Value of a Degree

Earnings increase with education

The U.S. Department of Education reports that earnings increase with education for both women and men. In 2002, the median earnings for males with at least a bachelor’s degree was 65 percent more than males with a high school diploma or GED. The median earnings for females with a bachelor’s degree or higher degree earned 71 percent more than females with a high school diploma or GED.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. 2004. The Condition of Education 2004
http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=77

Business Administration

The U.S. Department of Labor reports “Employment of marketing and sales managers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, spurred by intense domestic and global competition in products and services offered to consumers.”
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos020.htm

Criminal Justice

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, competition for positions with State and Federal agencies and with police departments in more affluent areas should remain keen. Employment of police and detectives is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through 2014. Applicants with college training in criminal justice, military police experience, or both will have the best opportunities.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Police and Detectives, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos160.htm

Information Technology

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “Computer scientists and database administrators are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations through 2014. Employment of these computer specialists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations as organizations continue to adopt and integrate increasingly sophisticated technologies. Job increases will be driven by very rapid growth in computer systems design and related services, which is projected to be one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. economy.”
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Computer Scientists and Database Administrators, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos042.htm

Nursing – RN to BSN

“The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice has urged that at least two-thirds of the basic nurse workforce hold baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing by 2010.” As healthcare evolves, the need for professionals who are prepared to address dynamic issues in nursing will increase.
Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing – Your Nursing Career – A Look at the Facts. March 10, 2004.
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education/Career.htm

Quantifiable impact on the quality of life

A 50 state study has shown that earning a college degree has a quantifiable impact on the graduate’s quality of life – from higher salaries to increased volunteerism. This research has shown that these effects occur above and beyond factors such as age and income.
Source: Institute for Higher Education Policy. 2005. “The Investment Payoff: A 50-State Analysis of the Public and Private Benefits of Higher Education”
http://www.ihep.com/Pubs/PDF/InvestmentPayoff2005.pdf