The Power of An Associate Degree

It’s no secret that job earnings tend to increase with levels of education. In a competitive culture, it is almost required to have some type of formal post-high school training or education to earn a living wage.

If you are not winning the lottery, inheriting a large sum of money, planning to marry a millionaire, or plan on becoming an entrepreneur, then you might want to think about getting an education.

Here are three ways earning an associate degree can change your future:

1. Make More Money!

According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s living wage calculator for Delaware County, PA, a working adult with one child needs to make $23.64 per hour or about $49,000 per year to support their family. The Bureau of Labor and Statistic’s Employment Projections show that with a high school diploma alone the median annual wage is around $37,000. This number jumps to $51,000 with an associate degree.

2 More Job Opportunities

For some, a two-year investment in higher education could make the difference in lifestyle and career opportunities. In fact, there are a greater number of jobs available at the associate degree level with room for advancement. Jobs that previously required a high school diploma, now require a college degree. In a report from Georgetown University, “Three of the fastest-growing occupations STEM, healthcare and community service – have the highest demand for post-secondary education and training.” They also report, “By 2020, 65 percent of all jobs in the economy will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school.”

3 Open the Door to Acceptance and Transfer to a Four-Year University

Ok, so not everyone scores well on the SAT or ACTs and is accepted into their college of choice. And realistically, many who are accepted to a four-year university are simply unable to afford the high tuition and room and board. Pursuing a two-year degree instead can save you thousands on tuition compared to a four-year university. Another benefit is transfer agreements that afford you the ability to transfer your entire degree with junior status into a bachelor degree program at a four-year university. This opens the door to programs and universities that may have been otherwise out of reach.

Invest in yourself and in your future. As the saying goes, if not now, when? For more information about affordable associate degrees, go to www.pit.edu

https://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_education_summary.htm

https://cew.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Recovery2020.ES_.Web_.pdf