College Graduates Earn More
| Education Level |
Average
Lifetime Earnings |
| Professional degree |
$4.4 million |
| Doctoral degree |
$3.4 million |
| Master's degree |
$2.5 million |
| Bachelor's degree |
$2.1 million |
| Associate's degree |
$1.6 million |
| Some college |
$1.5 million |
| High school graduate |
$1.2 million |
| Non-high school graduate |
$1 million |
According to the United States Census Bureau, college graduates earn far more over their working lifetimes than non-college graduates. See the chart to the right.
- Every bit of education you get after high school increases the chances you'll earn good pay. Most college graduates earn a lot more money during their working years than people who stop their education at high school.
- The more education you get the more likely it is you will always have a job. According to one estimate, by the year 2028 there will be 19 million more jobs for educated workers than there are qualified people to fill them.
- Today most good jobs require more than a high school diploma. Businesses want to hire people who know how to think and solve problems.
- Education beyond high school gives you a lot of other benefits, including meeting new people, taking part in new opportunities to explore your interests, and experiencing success.