University Graduates: What’s its Worth To You?

American’s have always-valued education almost an obsession; our government has pushed the education agenda for many years.  Most immigrants that migrated to America have migrated to give their children a better life and through education they or we believe education will make you successful.  It’s very true today that an education can open doors for most people in America, and because of that we are obsessed with education.  

I recently was reminded of how important education is.  My niece is a junior in high school and I have been spending time with her recently, the big discussion is about school.  I find it difficult to understand how my niece is not getting any guidance at school (she is a 3.7, that’s good, but that is another blog).  As we were talking I was reminded how important an education can be to the long-term value of your net worth.

Universities are finding creative ways through career counseling center’s to educate parents and students of what careers are worth.  The University of Taxes is encouraging students and parents to research through a website they provide, to show how much their graduates are making after graduating, the University of Southern California’s faculty are being given career counseling training and St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, encourages freshman to take personality tests, just to name a few schools.  I have complied a list of the best universities and colleges career services for 2013-2014 according to bestcolleges.com:

              Southwestern University

                  Clark University

                  Wake Forest University

                  Sweet Briar College

                  Franklin & Marshall College

                  Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

                  University of Florida

                  Northeastern University

                  Penn State University

                  University of Texas — Austin

                  Barnard College

                  Macalester College

                  Waynesburg University

                  West Liberty University

                  Hunter College

                  Mississippi Valley State University

                  Saint Francis University

                  Franklin Pierce University

                  Denver Seminary

                  Bismarck State College

                  Saint Louis University

                  Thomas Jefferson University

                  University of New Mexico

                  University of New Hampshire Law School

                  Longwood University

                  Mercyhurst University

                  College of New Rochelle

                  Muskingum University

                  Smith College

                  East Carolina University

                  Digital Media Arts College

                  Missouri Valley College

                  North Central State College

                  Case Western Reserve University

                  Lincoln University of Pennsylvania

                  Polytechnic Institute of New York University

                  William Penn University

                  Bellevue College

                  Alvernia University

                  Blue Mountain College

                  Bridgewater State

                  Kansas City Art Institute

                  Dowling College

                  American Jewish University

                  Caldwell College

                  Brooks Institute

                  Laguna College of Art and Design

                             University of Southern Mississippi

I would encourage the future grads and parents to research the different professions and approach your child’s education, as a business be practical but remember they have to have an interest in the subject.  Regardless of what your educational aspirations are, remember education will be worth it.  I know because my education changed my confidence and my financial value so remember be passionate about your education but be practical.

To read more stats on how education can boost your income over your lifetime, follow these links: 

http://www.askmen.com/money/career_150/177_career.html

http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/the-100-best-jobs

http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2011/08/05/how-higher-education-affects-lifetime-salary

Elizabeth Koukladas

Bearla International Studies

info.bearla@gmail.com