How Much Is That College Degree Really Worth?

it is nice that you expanded beyond the salary to include other benefits like health insurance and job security. other studies also point out to higher job satisfaction among college grads vs. non-college grads. and the children of college grads typlically do better in school also. good article about the subject: http://blog.collegesfinder.com/2011/05/27/is-college-worth-it/

periwnklz of FL 9:54PM November 19, 2011

For diplomas to be that much, and for them to be causing our money to loose it's value to $300,000, then the prices of diplomas should go down so that our money will still be worth something.

Janae Rouse of FL 7:01PM November 03, 2011

I have been working full-time since I graduated high school. I first got a job as sales associate selling furniture, then I 'graduated' from that into my first office position as an administrative assistant. I did a phenomenal job, showed that I was not only intelligent but highly capable of doing much more. So slowly over the course of a year more and more responsibility was put on my shoulders; and I bore it well. When that wasn't enough we cycled through 3 people (that I had to train) to do a Managers job. Finally, when I was sick of training people I stepped up again. I applied for the position with the rationalization that in the time that they had hired and fired the 3 people I could have met X amount of the milestones and be X percent complete with the programs. Yes, multiple programs. So they made me the Coordinator (as I was not quite as 'experienced' nor did I have the 'background' aka degree) I understood and did the job. As I searched out and acquired more and more of the Managers responsibilities I proved to my employer that even without a degree you can hire a competent individual that can do the same level of work as a person with a degree. Today I am the Manager for those programs (with pay and benefits to boot), and am looked at with admiration, and expectation, as well as looked to for institutional knowledge. Now over half of the people that work at my organization are folks that do not have degrees but are highly competent people, and amazing employees. The organization has NEVER been more productive, and NEVER had so many facets. Our employer encourages education, and unknowingly inspires its employees to further their education. Most of us came on without any degree plan what-so-ever, and now many of us are at least 50% of the way through our degrees.

Employers in today's job market need to pay more attention to those of us who work hard, and may not have a degree. Many of the candidates coming straight out of school with their shiny degrees and polished suits don't have any job experience; and in our experiences with them feel they are entitled to the jobs with responsibility beyond their capabilities, along with pay and benefits. They come with 'baggage', and our employer has realized its not something that they have the time or desire to deal with.

I agree that a degree is a good investment, but it is not the end all be all. Get certifications, educate yourself, and be a loyal dedicated employee that goes above and beyond every day.

My degree is now 70% of the way complete and my employer is worried what is going to happen when I do get that degree. As even without the degree multiple organizational partners have approached my employer about hiring me away.

Make yourself a valuable asset, and be seen.

amanda of AK 2:01PM September 21, 2011

"But since much of that bonus is earned many years from now, subtracting out the impact of inflation means that $800,000 in future dollars is worth only about $450,000 in today's dollars."

This "economist" didn't account for the fact that wages increase with inflation too...

lol? of CA 4:55PM April 27, 2011