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WHAT CAN A COLLEGE EDUCATION DO FOR ME?

A college education will offer you more money, more job opportunities, and more freedom.

More Money

On average, a person who goes to college earns more money than a person who doesnt. Over a lifetime, a college graduate can earn over $1,000,000 more than a high school graduate!

Pay Based on Level of Education*

Level of Education Completed	Median Annual Earnings (U.S. Dollars)
Less than a high school diploma	$23,608
High school graduate, no college	$32,552
Some college, no degree	$36,348
Associate degree	$39,572
Bachelors degree	$53,300
Masters degree	$65,364
Doctoral degree	$79,664
Professional degree	$79,508

*Note: Data are 2009 annual averages for full-time workers age 25 and older. Source: U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, 2010.

Though money isnt the only reason to consider a particular career, remember that a job that pays well offers more personal choices.

Read these real-life examples of how college pays off.

More Job Opportunities

People with a college education generally have more jobs to choose from.

Also, people with degrees are less likely to lose their jobs (something to keep in mind when you have to pay your own bills someday)!

Level of Education

Below are just some possibilities available to college graduates.

Not sure what one of the jobs is? Do a little investigating by looking it up on the Internet at www.careeronestop.org. Check out the in-demand jobs!

Postsecondary Training or Certificate Program	2-Year College (Associate degree)	4-Year College (Bachelor's degree)	More than 4 Years (Graduate degree)
barber or hair stylist carpenter* disc jockey (deejay) electrician* plumber*	bookkeeper childcare worker computer and office equipment repairer dental hygienist firefighter** mechanic nurse paralegal physical therapist assistant restaurant manager webmaster** zookeeper**	accountant computer programmer engineer FBI agent federal police officer graphic designer high school coach insurance agent journalist pilot social worker sportscaster or news reporter teacher writer	archaeologist architect astronaut college professor dentist doctor judge lawyer minister, priest, or rabbi pharmacist principal psychologist scientist urban planner veterinarian

*Note: Workers in the skilled trades may train as apprentices or attend trade school before working as journeymen. As they increase their skills, they become master craftsmen.

**Note: You can also train for these jobs at a four-year college. Why do that? Because more education usually means more earnings!

Want to learn more about career options? If youre 13 or older, create a MyFSA account so you can check out Career Finder and match your interests with careers. If youre younger than 13, talk with your parent about creating an account for you.

Also visit www.college.gov and click on "Tools" to explore careers chosen by recent college graduates ("Career Possibilities").

Here are more career information Web sites to check out:

More Freedom

As a college student, youll experience freedom as you never have before, by

Keep Your Options Open!

Thinking ahead doesnt mean you have to know right now what you want to do when you grow up. Its okay not to know yet.

Even if youre not sure, keep exploring careers, school choices, and financial aid optionsbe ready!

Want to know where to start? Click here!

Middle School

My Future, My Way WHEN should I consider college? WHY think about college now? WHAT can a college education do for me? WHERE do I start? WHO can help me go to college? HOW will I pay for college? Now what?

Last updated/reviewed December 22, 2010