The crushing cost of college has left high school students wondering if they should continue pursuing higher education. Many of these high school students have decided that the price of accumulating debt is not worth the investment and end up choosing a full-time job without a college degree. However, it is important to invest in knowledge because it builds and lays the foundations for the future. To fully understand how important it is to invest in higher education, one must be aware of the value and rates of return for each individual. College for a new freshman is exciting, however, it is often focused on the social aspect such as the connections that can be gained through Greek life, parties and independence. Due to social interactions, freshmen tend to drop out after their first year. Focusing on what college is for can avoid these situations. The pressures of college, such as impressing parents and maintaining a high GPA, can lead to stress and prevent a student from achieving academically. In the mid-1900s, college was considered more of a luxury than anything else; people attended college exclusively to gain knowledge in hopes of a career after graduation. However, in the 21st century, people go to college to get away from home and enjoy freedom at parties. Education is taken lightly, and those who feel that education is not the primary purpose of college should not apply for the greater good. When someone mentions the term university, thoughts are immediately directed to education and academics. Would it be scandalous if college was all about socializing, partying, and freedom? This would defeat the purpose of middle of paper. People who decide to go to college and endure the pressure of sleepless nights are those who are able to distinguish the importance of education and its benefits. No matter how many students want to attend college, a significant percentage of enrolled freshmen drop out. The world without knowledge is in complete disorder; we do not realize how empty and ignorant we are without knowledge. The ignorance in us, however, can be filled through education and bring about specific changes that can impact an individual, a community, a generation and ultimately our world. Naturally, the world, in the long run, depends on educated people. Success comes through the pursuit of skills and valuing the virtues of education and academics. Education, by far, is the most important facet of college and well worth the investment..