According to the Census Bureau, over an adult’s working life, high school graduates earn an average of $1.2 million; associate’s degree holders earn about $1.6 million; and bachelor’s degree holders earn about $2.1 million (Day and Newburger, 2002).

Yes. Employers will pay more for someone who has shown that they can dedicate themselves to 4+ years of education, even if the education isn’t necessarily relevant to the position. Obviously, there are exceptions. Someone without a college degree, but with a great affinity for a certain job or skill will probably start out at a lower salary, but as they prove themselves on the job, they may get promotions/raises to positions/salaries higher than that of an employee that is a college graduate, but isn’t as skilled. So a more accurate answer is: Yes, but it really only applies to the starting salary.

but i do think it makes employees standards higher. there has been so much written lately about how young employees are demanding more flexible schedules, more time off, etc. and the current young adults have a higher percentage of college graduates that ever before . . . and it will only increase as time goes on. however, i don’t necessarily think it’s a bad thing. employers who cater to their employees’ needs/wants typically have happier, and therefore, more productive employees

Yes.

All the stats out there prove it.

When I had no degree I made less than 20k.

When I earned my associates degree I made more than 45K.

When I earned my BS degree I made over 80K

Definitely get a higher degree. It might not help you immediately but It Will in the future mark my words.

It’s not a guarantee, but you are much more likely to find a high-paying job with a college degree that without one. People in the building trades (plumbers, electricians, etc) make more than a lot of college graduates, but they are among the few people without degrees who do.

Years ago when I was working in an office, the college students did get paid a little more than high school graduates. Of course, in this town, it’s not what’s on your resume, but who you know that gets you a decent job.

statistically yes. But it really depends on what you are looking for, a lot of entrepreneurs without college degree are loaded.