According to some analysts, a nation or city cannot prosper in today’s economy if most of its children do not pursue postsecondary education.* States and cities with large numbers of college-educated citizens enjoy greater economic benefits because these citizens:

• Make more money and pay more federal and state income taxes;
• Buy more goods and services — and therefore pay more sales taxes;
• Have lower rates of incarceration;
• Have higher rates of volunteerism;
• Have higher voter participation rates; and
• Require less government support through social service programs.

• Benefits of college for individuals
  

*Georgianna, Daniel, and Jones, Robert T. “Privatizing the Benefits from Higher Education and Its Effect on Access.” American Academic – Volume Three. Retrieved 6-12-08.