According to the U.S. Census Bureau, college graduates earn an average of $1 million dollars more during their careers than high school graduates and are 50% less likely to be unemployed.

Higher Salaries: Earn More During Your Career
Every week, it seems, a new study is released concluding that people with higher levels of education earn more than people without. Current statistics released by the U.S. government indicate the following income by education level:

• 4-Year Degree - $65,000 / year
• 2-Year Degree - $38,000 / year
• High School - $26,000 / year
• No High School - $18,000 / Year

In addition to higher pay, jobs for college graduates usually offer more and better benefits than jobs with lower educational requirements. Lower-skill jobs are less likely to provide health insurance and retirement plans.

Higher Skill Level = Greater Opportunity
Today, more than ever, in-demand jobs require specialized training or a four-year degree. In fact, it is estimated that by 2014, 90% of the fastest-growing careers will require postsecondary education.

The Ultimate Unemployment Insurance Policy
Higher education is a very reliable predictor of the likelihood that someone will become unemployed. A college degree decreases your chance of unemployment by nearly 50%. We’ll say it again: the more education you get, the higher your chance of keeping a job.

More Than Just A Job
Higher education also brings non-monetary benefits:

• More positive perceptions of personal health and healthier lifestyles
• Higher levels of civic participation, volunteer work, voting, and blood donation
• Lower poverty, unemployment, and smoking rates
• Greater levels of openness to the opinions of others

And possibly, the most important of all . . . if you go to college, statistics show that your children and grandchildren are more likely to pursue higher education as well.