Those who earn a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn at least $1 million more in their lifetime than those who hold only a high school diploma. Total earnings amounts over a lifetime for non-Hispanic white males was $1.4 million for high school graduates, $2.5 for bachelor’s degree graduates, $2.9 million for master’s degree graduates, and $3.8 million for doctoral degree grads. This information was highlighted in a 2002 U.S. Census Bureau study entitled, “The Big Payoff: Educational Attainment and Synthetic Work-Life Earnings”. These statistics are often incentive enough to send high school seniors scurrying for information about accredited traditional and online degree programs.

Of course, there is more than money on the line. College graduates can expect to afford better neighborhoods, send their children to higher-quality schools, and enjoy more of the activities and environments that increase lifestyle satisfaction. Also, children of college graduates are more likely to earn a college degree, which elevates the lifestyle and earning potential of future generations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report, “College and Work Activity of 2010 High School Graduates”, 68.1% of high school student who graduated in 2010 were enrolled in colleges and universities in October of 2010. At least 90.4% of them were enrolled full-time. As the workforce becomes more specialized, and as employers seek individuals who can multitask, a high school diploma will no longer be sufficient to compete for the best available jobs.

Of course, earning potential is heavily dependent upon the chosen career field, position held, average number of work hours, job location and other factors. Potential college students should carefully research their field of interest in order to make informed decision about potential future earnings.