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December 2018
5 Benefits of Education After High School
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When considering earning a credential beyond a high school diploma, many people think first about increasing their earning potential. However, the benefits go far beyond earning a higher salary. Here are five other ways higher education can give you greater opportunities:
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1. Financial Wellness
As mentioned above, people with a Bachelor’s degree typically earn more than those who do not pursue education after high school – on average, about a million dollars more over the course of their
lifetime
. According to a
report
from Navient, adults aged 24-35 with an associate or bachelor’s degree not only earn more money, but rated their financial wellness higher than those without a post-secondary credential. Degree holders indicated an increased likelihood to have both emergency funds and retirement savings, two key indicators of financial wellness.
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2. Better Benefits
For many people, the benefits that come with certain jobs are as important as the income. The Lumina Foundation
reported
that people with a college degree are more likely to have the following benefits:
- Health insurance for themselves and their families
- Paid time off
- Bonuses
- Tuition assistance
- Employer-sponsored retirement and pensions
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3. More Flexibility
Having multiple options, especially when times are tough, is critical in a changing work environment. Not surprisingly, degree holders are 85% more likely to have a job than those without a degree and 70% are more likely to be working full-time. They also reported feeling more prepared for the workforce. According to the
Navient report
, the transferrable skills and techniques they’d acquired better prepared them for various kinds of work, resulting in more opportunities for promotion.
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4. Better Health
Want to live longer? Consider going to on to higher education! People with post-secondary credentials live longer than those who don’t pursue education after high
school
. Not surprisingly, this is due in part to a greater likelihood of health care coverage, but post-secondary education often provides a greater sense of belonging and supports habits that contribute to a healthier lifestyle. For example, adults who pursue education after high school are less likely to smoke cigarettes and are more likely to exercise.
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5
. Happiness
Perhaps the best benefit to holders of a post-secondary credential is that they typically rate their self-esteem and overall well-being higher than those with a high school
diploma
. Not only do these individuals tend to experience increased financial stability, better health, and greater opportunities, they are also are more likely to be married, have families, and have a more active social presence in their communities. All of these factors contribute to the potential for overall happiness, and in the end, isn’t that what truly matters?
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Join us for this month's FREE Wednesday Webinar:
Why Consider College?
Wednesday, December 12
10:00–11:00 a.m.
Are you finding it challenging to encourage your students to go to college, or hearing them say they will just go to work instead? In this webinar, we will give you some tools to help you encourage students to pursue education beyond high school. We’ll discuss national and state trends, return on investment of education, and why credentials of value matter.
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FAME's College Access and Financial Education Team:
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The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) does not discriminate in the administration of any of its programs or in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, marital status or sexual orientation. FAME is an equal opportunity employer, provider and lender.
FAME provides links to other websites as a convenience and does not endorse or guarantee the content, accuracy or usability of such sites.
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