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Earn More Money

Going to college qualifies you for higher-paying jobs in most fields. In general, college graduates make significantly more money than those with only a high school diploma. Below are average yearly earnings by educational level*:

No high school diploma:  $35,800

High school graduate:  $44,300

Associate degree:  $52,100

Bachelor’s degree:  $73,300

Advanced degree holders:  $87,300 – $121,600

Based on these numbers, over the course of a 40-year career, a high school diploma can net you $1,772,000. That might not sound bad until you realize that a bachelor’s degree can earn you $2,932,000 over the same period.

* “Trends in Higher Education Series: Education Pays 2023" College Board, February 2023 https://resesarch.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/education-pays-2023-presentation.pdf

Last Updated: 1/4/24