Has the teen in your life ever asked if that college degree was really so important? Here are some solid, understandable, and sincere answers to share with your teen:
It’s economics -- the more you learn, the more you will make.
Average Salary
|
| Professional Degrees |
$125,622 |
| College Graduates |
$60,954 |
| High School Graduates |
$33,618 |
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau) Jobs in the 21st century will require education and training beyond high school—the fastest growing occupations require post-secondary education.
Fastest Growing Occupations
• Audiologists
• Dental Hygienists
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
• Genetic Counselors
• Health Specialties Teachers, Secondary
• Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
• Information Security Analyst
• Interpreters and Translators
• Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
• Meeting, Convention and Event Planners
• Nurse Practitioners
• Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Orthotic and Prosthetic Specialists
• Physician Assistants
• Physical Therapists and Assistants
• Skincare Specialists
• Therapists, all others
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Beyond the economic benefits, data shows that the workforce of tomorrow will depend on the United States’ ability to grow baccalaureate degree attainment. The number of individuals in the population with a bachelor’s degree today is equal to those with a high school diploma more than 60 years ago. The economy has grown to accommodate the job demands for these individuals, and workforce projections emphasize the growth expected in careers that require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Out of the 27 careers expected to grow at a rate of 15% or higher over the next eight years, 17 (63%) will require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Our future global competitiveness rests upon the ability to increase educational attainment at these levels during the next 15 years.
Jobs will change in the next 50 years--people will hold several different jobs in their lifetime. The more education one gets, the greater the adaptability to change jobs. College will open doors to opportunity and expand your horizons. You will experience new points of view.
College will help you help your family
- You will be able to support your family with a higher salary.
- You will set an example for your brothers and sisters and other relatives to follow.
- You will be able to assist your children with their homework and give them a better life. They will witness the fruits of your college education and will likely make the decision to attend college as well.