Unemployment Rates are Lower Among College Graduates

Learn what you can do to gain secure employment and raise your earning potential.

Did you know that unemployment rates are lower among college graduates? Many industries were hit hard during the recession, some more than others. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the more education you have, the less likely you are to be out of work.

The jobless rate for college graduates under the age of 25 is 8 percent, compared to the whopping 24.5 percent of high school graduates under the age of 25 who did not enroll in college. Because most companies are hiring less, college graduates have been accepting positions in the service industry that would normally be reserved for the less educated, causing a greater problem for high school graduates.

With tuition costs up 92 percent since 2000, it is understandable why you might question the value of a degree. The statistics prove that it is well worth the investment, as you will have better job prospects and earning potential. Keep in mind that having a college degree will also help you in the future when the recession has passed, because unemployment rates for college graduates are always lower than high school graduates.

Earn Your Undergraduate Degree

A helpful tip to keep in mind when deciding on your undergraduate major is to pay close attention to where the government is spending federal stimulus dollars. Funding jobs in healthcare, the green industry and education is the Obama administration’s top priority, so pursuing an associates or bachelors degree in these majors will increase your chances of finding a job right out of college.

Other important issues a first time undergraduate applicant should consider are America’s top careers and in demand industries that require a lesser degree. Weighing these factors into your college search will allow you to gain lucrative employment in a shorter amount of time.

The online degree is your best option if your hours are inflexible, and you don’t have the time to attend a regular class schedule. Online school provides you with the flexibility to complete your homework and participate in discussions on your own time.

Of the 2010 college graduates who applied for a job, 24 percent had one waiting for them after graduation. This is up 20 percent from last year, which shows a steady improvement.

Students who graduate within the next few years will see better earnings and more job openings than those who graduated at the beginning of the recession. At the time, large companies sent fewer recruiters to college campuses. This trend has begun to reverse as the economy picks up.

Earn Your Graduate Degree

Many recent graduates are returning to school instead of trying to enter the job force at such an uncertain time because education level correlates with the salary earned at a job. College graduates with an advanced degree earn triple what a high school graduate makes. Jobs that don’t require a degree make 30 to 40 percent less than those that do.

Anyone with a bachelors degree may choose to attend graduate school. Some might be looking to switch careers, and know that a graduate degree will help their prospects. Others have achieved the highest position possible in their current careers, and the only way to advance is to earn another degree.

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