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I want my kids to graduate from high school. But that's not enough. I also want them to go to college. Why? Because rich people's kids go to college. And if that's good enough for them, it's good enough for my kids. Because you know what? College graduates don't tend to go to jail as frequently as nongraduates.

People who graduate are more resilient financially, and they weather economic downturns better than people who don't graduate. And, throughout their lives, people who graduate are more likely to be economically secure, more likely to be healthy, and more likely to live longer. Face it: A college degree puts a lot in your corner.

A high school and college degree are linked to greater employment prospects, higher earning potential, and the ability to contribute more to our communities.

Truancy rates are directly correlated to low graduation rates.

Head Start graduates are more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to need special education, repeat a grade, or commit crimes in adolescence.

High school isn't necessarily the best time of your life.

In America today, a young person needs more education after high school just to have a chance to make it in the middle class. Not a guarantee, just a chance to make it.

I did regret not graduating high school, but I made a point of going back and getting my GED later. It was important for my kids.

To be very honest, I never thought I would graduate from high school. I got very lucky to get into an alternative high school, which really saved my butt.

College gives people learning and also takes away future opportunities by loading the next generation down with debt.