Degrees of Success

Most educators and business leaders agree that merely graduating from high school today is not enough to ensure economic success [or to] get a good job. Students need at least a two- or four-year college degree. The U.S. Department of Education says that a college education will help students get and keep a better job, especially in an era when even a factory worker may need to be computer-savvy. A college degree also translates in higher earnings. In 1995 a degree boosted the average man’s salary by 89% and the average woman’s by 73%. Here is a sampling of the amount of college needed for various occupations.

Two-Year (Associate Degree)

Computer Technician

Surveyor

Registered Nurse

Dental Hygienist

Medical Lab Technician

Commercial Artist

Hotel/Restaurant Manager

Engineering Technician

Automotive Mechanic

Administrative Assistant

Water/Wastewater Treatment

Plant Operator

Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician

Four-Year (Bachelor’s Degree)

Teacher

Accountant

FBI Agent

Engineer

Journalist

Insurance Agent

Pharmacist

Computer Systems Analyst

Dietitian

Writer

Investment Banker

Graphic Designer

Social Worker

Public Relations Specialist

More Than Four Years (Graduate Degree)

Lawyer

Doctor

Architect

Scientist

University Professor

Economist

Psychologist

Priest or Rabbi

Dentist

Veterinarian

Public Policy Analyst

Geologist

Zoologist

Management Consultant

*

Source: Planning and Evaluation Services, U.S. Department of Education