One of the social benefits of earning a college degree is that the student is encouraged and forced to interact with many unique viewpoints and opinions that may or less being different from them and whether or not I agree with them. As a result, students were introduced to new ideas that can expand and broaden their mental vision. In the article "The Social Benefits of a Higher Education," author Shirley M. Tilghman reports on her topic within the Princeton Alumni Weekly. He states: “A college education is the most effective way I know to transcend the distinctions – whether of origin, wealth or race – that fragment our society. Educating Princetonians of every tiger stripe; By addressing the underrepresentation of students from low- and moderate-income families, we strengthen the social and economic fabric of our nation and prepare it to confidently face our increasingly competitive global marketplace.” Tilghman provides the perfect example of the positive social effects that can arise from experiencing the unique university environment. This meaningful social experience allows students to meet others like them or different from them, to bond in academic endeavors, and to create relationships that have the potential to last a long time.