Harper College is closed Friday, July 3, for Independence Day (Observed).
Can you find work with a high school diploma? Most likely, yes. However, the type of work you can do may be limited, and the occupations a high school education qualifies you for may not provide long-term opportunities for growth and/or increased income. Whether you are interested in business, science, the arts, technical training or specialized instruction, a college degree can be an important entry point for pursuing a career.
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.
Never underestimate the power of meeting new people. Although estimates vary from study to study, job experts agree that networking is the primary way that job seekers learn about opportunities. These personal connections can include a friend, family member, neighbor, acquaintance, teacher or former coworker. Going to college exponentially expands your social circles. Every semester you encounter new classmates and professors who share similar interests (or who can introduce you to others) and can open doors to job opportunities. These connections extend far beyond college graduation, providing years of future support to help you explore your options, achieve your goals and develop a successful career.
College helps you make the transition from living at home to making your own way in the world. The path is not without challenges, but these are part of a life lesson that incorporates academics, social skills and a growing sense of independence.