
What kind of programs can I explore?
Do I have to go back to school full-time?
What about the cost?
How long does this take?
What Could More Education Mean For Your Future?
Going back to school is a personal decision, but national data shows that higher education is often connected with stronger earnings, lower unemployment, and access to more career paths.
Median Weekly Earnings
Workers age 25+ with a bachelor’s degree earned a median of $1,543 per week in 2024, compared with $930 for workers with a high school diploma.
Lower Unemployment Rate
In 2024, bachelor’s degree workers had a 2.5% unemployment rate, compared with 4.2% for workers whose highest education was high school.
Higher Median Earnings
NCES reported that young adults working full time with a bachelor’s degree earned 59% more than high school completers in 2022.
Degree Paths Can Lead To More Career Options
According to BLS projections, bachelor’s-level occupations with large numbers of expected openings include roles such as registered nurses, accountants, software developers, business operations specialists, market research analysts, human resources specialists, and management analysts.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Education Pays,” 2024 data. National Center for Education Statistics, annual earnings by educational attainment. Results vary by program, field of study, location, experience, and individual circumstances.