The Value of Higher Education
College is important for many reasons, including increased career stability and satisfaction, and the ability to make an impact on your community.
5 ways college can help you
1. Boost Earning Potential
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that workers with a postsecondary degree typically earn more than those with only a high school education.
The median weekly earnings — or the middle amount in a set of data — for people with an associate degree was $1,058 per week in 2023, according to BLS. That's an increase of $159 per week or over $8,000 more per year than those with only a high school diploma.
Workers with a bachelor's degree earned a median of $1,493 weekly in 2023, BLS reports — $594 more per week than workers without a postsecondary education and an increase of more than $30,000 per year.
A master's degree helped workers earn even more at a median of $1,737 per week in 2023, BLS notes. That's $838 more weekly than those with only a high school diploma and almost $43,000 more per year.
2. Increases Chances of Employment
It's not uncommon to see "bachelor's degree required" on job descriptions or listed as a preferred qualification. A 2023 Recruiting Benchmarks Survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that, on average, nearly 70% of entry-level jobs list a bachelor's degree requirement.
Both associate and bachelor's degree programs offer a combination of general education courses and specialized learning in a discipline that interests you. With these degrees, you can develop both broad-based and field-specific knowledge. For jobs in the trades, such as HVAC and plumbing, a technical college certificate or diploma gives you the hands-on experience employers are looking for in the people they hire.
Earning a college degree could also lead to greater career stability. According to BLS data, in 2023, 2.2% of workers with a bachelor’s degree faced unemployment compared to 3.9% of workers with only a high school diploma.
3. Expand Your Opportunities
A college degree can be the extra credential you need to land the dream job you've always wanted. Getting your degree may also allow you to view your work as a career and not just a job.
A 2016 Pew Research Center report stated that 77% of workers with a post-graduate degree and 60% of workers with a bachelor's degree believe their jobs give them a sense of identity, versus just 39% of those with only a high school diploma or less.
This idea still holds today. The Lumina Foundation and Gallup noted in The State of Higher Education 2024 study that 50% of surveyed undergraduate students cited the pursuit of a more fulfilling career as an important reason why they're earning a degree (Lumina PDF Source).
4. Prepare for the Future
You can also gain practical life skills as a college student. For example, you will need to meet regular assignment deadlines for each class. The discipline and time management strategies you learn along the way can be applied to all aspects of your life.
Your future may be healthier with a college education too. Bachelor's degree holders are 47% more likely to have health insurance provided through their job and their employers contribute 74% more to their health coverage according to APLU.
Since your earning potential is typically greater as a college graduate, your degree may lead toward financial stability for you and your family. Homeowners are more likely to be college-educated. Point2, an organization that reports on real estate market trends, analyzed U.S. Census data to find that 70% of homeowners in 2020 had some college education and at least 40% had a bachelor's degree.
5. Build New Relationships
College can be more than just an education; it can be a place you build all types of new relationships. From academic advisors who will support you throughout your college experience, to faculty who will provide help with understanding and knowledge, to the other students who will engage with you through activities and class discussions — college is a great way to start a professional network and make lasting connections.
The colleges and universities of Minnesota State are the perfect place to take that first step to your bright future. Whether you're a working adult, high school student, or career changer — you'll find your perfect fit at Minnesota State. Now, with the Minnesota State Promise, you're guaranteed the lowest tuition in the state, the most academic options, and the flexibility to meet your education needs. That's an extraordinary education at an exceptional value.
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