How much formal education is adequate for an average US person seeking an average monetary income and life?

Question

Some people seem to be in a perpetual pursuit of formal education. With the American dream exponentially driven by education and rewarded with material things, how much education does one really need to be considered average or above average?

While formal education is indeed important, what about informal education? If a capable healthy person 50+ with16yrs education worth anything or he or she just "out to pasture?".

Answer 1

in a worst case scenario you could always be a president!

Answer 2

I am not sure what an adequate education is for an "average" American. I would have to say that I don't think that there is a definite answer one way or the other. I know people that are extremely well off and love their careers and they don't hold anymore than a high school diploma. While others I know, that are equally happy in their careers don't make nearly as much and hold a bachelor and/or master degree.

It really depends on you and your skill set, how you learn, what kind of drive you have and a pinch of luck as to where your life and career will take you. Bottom line you can never be to educated, you will not lose out on a great oppurtunity because you HAVE a degree:)

Answer 3

Basing my answser on your question, I would say you need at least a Bachelor's degree. I would say probably in the field of Accounting or Science. If you decide on a Liberal Arts degree (English, History, etc.) you will not reach your goal of an average income.

If you want to earn money, put some away for retirement and not have to worry about being on welfare or under the care of a family member as you get older, go for a science degree.

Answer 4

Even as early as 20 years ago, you did not need a college education to pursue your dreams. They let you learn on the job.

Then, all of the sudden, the focus turned to college education.

Now, even if you want to work at McDonald's, you really should have at LEAST an Associates Degree, because just holding a degree is almost a guarantee of a few more dollars per hour.

Answer 5

I believe that the bachelor's level is now the new high school diploma, as far as jobs are concerned. With increased competition for jobs, a college degree shows prospective employers that you have initiative, are able to learn, and can finish something that you start.

And personally, I've found that to be true. My prospects are much brighter with a degree, whereas with a GED I was stuck doing customer service even though I was qualified and intellectually able to do much more than that.

Answer 6

Either education or experience in a lucrative field from a young age, like experience in a particular trade. I have a bachelor's degree & I'm unemployed, My boyfriend never went to college, he owns his own electrical company & makes 3x more than I ever will.

Answer 7

some people who are rich were high school drop outs. so that pretty much tells you that you really don't need education to live well off. it is easier to find a job if you're educated but some people just get lucky

Answer 8

I'd say an undergraduate degree, in order to earn an average or above average income.

Answer 9

a high school diploma or less will set you up for a below average lifestyle. a bachelor's degree average. and a master's above average. loosely speaking.

Answer 10

Most of the country has some kinda of BA/BS/BBA degree, which leads me to believe it's more than enough to apply for most jobs.

Answer 11

2 year associate
25 to 35 thousand a year