Higher education in the United States emerged as a response to the need to train clergy for the seminary. Over the centuries, higher education has evolved to become one of the primary means of training individuals in specific fields of study. Individuals seek higher education to become more competent in a particular profession, field of study, or as a prerequisite for employment or advancement in specific fields such as engineering, management, or science. The benefits enjoyed by those who attend higher education institutions extend beyond education; The benefits are numerous and include socio-economic benefits as well as personal benefits for the student including income benefits, employment benefits as well as personal benefits. People who attend higher education institutions provide many benefits to society as a whole. Some social benefits derived from those with higher education include an increase in the individual's volunteer activity, as well as an improvement in overall individual health and well-being. A report by analyst Diana Wardell, titled "The Benefits of Higher Education," said those without a high school education accounted for 9.9 percent of those volunteering, while those with a degree secondary education represented 21.7%. Those with some college experience made up 34.1% and those with a bachelor's degree made up 45.6% of those who donated their time. In addition, 62% of holders of a high school diploma and whose income varies between $35,000 and $54,000 report being in excellent or very good health, while 73% of holders of a bachelor's degree, in the same income bracket, report being in excellent or very good health. in excellent or very good health (Wardell, Benefits). Likewise, an article e...... middle of paper ......education? » DegreeDirectory.org, 2011. Web. May 5, 2011.http://degreedirectory.org/articles/What_are_Some_Benefits_of_a_College_Education.htmlMcMahon, Michael, “Advancing Higher Education: The Private and Social Benefits of HigherEducation: The Evidence, Their Value, and Policy Implications.” » Np, March 2010. Internet. May 5, 2011. http://www.tiaacrefinstitute.org/pdf/research/advancing_hi_ed/ahe_privatesocial0310c.pdfR.A., “Employment Rates of High School Graduates Compared to College Graduates,” Fscboston.org.6, April 2010. Web. May 6, 2011. http://www.economist.com/blogs/freeexchange/2011/02/americas_jobless_recoveryWardell, Diana, “The Benefits of Higher Education,” The Advisory Board Company, January 23, 2008. Web. May 5, 2011.www.rowan.edu/open/provost/plans_strategies/documents/BenefitsofHigherEducation-TheBenefitsofHigherEducation.pdf