6 Things a 2 Year College Degree Can Do for You
by Robyn Tellefsen
Though they can be much less expensive, 2 year colleges are not a poor man's 4 year colleges. Check out 6 things a 2 year college degree can do for you:
1. Give you a second chance
If you didn't "work up to your potential" in high school, you're not alone. Many students find themselves unable to get into 4 year colleges, so they find their fit at 2 year colleges instead. A hard-earned 2 year college degree can put you back on equal academic footing with your peers as you compete for jobs.
2. Enable you to go back to school without breaking the bank
In 2009-2010, average published tuition and fees at public 2 year colleges were $2,544, as reported by the College Board. Compare that to $7,020 for in-state students at public 4 year colleges and universities. If you're taking out loans to fund your higher education expenses, a 2 year college degree allows for less debt down the road.
3. Help you identify your career interests and goals
Many students finish high school without a clue as to what they want to do with their lives. Rather than wasting money wandering aimlessly around 4 year colleges, they opt to enroll in 2 year colleges while they figure it all out. A 2-year college degree offers a safety net on your path to future success.
4. Allow you entry into careers like computer support, paralegal, and nursing
There are plenty of careers that don't require a 4 year college degree for entry, and these careers can be lucrative. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008, computer support specialists earned $46,370, paralegals earned $46,120, and registered nurses earned $62,450. A 2 year college degree can take you there.
5. Afford you greater earning potential than a high school grad
When you go from high school grad to 2 year college degree holder, your median annual earnings increase from $29,448 to $37,990, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Over a lifetime, those earnings jump from $1.2 million to $1.6 million. That's a solid return on your investment.
6. Get your foot in the door of a 4 year college
If you're interested in earning a 4 year college degree, an accredited 2 year college degree can serve as a springboard. In fact, 2 year colleges often structure their courses to mirror those of 4 year colleges. Ask about your school's 4 year college transfer rate to be sure.
1. Give you a second chance
If you didn't "work up to your potential" in high school, you're not alone. Many students find themselves unable to get into 4 year colleges, so they find their fit at 2 year colleges instead. A hard-earned 2 year college degree can put you back on equal academic footing with your peers as you compete for jobs.
2. Enable you to go back to school without breaking the bank
In 2009-2010, average published tuition and fees at public 2 year colleges were $2,544, as reported by the College Board. Compare that to $7,020 for in-state students at public 4 year colleges and universities. If you're taking out loans to fund your higher education expenses, a 2 year college degree allows for less debt down the road.
3. Help you identify your career interests and goals
Many students finish high school without a clue as to what they want to do with their lives. Rather than wasting money wandering aimlessly around 4 year colleges, they opt to enroll in 2 year colleges while they figure it all out. A 2-year college degree offers a safety net on your path to future success.
4. Allow you entry into careers like computer support, paralegal, and nursing
There are plenty of careers that don't require a 4 year college degree for entry, and these careers can be lucrative. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008, computer support specialists earned $46,370, paralegals earned $46,120, and registered nurses earned $62,450. A 2 year college degree can take you there.
5. Afford you greater earning potential than a high school grad
When you go from high school grad to 2 year college degree holder, your median annual earnings increase from $29,448 to $37,990, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Over a lifetime, those earnings jump from $1.2 million to $1.6 million. That's a solid return on your investment.
6. Get your foot in the door of a 4 year college
If you're interested in earning a 4 year college degree, an accredited 2 year college degree can serve as a springboard. In fact, 2 year colleges often structure their courses to mirror those of 4 year colleges. Ask about your school's 4 year college transfer rate to be sure.
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