Value of a College Degree

Yes, paying for college is an investment. But if you’re willing to make that initial investment, you’ll have a Pitt-Bradford education and a University of Pittsburgh degree, which will give you many opportunities and advantages.

You’ll also have a greater chance of reaping the many benefits of earning a college degree:

You’ll earn more money

• The median income of adults 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree was $29,000 higher in 2021 than for those with a high school diploma only ($73,300 vs. $44,300). 
• The unemployment rate in 2021 for 25- to 34-year-olds with at least a bachelor’s degree was 3.3%, compared with 8.3% for high school graduates in the same age group.
• The median lifetime earnings for a person with a bachelor’s degree was $2.8 million compared to $1.6 million for someone with only a high school diploma. The median lifetime earnings of someone with an associate degree is $2 million. 

You’ll be healthier

• Fewer college graduates smoke. 
• More than two-thirds of college graduates exercise regularly.
• They are more likely to be covered by employer-provided health insurance.
• Fewer college graduates are obese.

You’ll be happier

• A majority of Americans with a college degree said their college education helped them grow personally and professionally 
• College graduates are more satisfied with their jobs.
• They’re more likely to have pension plans through their employers.
• They spend more time with their children.  

You’ll be a more productive member of society

• College graduates have a greater understanding of political issues. 
• They vote at a higher rate.
• They volunteer in their communities more than twice as often as high school graduates.

In other words, you'll have a greater chance of having a more meaningful, productive and happy life.

A college education pays. Learn more by reading the details in this report.

Watch as a few of our faculty members discuss why college is important from their perspectives.