Final answer:
Rahima considers getting into student debt worthwhile for the higher earning potential and faster career advancement associated with a college qualification. These factors are viewed as investments with long-term economic benefits.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rahima thinks it is worth getting into debt as a student to gain a qualification because of two main reasons. First, a college education is viewed as an investment with a long-run payoff, where the higher earning potential typically allows graduates to earn higher wages. Therefore, the initial debt can be repaid while still coming out financially ahead over time. Second, aside from economic benefits, obtaining a college education may also lead to faster career advancement due to the skills and knowledge acquired, positioning graduates for more rapid professional growth.
Psychologist David Myers has highlighted that students often attend college with the aim to increase their future earning potential, which they equate with an increased chance of happiness. The decision to take on debt for education is considered economically sensible because the benefits of higher education—both in terms of individual earnings and broader economic growth—generally outweigh the costs associated with student loans. While not explicitly mentioned by Rahima, it is important to note that personal fulfillment is also a significant reason many pursue higher education, even if it is not her focus.