Better pay
Simply put, statistics show that you’ll earn more money with a college degree than without. For perspective, let’s take a look at some numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Listed below are the weekly earnings from 2015 for each education level.
- Less than a high school diploma: $493
- High school diploma: $678
- Some college; no degree: $738
- Associate’s degree: $798
- Bachelor’s degree: $1,137
- Master’s degree: $1,341
- Doctoral degree: $1,623
You can easily see that there is a large jump between the weekly earnings of someone with only a high school diploma and someone with a bachelor’s degree. This is one of the main reasons why we, at HESAA, talk so much about how you should look at college as an investment in your future. The cost of higher education can be high but there are so many ways of making college more affordable through financial aid options like student loans, grants, scholarships, and private loans. Visit HESAA to learn more about these options for New Jersey residents and those looking to attend school in New Jersey.
More Job Opportunities
This one may seem obvious, but it’s worth remembering that not having a college degree really limits your career options. Think about all of the different jobs that require a college degree: teacher, doctor, lawyer, accountant, engineer, professional actor, scientist, journalist, and so many more. It would probably be easier to list jobs that don’t require a college degree than to list those that do. It’s worth taking the time to research the education required for your dream jobs. In most cases you’ll find that they require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Even if they don’t require a degree, you might find yourself competing for the same job with those that do have a college degree and that might give them a better chance at receiving a job offer.
Better Benefits
When you have more job opportunities you can shop around for a job with better benefits. Many companies attract workers with an excellent benefit package. When you have a degree and skill set that employers are seeking you’ll be able to find a job with benefits that appeal to you. You’ll want to consider things like the coverage options of their health insurance, how many vacation and sick days you’ll receive, what retirement plans they offer, and any other special perks that set them apart from other companies.
Personal Satisfaction and Happiness
Getting a college degree is a major achievement! You will feel a great amount of personal satisfaction and fulfillment when you find yourself celebrating your graduation in your cap and gown. Luckily, the satisfaction and happiness doesn’t have to end upon graduation. Hopefully, you’ve chosen a major that will take you down a career path that will lead you to a job that you will enjoy and that will bring you daily fulfillment and personal growth.
At HESAA, we hope you will keep these things in mind when deciding whether or not to pursue a degree in higher education. We know that it’s a lot of work and can be an expensive endeavor, but that doesn’t mean that it is out of reach. Visit HESAA to learn more about the different ways you can finance your education.
