Eager to join the workforce and skip post-secondary education to have money in your pocket?

According to census data compiled by HighBeam Research, it pays to get more education. They say, “Get educated. A college education always pays for itself and more. In 2004, bachelor’s degree holders earned an average of $51,206 per year, while high school graduates earned only $27,915.

But of course, the probability of higher future income is not the only perk to obtaining an education. Here’s a summary of some non-monetary things I gained/learned from my post-secondary education:

  • knowledge in the field of Computer Science (computer programing/web development)
  • a higher confidence level because I completed my studies, accomplishing a lifetime goal
  • a sense of achievement
  • greater organizational skills
  • a larger network of friends for contacts/references when needed
  • I set an example for others, especially my children
  • a higher level of thinking/reasoning skills that have been carried over to other areas of my life
  • many transferable skills that have been used throughout my life (writing/studying/implementing ideas or plans/public speaking skills improved)

I always wanted to have a post-secondary education, but when the time came, I found it quite difficult to decide what field of study to go into. I chose the same field as (my then) fiance (now husband): computer science. This ended up benefiting our relationship as well–we had another thing in common. I graduated and 3 weeks later had our first child, so I didn’t go into the work field right away, but I could give him feedback every now and then to help him figure out some of the more difficult parts of the code. We have gone further to now have our own business and work well together. My education has helped me to afford to stay home with my 5 children and work here and there on our business when I’m needed. It also allows my husband to be home more with our family.

As stated by the HighBeam Research, the statistics have stood true with our experience individually and as a couple and will prove to be even greater as time goes on.

Bureau of the Census (US) put out a report showing statistically the difference in income based on the level of education.

Have you found a financial improvement in your life after having a post-secondary education?