Learning Objectives

• Examine the value, both financial and otherwise, of a college education

Directions

1. Review the table below, which lists various motivations cited by other students.
2. Identify your main motivations, and rank your top five.
3. Reflect on your selections in terms of how they connect with short-term and long-term plans for the future. Discuss with your results with your classmates.

Understanding your motivations is essential to helping you not only prioritize your plans for the future but also gain inspiration about directions you may not have yet charted. Ultimately, your motivations for being in college align you with roadways to fulfilling your goals and ambitions.

MY TOP FIVEMOTIVATIONS FOR ATTENDING COLLEGEGain more qualifications in my fieldIncrease my earning potential; make more moneyChallenge myselfShow others that I can succeedStart an independent lifeSatisfy my curiosityHave funChange my careerDo what my parents were not able to doFind a better lifestyleBuild my confidenceExpand my social contacts; bond with new friendsImprove my network of business associatesGain exposure to a wide array of topicsAttend campus eventsMake my family happyFulfill my dreamsTake classes at home or work or anywhereTake advantage of campus resources like the library and gymJoin a sports teamJoin campus organizationsSpend my time during retirementHave continued support via alumni programsLearn to study and work on my ownGain access to professorsLink up with people who already excel in the ways I aspire toGet sports spiritGain more access to entertainment like theater and bandsBe more productive in lifeExplore myselfBecome well versed in many subjectsDig deeper into learning than I did in high schoolExpand my knowledge of the worldOthers?