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How does financial life after four years of college compare to only two years of college. Do people hiring care a significant amount about the amount of years you have gone to college if you have skill?
How does financial life after four years of college compare to only two years of college. Do people hiring care a significant amount about the amount of years you have gone to college if you have skill?
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Michael’s Answer
It often depends on the field and the employer. Generally, a four-year degree can open more doors and may lead to higher starting salaries compared to a two-year degree. However, many employers highly value skills and experience, sometimes even more than the length of education. In some industries, demonstrating your abilities through projects, internships, and practical experience can be just as important as the degree itself. It’s also worth considering that certain roles may specifically require a four-year degree.
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John’s Answer
When you apply for most jobs, you'll find they often require at least 4 years of experience or an equal amount of time spent in education. Earning an associate's degree is a great first step, as it offers a broad range of knowledge. However, if you're looking to specialize in fields like accounting or finance, the final 2 years of a bachelor's degree will provide that targeted education. Whether you opt for an associate's or a bachelor's degree, you'll have a leg up on those who don't hold any degree. The beauty of a business degree is its versatility - it opens doors in every industry.
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Howard’s Answer
As a general rule, you will be paid more for having more education or higher degrees. But it depends on the career and profession you are going into. Less education with good solid experience can also be rewarded with higher pay. In most cases no matter your degree you will need to prove yourself. Show your employer you understand and know how to use your education. That will most certainly help you in the future. You should never stop learning. Life is not a straight line from beginning to end. You have to be flexible and make changes as you learn new things. The main key is to do something you like and enjoy doing. If you are good you will make money.
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Eva’s Answer
Hi Ayo!
Your financial future post-college can swing widely depending on whether you opt for a two-year or four-year degree, and the field of study you select. For instance, medical careers typically demand a minimum of eight years of structured education, plus an internship. On the other hand, fields like design or entrepreneurship value practical knowledge, skills, and proven competence more than formal education.
Possessing a degree can open up a multitude of opportunities, especially since some major corporations necessitate one for application. However, the financial value of a degree hinges on multiple factors.
A degree doesn't automatically equate to financial prosperity. Tuition fees can differ significantly, from a few hundred dollars to over $50,000 annually. Likewise, professional salaries can also fluctuate vastly. For example, a novice social worker with a four-year degree might start earning around $35,000 per year. Conversely, a thriving food truck owner, irrespective of their educational background, could potentially rake in over $80,000 in their initial year.
It appears that financial security is a priority for you. If that's the case, I recommend pinpointing several professions that pique your interest and diving deep into research. Investigate average yearly salaries, job availability, educational prerequisites, and compare tuition fees across various institutions. Adopting this strategy will assist you in making a well-informed decision about your future career trajectory : D
Your financial future post-college can swing widely depending on whether you opt for a two-year or four-year degree, and the field of study you select. For instance, medical careers typically demand a minimum of eight years of structured education, plus an internship. On the other hand, fields like design or entrepreneurship value practical knowledge, skills, and proven competence more than formal education.
Possessing a degree can open up a multitude of opportunities, especially since some major corporations necessitate one for application. However, the financial value of a degree hinges on multiple factors.
A degree doesn't automatically equate to financial prosperity. Tuition fees can differ significantly, from a few hundred dollars to over $50,000 annually. Likewise, professional salaries can also fluctuate vastly. For example, a novice social worker with a four-year degree might start earning around $35,000 per year. Conversely, a thriving food truck owner, irrespective of their educational background, could potentially rake in over $80,000 in their initial year.
It appears that financial security is a priority for you. If that's the case, I recommend pinpointing several professions that pique your interest and diving deep into research. Investigate average yearly salaries, job availability, educational prerequisites, and compare tuition fees across various institutions. Adopting this strategy will assist you in making a well-informed decision about your future career trajectory : D
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Ayo,
Length of Education and Its Impact on Financial Life
The length of education, particularly in the context of college education, can significantly impact an individual’s financial life. Generally, a four-year college degree can provide greater financial benefits compared to an associate’s degree or only two years of college education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a bachelor’s degree had a weekly median earnings of $1,248 in 2020, while those with an associate’s degree earned $887 per week (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021). The difference in earnings translates to a substantial financial advantage for those with a four-year college degree over the course of their careers.
Importance of Skills in Hiring Decisions
However, it is essential to note that the relevance of college degree length in hiring decisions might diminish if an individual possesses the required skills for a job. Many employers value skills and practical experiences over the number of years spent in college. In a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 91% of employers surveyed indicated that they prefer to hire candidates who have relevant work experience (National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2019). Employers increasingly seek employees who can immediately contribute to their organizations, making skills and experiences more important than the length of college education.
Balancing Education Length and Skill Development
While a four-year college education generally leads to better financial outcomes, individuals should not overlook the importance of skill development and relevant experiences in their college education. Aiming to acquire skills and experiences through internships, part-time jobs, and extracurricular activities can enhance an individual’s employability and reduce the emphasis on the length of college education in hiring decisions.
Authoritative References Used:
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Usual weekly earnings of wage and salary workers: Table 11. Median usual weekly earnings by educational attainment, sex, race, and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/cps/tables/table-11.htm
National Association of Colleges and Employers. (2019). Job outlook 2019: Attitudes and strategies of human resource professionals. Retrieved from https://www.naceweb.org/career-development/trends-and-predictions/job-outlook-2019-attitudes-and-strategies-of-human-resource-professionals/
Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. (2019). The college payoff: Education, occupations, and earnings. Retrieved from https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/collegepayoff/
God Bless,
JC.
Length of Education and Its Impact on Financial Life
The length of education, particularly in the context of college education, can significantly impact an individual’s financial life. Generally, a four-year college degree can provide greater financial benefits compared to an associate’s degree or only two years of college education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a bachelor’s degree had a weekly median earnings of $1,248 in 2020, while those with an associate’s degree earned $887 per week (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021). The difference in earnings translates to a substantial financial advantage for those with a four-year college degree over the course of their careers.
Importance of Skills in Hiring Decisions
However, it is essential to note that the relevance of college degree length in hiring decisions might diminish if an individual possesses the required skills for a job. Many employers value skills and practical experiences over the number of years spent in college. In a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 91% of employers surveyed indicated that they prefer to hire candidates who have relevant work experience (National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2019). Employers increasingly seek employees who can immediately contribute to their organizations, making skills and experiences more important than the length of college education.
Balancing Education Length and Skill Development
While a four-year college education generally leads to better financial outcomes, individuals should not overlook the importance of skill development and relevant experiences in their college education. Aiming to acquire skills and experiences through internships, part-time jobs, and extracurricular activities can enhance an individual’s employability and reduce the emphasis on the length of college education in hiring decisions.
Authoritative References Used:
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Usual weekly earnings of wage and salary workers: Table 11. Median usual weekly earnings by educational attainment, sex, race, and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/cps/tables/table-11.htm
National Association of Colleges and Employers. (2019). Job outlook 2019: Attitudes and strategies of human resource professionals. Retrieved from https://www.naceweb.org/career-development/trends-and-predictions/job-outlook-2019-attitudes-and-strategies-of-human-resource-professionals/
Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. (2019). The college payoff: Education, occupations, and earnings. Retrieved from https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/collegepayoff/
God Bless,
JC.
Updated
Jared’s Answer
HERE IS A VERY MIXED REPLY :-) Most companies that are of a material size will focus on having at least an undergraduate degree (usually achieved with 4 years of college). Even better is a master degree. I feel that most large companies will not consider an applicant with an associated degree (2 years) in most cases. So the opportunities are much broader with a 4 year degree.
Smaller companies are more likely to consider applicants with a 2 year degree. Entrepreneurship is a great path if you have the resources and skills to start a business, but can be quite risk too and you can work a LOT of hours. I am becoming more and more a fan of trade schools / programs as these jobs pay well, cannot be outsourced to China, and allow active people to escape the dreaded desk job (IE: welder, plumber, electrician, HVAC, car repair, etc). One of the wealthiest people I know has no schooling but opened his own European Auto repair shop and is excellent -- people with very nice cars line up to have him work on their vehicles
Another point of advice is that your network will impact your job prospects more than your degree -- so, go meet people and ask them what they do, how they achieved their role/success, tips and tricks, career advice. People will freely share and seek to help if you approach it that way whereas if you ask if they know of any jobs out of the gate, they will be more on the defensive (so start with learning and seeking to understand versus asking for a job).
Smaller companies are more likely to consider applicants with a 2 year degree. Entrepreneurship is a great path if you have the resources and skills to start a business, but can be quite risk too and you can work a LOT of hours. I am becoming more and more a fan of trade schools / programs as these jobs pay well, cannot be outsourced to China, and allow active people to escape the dreaded desk job (IE: welder, plumber, electrician, HVAC, car repair, etc). One of the wealthiest people I know has no schooling but opened his own European Auto repair shop and is excellent -- people with very nice cars line up to have him work on their vehicles
Another point of advice is that your network will impact your job prospects more than your degree -- so, go meet people and ask them what they do, how they achieved their role/success, tips and tricks, career advice. People will freely share and seek to help if you approach it that way whereas if you ask if they know of any jobs out of the gate, they will be more on the defensive (so start with learning and seeking to understand versus asking for a job).
Updated
ruby’s Answer
Hello there!
You're on track to earn a substantial yearly income of around $81,000. Interestingly, only a small fraction, about 6 percent, of workers who didn't complete high school reach this salary level. But there's more good news. Even a 2-year degree can open doors to significant financial rewards. Not only is the tuition usually more affordable, but also, holding a degree can boost your average earnings. In fact, individuals with an associate's degree often earn more than those who only have a high school diploma. So, keep going! Your efforts are sure to pay off.
You're on track to earn a substantial yearly income of around $81,000. Interestingly, only a small fraction, about 6 percent, of workers who didn't complete high school reach this salary level. But there's more good news. Even a 2-year degree can open doors to significant financial rewards. Not only is the tuition usually more affordable, but also, holding a degree can boost your average earnings. In fact, individuals with an associate's degree often earn more than those who only have a high school diploma. So, keep going! Your efforts are sure to pay off.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ayo !
Another student just asked this question and I would be happy to repeat the advice I gave !
There are actually four academic durations if you want to know about what the difference is and how much it matters. It's all conditional and depends on many things. You would need to obtain the degree for your selected career. Upon reading information about the career you choose, you will learn if you need a college degree or a diploma from a Vocational School. It all will weigh upon which career you choose and how much you do or do not like school.
For an Associates Degree (two years of college), many professionals do well with this degree in Photography, the Performing and Fine Arts, Cosmetology, Web Developer, Dental Hygienist, Registered Nurse, Diagnostic Imaging, Radiological and MRI Technician, Respiratory Therapist, Paralegal and Legal Assistant and Real Estate Agent just to name a few.
With a Bachelors Degree (4 years of college) there are many positions you can obtain. Some of them are Engineer, Marketing Manager, Architect, Human Resources Manager, Database Administrator, Finance Manager, Computer and Information Systems Analyst, Accountant, Economist, Software Developer, and Health Services Manager managing the business end of health services. Those are just a very few for example that require a Bachelors Degree.
When people go for their Masters Degree (two more years) it is because the career requires it or they want to enhance and advance their college experience. So a two year degree can be just as satisfying as a four year degree, it just depends on your specific career goal and your career choice. Employers will read a resume and if the job requires a Bachelors Degree, they hope that people that have that degree apply.
No one can say who makes more money because that depends on too much as well. It will depend on the city, state or town you work in, the career or vocation, if you work one job or two at the same time, whether or not you work at a company or freelance for yourself. For example, a nurse with a Bachelors Degree in West Virginia could be making less or the same as a nurse in New York City who has an Associates Degree. My advice is not to worry about salaries, think about what you really love and want to do in your future. Also, pay rates would be very different by the time you start your career as things change all the time.
For right now, you can start out by determining how much you like school, studying, reading, writing, participating in class and working on assigned projects. If you are really passionate about school, you can decide on how many years you'd like to attend. If you are reluctant about school, there are vocational schools at which the duration can be from months to two years. Do give it some time to think about as you should make this decision knowing what you exactly want to do.
Employers sometimes choose resumes that only have a college degree that they want in an applicant. Anyone that has put in time at college, training and getting experience in the field they are applying to will have skill. The Degree is something that reflects certain things to employers. They may believe the person has sharpened communication skills, presentational skills, writing skills and organizational skills and experience working on pertinent projects. Not that a non-degreed person wouldn't also have these qualities, but the resume is a quick glance and criteria such as education is selected.
I hope that you will ask more questions so that we can help you in whatever you may be wondering about for college and career. I wish you all the best !
Another student just asked this question and I would be happy to repeat the advice I gave !
There are actually four academic durations if you want to know about what the difference is and how much it matters. It's all conditional and depends on many things. You would need to obtain the degree for your selected career. Upon reading information about the career you choose, you will learn if you need a college degree or a diploma from a Vocational School. It all will weigh upon which career you choose and how much you do or do not like school.
For an Associates Degree (two years of college), many professionals do well with this degree in Photography, the Performing and Fine Arts, Cosmetology, Web Developer, Dental Hygienist, Registered Nurse, Diagnostic Imaging, Radiological and MRI Technician, Respiratory Therapist, Paralegal and Legal Assistant and Real Estate Agent just to name a few.
With a Bachelors Degree (4 years of college) there are many positions you can obtain. Some of them are Engineer, Marketing Manager, Architect, Human Resources Manager, Database Administrator, Finance Manager, Computer and Information Systems Analyst, Accountant, Economist, Software Developer, and Health Services Manager managing the business end of health services. Those are just a very few for example that require a Bachelors Degree.
When people go for their Masters Degree (two more years) it is because the career requires it or they want to enhance and advance their college experience. So a two year degree can be just as satisfying as a four year degree, it just depends on your specific career goal and your career choice. Employers will read a resume and if the job requires a Bachelors Degree, they hope that people that have that degree apply.
No one can say who makes more money because that depends on too much as well. It will depend on the city, state or town you work in, the career or vocation, if you work one job or two at the same time, whether or not you work at a company or freelance for yourself. For example, a nurse with a Bachelors Degree in West Virginia could be making less or the same as a nurse in New York City who has an Associates Degree. My advice is not to worry about salaries, think about what you really love and want to do in your future. Also, pay rates would be very different by the time you start your career as things change all the time.
For right now, you can start out by determining how much you like school, studying, reading, writing, participating in class and working on assigned projects. If you are really passionate about school, you can decide on how many years you'd like to attend. If you are reluctant about school, there are vocational schools at which the duration can be from months to two years. Do give it some time to think about as you should make this decision knowing what you exactly want to do.
Employers sometimes choose resumes that only have a college degree that they want in an applicant. Anyone that has put in time at college, training and getting experience in the field they are applying to will have skill. The Degree is something that reflects certain things to employers. They may believe the person has sharpened communication skills, presentational skills, writing skills and organizational skills and experience working on pertinent projects. Not that a non-degreed person wouldn't also have these qualities, but the resume is a quick glance and criteria such as education is selected.
I hope that you will ask more questions so that we can help you in whatever you may be wondering about for college and career. I wish you all the best !