Education plays a vital role within the development context.
Its importance is undoubtedly felt in the community level as
well. While it is difficult to define a specific face value
of education, empirical studies prove that communities with
higher percentage of educated members’ compared to those
without, boasts of better socio-economic conditions.
|
Within our Himalayan context it is not uncommon to discover
that many of us are first-generation college education seekers.
Indeed, we have come a long way from our predecessors, most
of them of familial peasant backgrounds |
Education, in today’s age of competitiveness, has become
a means to take advantage of what is offered. On a daily basis
its knowledge is applied to stay abreast with the world around
and consequently to make informed choices. On a personal level
education is a process of self-growth and realization. On a
professional field it qualifies one for competitive positions.
All these qualities, directly or indirectly, impacts community
development.
Within our Himalayan context it is not uncommon to discover
that many of us are first-generation college education seekers.
Indeed, we have come a long way from our predecessors, most
of them of familial peasant backgrounds. At the same time, as
first generation of rural-to-urban migrant, many of us shy from
the prospects of higher education.
While it remains true that financial constraints bar many from
making this choice, we are aware that large majorities in our
communities who, if they choose can afford to go to college,
deliberately decide not to. They believe it is not worth investing
the time and money when they can start earning right away. Often
this means settling for odd jobs and working for less. In their
lure of the short-term profit what they fail to consider is
the long-term benefits that can be derived from college education.
|
Our [survey] results indicate that overall income range
for college graduates far exceeds the average percentage
of dollar amount spent for college tuition. ur results indicate
that overall income range for college graduates far exceeds
the average percentage of dollar amount spent for college
tuition. |
It is for this majority that Migyul conducted a survey among
current college graduates in our community. From the 30 responses
we received, an overwhelming majority of our respondents —
73 percent, had acquired a bachelor’s degree in the US.
Interestingly 16 percent had a master’s degree and the
remaining 11 percent had an associate’s degree. Average
cost of college tuition amounted to a reasonable $13,434. Although
many of our respondents specified having taken loans to complete
their respective degrees, the average time to repay them was
a mere 2.5 years, whereas a whopping 47% were already earning
an income range between $40,000 to $50,000. Our results indicate
that overall income range for college graduates far exceeds
the average percentage of dollar amount spent for college tuition.
You agree not a bad return for the initial investment. It is
of little wonder then that none of our respondents’ regrets
going to college. With patience and time, college education
after all seems to pay. Survey results have been broken down
to reflect an aveage percent of all 30 respondents.
| Migyul
Survey of 30 College Graduates |
| Breakdown of degrees acquired |
| Associates |
11% |
| Bachelors |
73% |
| Masters |
16% |
| Doctorate |
0% |
| Years taken to complete studies |
3.7 years |
| Dollar amount spent for college tuition |
$13,434.00 |
| Means of paying for school |
|
| Self |
62% |
| Family |
69% |
| Loan |
54% |
| Range of loan taken |
|
| $5,000-10,000 |
0% |
| $10,000-15,000 |
8% |
| $15,000-20,000 |
8% |
| $20,000 and above |
39% |
| Time to repay loan |
2.5 years |
| Was the loan worth taking? |
|
| Yes |
47% |
| No |
15% |
| Did you receive any external funding? |
|
| Yes |
39% |
| No |
61% |
| If yes, funding was received from |
|
| School |
38% |
| Government |
8% |
| Others |
8% |
| Did you work to support yourself through
college? |
| Yes |
85% |
| No |
15% |
Hours worked every week |
|
| 10-20 |
31% |
| 20-30 |
47% |
| 30-40 |
8% |
| 40 and more |
0% |
| Have you found a job after college? |
|
| Yes |
97% |
| No |
3% |
| Specify income range |
|
| $30,000-40,000 |
15% |
| $40,000-50,000 |
47% |
| $50,000-60,000 |
15% |
| $60,000 and above |
8% |
| Do you regret having gone to college? |
|
| Yes |
0% |
| No |
100% |
|
