- Researchers used financial and education records.
- They compared people who finished college and those who did not.
- Degree holders earn about $8,000 more per year.
- Without loan payments, the earnings premium is $10,400 per year.
- Associate degree holders pay about 9% of extra earnings in loans.
- Bachelor's degree holders pay about 19% of extra earnings in loans.
- Master's degree holders pay about 57% of extra earnings in loans.
- Undergraduate certificate completers have about $5,000 higher debt-adjusted earnings.
- Researchers say higher education is a worthwhile financial investment.
Difficult words
- degree — A type of education certification.degrees
- earn — To get money for work.
- graduate — A person who finishes college.Graduates
- important — Very necessary or valuable.
- policies — Rules or plans made by groups.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think college is important?
- What would you like to study in college?
- How does money affect your education choices?
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