- 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?
Related articles
UNESCO report finds gaps in education data
A UNESCO report published on 27 April finds important gaps in education data from poorer countries. It reviewed primary and secondary data in 120 countries but under‑represented low‑income nations and found no science assessment data in low‑income countries.
AI expands sexual and reproductive health access in Latin America
Research groups in Peru and Argentina use AI tools to give sexual and reproductive health information to young and marginalised people. Experts praise potential but warn of bias and call for better data, rules and oversight.
Inequality and Pandemics: Why Science Alone Is Not Enough
Matthew M. Kavanagh says science can detect viruses and make vaccines fast, but rising inequality makes pandemics worse. He proposes debt relief, shared technology, regional manufacturing and stronger social support to stop future crises.