You’ve always heard it. People who go to college earn more money. Is that accurate? Well yes. The basic premise, those with degrees will make more money over their lifetime than those without a higher education or advance degree.
Compare a high school graduate to a college graduate. Over the course of a life time a college graduate will earn $2.1 million dollars while a high school graduate can expect to earn on average roughly $1.2 million. A graduate with a masters degree can expect to earn about $2.5 million and if you want even more money or proof, a person earning their PhD will earn on average $3.4 million. These figures are based on a Census Bureau report titled THE BIG PAYOFF.
Let’s look a little deeper at these numbers. Those who drop out of high school earn about $18,900 a year. High school graduates make around $25,900. A college graduate who holds a bachelors degree averages about $45,000 a year. Holder of professional degrees, such as lawyers, dentists and doctors typically earn around $99,300 annually. So the gap between a high school drop out and a professional degree earner is approximately $80,000 every single year! That is quite a gap.
It’s not easy to earn your degree, but it has become a lot easier than it used to be. We aren’t talking diploma mills. It will require studying, doing homework and proving that you have mastered the material by passing tests. But the ways of doing this have changed. Online college degree programs are designed specifically for working adults. You can take classes and earn your diploma or degree from anywhere you have access to a computer and the internet. You can study during the hours that fit your schedule and earn your degree at your own pace.
Could this plan work for you? First you need to identify your plans and goals. Then once you know where you want to go you need to find an online college that will help you get there. Make sure you talk to friends and family and see if anyone you know has gone to school online. A recommendation from a successful graduate is a good place to start. You will also want to attend an accredited institution and know that your units earned are transferable.
You laid out a formidable goal for yourself and selected an online school to help your reach that goal. What about tuition and books? If you have done your homework in picking a school then you will already have some idea as to the answer. There should be a Financial Aid department at your chosen school. They can help you put together a plan to finance your degree. Don’t allow the word AID to get in your way. This isn’t about handouts. There are financial aid advisors who are well versed in how to pay for higher education through loans, scholarships, grants and cash payments. Ask your financial aid advisor a lot of questions and make sure that you feel comfortable with their expertise. He or she can be every bit as vital to your success as your academic advisor.
Obtaining a higher income is possible through obtaining a higher degree, but first you must do your homework about what you want, the degree you wish to obtain, how much it will cost and what you can expect in Financial Aid. Once you have that done, you’ll be well on your way to earning your degree and increasing your salary. Study your options and study hard!
If you’re ready to pursue your education, start with an accredited online education. You’re sure to find the online university that’s right for you.