6 MONTHS TO 2 YEARS 2 YEARS 4 YEARS

Because 65% of all jobs will soon require a college education!By 2020, a high school diploma may no longer be enough to secure a good-paying job. More than ever, a degree or some type of training beyond high school will be critical to your success.

A college education is your ticket to a better future—one with more job opportunities, more money and more stability.

WHY SHOULD I GO TO COLLEGE?

GET PAID TO DO WHAT YOU LIKE!Pick an area of study based on what interests you and then decide how long you want to spend in college.

The time it takes to complete different programs will vary, but remember: the more you learn, the more you’ll earn.

Just look at how average salaries for different fields of study increase with the type of degree you get...

TECHNICAL PROGRAM

ASSOCIATE’SDEGREE

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

An associate’s degree is a short, relatively inexpensive way to open up a bunch of cool career options.

Plus you’ll be halfway to earning your bachelor’s degree if you decide to continue your education.

Earning a technical certificate or technical diploma is a great way to gain quick entry into a career and give your income a boost.

If you want to invest more time in your training, some programs offer apprenticeships. You’ll earn even more money and get paid while you learn.

Many well-paying jobs, especially those in new and growing fields, require a four-year bachelor’s degree.

Earning one will increase your earning potential and it can also serve as a stepping stone to graduate school.

BEYOND BACHELOR’S

4+ YEARS

Your education doesn’t have to end with a bachelor’s degree. Keep going and earn your graduate degree, such as a:

It may mean another two to four years of college on top of your bachelor’s degree, but if you want to be a doctor or lawyer it will be time well spent. The upside is the additional years can lead to bigger paychecks.

PROFESSIONAL

DOCTORATE

MASTER’S

EXPLORE ADDITIONAL MAJORS AND CAREERS bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers

Agriculture Dairy Technician $34,300 Livestock Manager $42,600 Plant Geneticist $80,000

Art/Music Multimedia Artist $50,000 Video Game Designer $58,300 Art Director $90,300

Business Accounting Assistant $35,700 Human Resource Manager $61,600 Advertising Executive $70,700

Computers/Technology Voice Data and Video Technician $51,700 App Developer $68,000 Cyber Security Director $114,400

Health Care/Medical Surgical Assistant $42,100 Radiographer $51,400 Registered Nurse $70,600

Construction Trades Welder $36,600 Kitchen and Bath Designer $54,300 Real Estate Developer $87,400

Make an investment in your futureGoing to college is a life-changing decision—one that can make a big impact financially and personally. It can increase your career options, boost your earnings, and allow you to step out on your own and create new opportunities for yourself.

You’ll have to invest some time and money now, but in the long run, it can really pay off.

See what we mean

High School Graduate

Associate’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Professional Degree

$1.7MILLION

$2.4MILLION

Master’s Degree

$2.9MILLION

Doctoral Degree

$3.5MILLION

Certificate

$1.6MILLION$1.4

MILLION

$3.6MILLION

High School Graduate

Associate’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Professional Degree

Master’s Degree

Doctoral Degree

Certificate

$0$13,280

$17,158

$29,384

$56,661

$74,958

$146,466

LEARN MORE.EARN MORE.CONTINUING YOUR EDUCATION PAYS OFF!

A four-year degree is worth over $1 million more in lifetime earnings than a high school diploma.

Use these websites to help make your way to college

GET INSPIRED BY STUDENTS LIKE YOUyoucango.collegeboard.orgHear from students who made their way to college after thinking they might not go.

FIND THE COLLEGE THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUnces.ed.gov/collegenavigatorCompare colleges and find the one that suits you best—you’ll be more likely to graduate from a college that “fits” you.

FIND FREE MONEY FOR COLLEGEstudentaid.ed.govLearn what types of financial aid are available from the federal government and other sources.

FAFSA.govComplete the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). It’s the most important step in getting the money you need for college, including federal grants, work-study and low-interest loans.

Make 21% more than high school graduates by getting a two-year degree.

With a year of college or less you can earn 14% more than workers with only a high school diploma.

Student Loan Debt By Degree (average per borrower)

Lifetime Earning Potential By Degree (in millions) Salaries based on a 40 year career.

GOING TO COLLEGE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE AND EARN MORE.

©2017 Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation 3602 (07/17)

Salary Sources: Indeed.com, Glassdoor.com (2017)Student Loan Debt Source: Edvisors Student Aid Policy Analysis (2014) Lifetime Earning Potential Source: Calculated using median salary data from U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Survey (2016)

No matter what degree or training you pursue after high school, you may need to rely on student loans to help pay for your education. It’s a reality millions of college students successfully deal with every year.

When you borrow wisely and finish college, the money you’ll make over your lifetime will offset the cost of your education.