A College Degree Is Still the Best Route to a High-Paying Job, Say Researchers

Researchers followed the paths of 8,000 Americans born in the 1980s to rate their chances of landing a ‘well-paid job’ earning $57,000 a year. People who earned a bachelor’s degree by 26 had a 56% chance of a well-paid job by 30. Meanwhile, Americans who started a bachelor’s degree but didn’t finish it by their mid-20s had a 40% chance. Those who pursued an associate degree, skills training or certificate had a 29% chance. While less than a quarter of those who didn’t pursue any higher education landed a well-paid job. Out of 38 identified decision points, taking a degree still made the biggest difference.