Level of Education CompletedMedian Annual Earnings

(U.S. Dollars)

Less than a high school diploma $22,256

High school graduate, no college $31,408

Some college, no degree $35,516

Associate degree $38,480

Bachelor’s degree $51,324

Master’s degree $60,580

Doctoral degree $77,844

Professional degree $74,204

Postsecondary Training or Certificate Program

2-Year College (Associate degree)

4-Year College (Bachelor's degree)

More than 4 Years (Graduate degree)

barber or hair stylistcomputer-assisted design draftsmandisc jockey (deejay)electrician*plumber*sheet metal worker*stone mason*carpenter*

computer and office equipment repairerdental hygienistfirefighter**mechanicphysical therapist assistantwebmaster**zookeeper**

accountantcomputer programmerengineerFBI agentgraphic designerhigh school coachinsurance agentjournalistpilotsocial workersportscaster or news reporterteacherwriter

architectdentistlawyerminister, priest, or rabbipharmacistphysicianpsychologistscientistuniversity professorveterinarian

Self-evaluation› What classes do I enjoy?› What jobs have I done?› What are my values?

Assessment› Careerinfonet.com› Bls.gov/oco (Occupational Handbook)

Collegeboard.com

Scholarships

•Must be repaid•If a student loan, then repayment is staled until after college.

•Free money•Based on financial need

•Free money•Based on a skill or merit

•Money is earned through employment.

Grants

Loans

Work-Study

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

www.fafsa.ed.gov Step-by-step directions on how

to apply Available in English and Spanish Can also apply by mail Check out the website for its

resources!

Camizzi, E., Clark, M.A., Yacco, S., & Goodman, W. (2009). Becoming “difference makers”:School-university collaboration to create, implement, and evaluate data-driven counselinginterventions. Professional School Counseling, 12(6), 471-479 (43892941).

  Collegeboard.com (2009). College application checklist: Keep track of

your applications http://www.collegeboard.com/student/index.html?student

Niles, S. G., & Harris-Bowlsbey, J.  (2009). Career development interventions in the 21stcentury (3rd ed.).  Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Porter, Kathleen (2002). The value of a college degree. Retrieved from http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-3/value.htm.

Virginia Tech (n.d.) Virginia career VIEW. Retrieved from http://www.vacareerview.org