Average salaries increase for college grads
November 2, 2011
Government data shows that individuals who have a bachelor's degree make significantly more money each year than those without a college degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in 2009, the average salary for adults ages 25 to 34 with a bachelor's degree was $45,000, while those with a high school diploma or other equivalent degree earned an average of $30,000 per year.
Even those who have an associate's degree don't make as much. The NCES reports an average annual salary of $36,000 for those with a typical two-year degree. If you're considering going back to school as a single mom, the investment could boost your career prospects and grants for single parents could significantly reduce the cost of tuition.
A new study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reveals that graduates of the class of 2011 can expect to make even more. The association reports the overall average salary offer to class of 2011 graduates has risen 6 percent over last year’s average, to $51,171.
"The overall salary increase is the result of gains across disciplines," said NACE executive director Marilyn Mackes.
Among bachelor's degree graduates that NACE found receives the highest salary offers are petroleum engineering graduates (average of $82,740/year), chemical engineering graduates (average of $66,058/year) and computer engineering graduates (average of $62,849/year).
