College Planning

Academic preparation
Applying to colleges
Choosing a college
College planning checklist

Why Go to College?

Whether you are uncertain about going to college or you just need some reassurance you're on the right track, here are a few reasons to go to college:

  • Every bit of education you get after high school increases the chances you'll earn good pay. Most college graduates earn a lot more money during their working years than people who stop their education at high school.
  • The more education you get the more likely it is you will always have a job. According to one estimate, by the year 2028 there will be 19 million more jobs for educated workers than there are qualified people to fill them.
  • Continuing education after high school is much more important for your generation than it was for your parents' generation. Today most good jobs require more than a high school diploma. Businesses want to hire people who know how to think and solve problems.
  • Education beyond high school gives you a lot of other benefits, including meeting new people, taking part in new opportunities to explore your interests, and experiencing success.
Expected lifetime earnings
Professional degree $4.4 million
Doctoral degree $3.4 million
Master's degree $2.5 million
Bachelor's degree $2.1 million
Associate's degree $1.6 million
Some college $1.5 million
High school graduate $1.2 million
Non-high school graduate $1 million
Source: U.S. Census Bureau