College Degree Benefits

According to a 2005 study conducted by the US Census Bureau, bachelor degree earners are expected to pull in an average annual salary of just over $50,000. In comparison, those whose education ends after high school earn $28,645, which is $22,909 less than 4-year college degree holders.

If we calculate the wage surplus of college graduates over a period of 40 years, the additional revenue earned approaches $1,000,000. Yes, that's one million dollars! Despite the huge return on investing in human capital, many high school graduates prefer to enter into the workforce as full-time employees. For a while, they will usually out-earn their college-attending peers by a considerable margin. Yet, once graduated, college graduates will generally begin their careers with a much higher salary, and more opportunity for job growth and promotion.

Average Annual Earnings	Average Weekly Earnings (Low/High)

In addition, the obtainment of a college degree often grants people more freedom today and in the future. They are able to live comfortably without the necessity of taking on a second or third job, and often retire earlier than the less-educated in society.

While the cost of attending college may be difficult to afford, the short-term inconveniences will be out-weighted by the post-college benefits. An initial alternative solution, if you absolutely cannot attend a 4-year university, is to enroll in an associate degree program at a local community college.