The biggest consequence of plagiarism really befalls the original author.
When someone spends a lot of time working on an idea and formulating a way to
communicate that idea, it is greatly disturbing to have someone else taking
credit for it.
If you are a student who plagiarizes something, you are really wasting time
and money. By not doing your own work, you are not going to be any better
educated than someone who does not have a college degree. If you don't think
anyone will notice, you're wrong. According to an article entitled, "What
Do Employers Really Want? Top Skills and Values Employers Seek from
Job-Seekers," by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D. and Katharine Hansen on the
Quintessential Careers website, the ability to communicate effectively
(writing, listening, verbal) was, "by far, the one skill mentioned most
often by employers."
Many universities have very strict policies regarding plagiarism. A student
who plagiarizes could face expulsion, re-payment of financial aid, and of
course, a failing grade.