Benefits of earning a college degree

College graduates see 57 percent more job opportunities than non-graduates, and it is estimated that two-thirds of all jobs will require postsecondary education. A degree enables you to qualify for these additional opportunities and offers you more flexibility in where you choose to work.

The difference in earning power is striking: Those with high school diplomas can expect to earn an average of $712 weekly, or $37,024 annually. Associate degree holders earn an average of $836 per week or $43,472 per year.

Earning a bachelor’s degree brings with it a substantial jump in pay. Bachelor’s degree holders make an average of $1,173 per week, or $60,996 each year. That is more than $17,500 more than associate degree holders and nearly $25,000 more than high school graduates.