Is Education Worth The Investment?
Is Education Worth It? Is Investing In Education Worth It? You Decide. Is Education Worth It?
See what $500, $2,000, and $7,500 can get you... then decide for yourself.
By David Radcliff The U.S. Census Bureau reported in May 2009 that workers with a bachelor's degree earned about $26,000 more, on average, than workers with a high school diploma. But with economic times tough, paying for education can seem like a large investment. What exactly do you get for your education dollar? Before you make your decision, check out our breakdown of what you could get from a $500, $2,000, and $7,500 investment in education.
$500-$1,000 = 1-2 Classes*
If your interest lies in acquiring a particular skill to a) make yourself more employable or b) make yourself more promotable, we have good news: your education need not be expensive or all-consuming. In many fields, a single class can really make a difference. Taking a continuing education class can help you: -Increase your employability -Showcase your motivation to your current (or future) employer -Discover if a new career is right for you Classes to consider: -Management -Marketing -Web Design -Technology
Search for online and local classes.
$2,000-$5,000+ = Certificate or Diploma
Certificate and diploma programs are cost- and time-effective options for adults looking to invest in their education and expand their career options. Certificate programs generally take a year or less to complete, while diploma programs can take anywhere from six months to one year. Certificate and diploma programs can help you: -Train for a new career -Develop valuable skills in your field of interest -Gain real-world experience via internship opportunities Certificate/diploma programs to consider: -Accounting -Web Design -Paralegal -Medical Transcription -Dental Assisting -Interior Decorating Search for Diploma and Certificate programs now.
$7,500+ = Associate's Degree
If you find that going to school (or going back to school) sounds like the next big step for you, a $7,500 investment could put you well on the way to an associate's degree...and a high-paying career. You could recoup your investment in as little as one to two years on the job. Career prospects for associate's degree holders:
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Computer Support Specialist (average salary: $43,450 per year) Registered Nurse (average salary: $62,450 per year) Paralegal (average salary: $46,120 per year) Physical Therapist Assistant (average salary: $46,140 per year) Occupational Therapy Assistant (average salary: $48,230 per year)
Find online and local Associate's degree programs now.
*Tuition prices of classes and programs vary by school, state of residence, area of s