With the rising cost of tuition and an uncertain job market, is college worth the cost anymore? In a word: Yes. College is the most valuable investment you can make in your future both financially and personally. And I have the data to prove it.

1. Financial

Take a minute and imagine two future versions of yourself: one with a high school diploma and one with a college degree. Which one of you has more money? Well, over the course of a lifetime, someone with a college degree will earn $1 million more than someone with a high school diploma. Someone with a doctoral degree can add $1 million more.

There’s absolutely no question — higher education equals greater financial stability. The money you earn will be 10 to 20 times greater than your financial investment.

2. Network 

You’ve probably heard the saying that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Who is in your network? Your network starts in college. Your world is filled with interesting people with diverse backgrounds and various worldviews. The friends and mentors you make in college will pay dividends for the rest of your life.

3. Self-Discovery

College also gives you the tools to explore the subjects that excite you and helps you discover your passion and dreams. College broadens your horizons, cultivating a time for self-discovery and personal growth. This contributes to a more fulfilled life spent doing what you were designed to do.

I understand college can be expensive, but it is the best investment you will ever make. Because ultimately, you’re investing in yourself. The extra million dollars isn’t bad either.