Harper College is closed Friday, July 3, for Independence Day (Observed).
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: $40,400
High school graduate: $50,600
Associate degree: $61,300
Bachelor’s degree: $81,800
Advanced degree holders: $100,500 – $142,300
Based on these numbers, over the course of a 40-year career, a high school diploma can net you $2,024,000. An associate degree can result in career earnings of $2,452,000, and a bachelor’s degree can earn you $3,272,000 over the same period.
* “Trends in Higher Education Series: Education Pays 2026" College Board, April 2026 https://resesarch.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/education-pays-2026-presentation.pdf