The benefit of finishing a college degree can greatly outweigh the cost.

Answer: About $501 per week MORE (or over $26,000 per year)

Questions:

• Why do you think college grads earn so much more than those who start but don't complete a degree?
• Do you think wages gaps based on educational attainment will increase or decrease in the future?
• What are some ways a worker can increase their income without increasing the educational attainment listed on this chart?
• Your friend says that spending $20,000/year to go to college isn't worth it when you can get a job now that pays $25,000. Do you agree or disagree? Use data from the chart to support your answer.

Click here for the ready-to-go slides for this Question of the Day that you can use in your classroom.

Behind the numbers (Bureau of Labor Statistics):

"These education categories reflect only the highest level of educational attainment. They do not take into account completion of training programs in the form of apprenticeships and other on-the-job training, which may also influence earnings and unemployment rates."

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Want to support students who are pursuing an alternative to 4-year college? Learn more about apprenticeships, trade schools, and more in the Alt to 4 year Mini-Unit!

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Or check out another favorite in our Paying for College unit: ANALYZE: College and Career Choices

About the Author

Dave Martin

Dave joins NGPF with 15 years of teaching experience in math and computer science. After joining the New York City Teaching Fellows program and earning a Master's degree in Education from Pace University, his teaching career has taken him to New York, New Jersey and a summer in the north of Ghana. Dave firmly believes that financial literacy is vital to creating well-rounded students that are prepared for a complex and highly competitive world. During what free time two young daughters will allow, Dave enjoys video games, Dungeons & Dragons, cooking, gardening, and taking naps.