only a high school diploma.
Researchers at the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce also found that people with higher levels of education tend to have better health outcomes and higher rates of civic engagement, not just higher earnings. The report explains how more education is associated with many life outcomes, not just salary. So, going to college could mean:
- A better chance of finding work that fits what I’m good at
- More stability with health insurance and benefits
- Feeling more confident speaking up, voting, and being involved in my community
That sounds like the kind of adult I want to be.
Reality Check: Cost, Debt, and Stress Are Real
Of course, none of this changes one big truth: college is expensive, and the idea of student loans stresses a lot of us out.
For many students who would be the first in their families to go to college, the picture is even more complicated. A 2025 analysis of first-generation students shows that, in 2020, almost 40% of undergraduates in a bachelor’s degree program were first-generation college students, but only 26% went on to get their degree.
That suggests two things:
- First-generation students are showing up in big numbers.
- The system still doesn’t support them well enough to graduate.
Debt is also a serious factor. Studies by organizations such as the Pew Research Center show that first-generation college graduates often carry more debt than students whose parents went to college.
So, when I picture my life if I go to college, I don’t just imagine the campus. I imagine:
- Filling out financial aid forms
- Worrying about loans
- Balancing classes, work, and family responsibilities
That’s part of the decision, too.
UNCF awards more than $100 million in scholarships annually to over 10,000 students across more than 1,100 institutions nationwide. Over the last 75 years, UNCF has helped more than half a million students earn their college degrees.
We strongly encourage students to explore the 37 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that UNCF directly supports.
Visit UNCF Opportunities to learn about UNCF scholarships, programs, Internships, and fellowships. UNCF’s website provides detailed instructions about applying for scholarships and grants, as well as other tips.
Beyond the Diploma: New Skills and Networks
A lot of the debate focuses on the degree itself, but the experience matters just as much. College is more than a diploma; it is a chance to develop key skills and build an essential network.
The Power of Exploration
In high school, we must follow a rigid curriculum. In college, I can choose my major, which means I can actually deep-dive into subjects I love, like history, engineering, or film.
Even if I don’t follow that exact major forever, the experience teaches me essential skills:
- Critical Thinking: Analyzing complex problems.
- Time Management: Balancing classes, clubs, and social life.
- Effective Communication: Learning how to write clearly, persuasively, and concisely.
College gives me four years to figure things out, which is a big relief. I don’t have to choose my entire career at age 18.
The Professional Network
People say networking is important, and college is essentially a built-in professional community. I’d gain access to professors who are experts in their fields, alumni working at interesting companies, and career services departments that specifically help students get internships and jobs.
When I look at job hunting after high school versus after college, the difference is clear. College would give me connections, practice interviewing, and a list of alumni ready to help a fellow graduate.
So, What Could My Life Be Like If I Go to College?
If I go to college, my life could look like this:
- I’m more likely to earn more money over time and have more stable job options.
- I may have better chances at a job that fits my strengths, with benefits that protect my health and future.
- I’ll probably meet people from different places, learn new ways of thinking, and figure out more about who I am.
- I may also take on debt, stress, and hard work that I need to think through carefully.
College isn’t magic, and it isn’t the only way to build a good life. But based on what the data shows — and what I want for my future — it can still be a powerful path.
I don’t have my final answer yet. But now, when someone asks, “What are your plans after graduation?” I can at least say:
“I’m doing my research, I’m asking hard questions, and I’m seriously considering college — not just because everyone expects it, but because I’m starting to see what my life could be like if I go.”
And that is a solid place to start.