Must I complete college to earn a fair income in US?

Question

How much is the expected income of a Bachelor's degree holder?
What about someone just completed 4 year college? I know this depends on what major, what college etc but still I'm asking to get a general idea to realize the importance of getting a college degree. Your personal idea based on facts would be appreciated.
Is BBA a good choice for good jobs?

I saw many people with no college degree earns $5,000/month, even more.

Answer 1

Earning a degree helps you for bigger income especially beyond an Associate'. Bachelor's good because lots of people have their bachelor's nowadays and in some fields, a Master's degree. In any case, having a degree will produce more money over time despite $5000/month and no degree.

Answer 2

A college degree guarantees absolutely nothing. What it does do is open doors that may not otherwise be open without one. For example you must have Pre Med curriculum for Medical School, or certain sciences need the knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, or higher math. Some bigger corporations will not interview you without a degree, but someone with experience in a field is usually looked on more favorable then someone with a degree, put against someone with a degree and experience, who do you think would get the opportunity? However this has nothing to do with being a business owner as I know of two class mates who I graduated with from high school who make more then most of us that went to college. I event know of one high school drop out that started his own head hunting business in a major US city and is quite wealthy and could probable staff a number of professors on his payroll, however I never reviewed his books. A lot of Realtors and Loan Brokers made allot of money during an artificially high market who only need to pass a state exam to practice, those with degrees more then likely recognized this, but it is the masses that decide markets. Hope this helps answer your question and good luck.

Answer 3

There are stats out there that can show the difference between the earning level of someone with a degree and someone without a degree. There are the lucky few that start businesses or work there way up in a company who earn a good living without a degree. Bill Gates didn't finish college but how many of us are Bill Gates. However, i think he was at Havard when in dropped out and not that many people get accepted there. So, stats show a college education can significantly increase you earning ability over a lifetime unless you are one of the few that makes it work without one. I myself, choose to go to school while being a full time military member. All I know is when I'm 40 years old I don't want to be saying..Do you want fries with that..

Answer 4

Hello Legend,

This is a very good question, and a hard choice to make. All I can tell you is what I have noticed over the years. America has been loosing the middle class for the last 50 years. Now society is largely composed of the Haves and the Have Nots. Those making $100.000.00 per year and those working for $8.00 per hour. There is little in between anymore. It has been the largest transfer of wealth known to modern man.

We have become a pretty dull country. There are few poets, artists, radicals, sociologists, philosophers, characters. Now we have IT and Business Management.

I have my Masters Degree and there are many options open to me. I have what one professor told me "my ticket punched". It is a good feeling putting MA behind my name.

Unless you want to live a life of desperation, find a job you love for $10.00 an hour. The money will not mean all that much to you if you are truly happy doing what you want to do. Take a good hard look at yourself and determine what you like doing. Anything, staring at bugs and becoming a bug expert. Anything. Learning how to brew beer. Become the best.

Or, go to school with the same passion, studying what you love doing. It doesn't matter as long as you really enjoy doing it. There are many grants for accomplished students that allow them to go on to get their Masters. Do it buddy.

I would not want to earn a lot of money doing something I did not like or hated. This is called a "velvet trap". It will lead to a empty life and drain you of all your spirit. Don't fall into it.

I once met a man who was very depressed. He is about 30 years old. He told me he took an overdose of pills and almost died. the doctors and nurses saved his life on the operating room table. After he got out he realized he could do whatever he wanted, after all he had tried the ultimate. So he knew about comic books and opened a comic book store. He is very successful now and happy doing what he wants to do.

There are assessment test such as COPES, CAPS, COPS, Briggs Meyer, 16PF and others that can assess your abilities and interests. Take as many as you can. You can probably find them for free.

Good luck, it sounds like you are beginning a great adventure. Remember, it is the journey that is important and not the destination. Take care

Answer 5

The NFL/NBA are great options for unrealistic wealth w/o a college degree.
There are some natural sales people who prosper well without it. Inordinate hard work in a non-academic work can achieve it, albeit over a longer span of time cf. chef / construction / etc.
What really matters is what lights your fire. You can go to college and earn 10 mil a year and the paper won't mean a spider's spinner if you are not happy.
What excites you? What do people encourage in you? What are you effective at? Answer the Big 3 and then you'll know.

Answer 6

Well I don't have a degree and USED to make great cash. I was laid off a few years ago and just can't quite make it to the big money any more.

I have military experience and years of experience in telephone and computers. Now I don't even make over 20 bucks an hour.
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Looking to go back to school to get my degree.

Answer 7

If you go to any of the job search sites and read the requirements for the better paying jobs, I think you find they all want college degree.

Answer 8

well 5k a month is only 60K a year///average is 125K a year///depends or what fields u want to go into// i know people that make 300K a year buildings homes//i know an er doctor that only makes 125K a year//i say if u know what u want to do//then do it//that is the hardest part

Answer 9

well around here where i live, you just have to know the right person and they hook u up with a good paying job. legal job.

Answer 10

Its possible to get paid w/o a degree.
But it there is some sort of gurantee with a degree.
It doesn't matter what its in just that you have one.