Education Pays

Education Pays 2010, a report released by the College Board Advocacy & Policy Center, presents the benefits of higher education in terms of several criteria. Central to their report, are the statistical differences in earned income and unemployment rates between high school graduates and those who possess a four-year degree. Additionally they report further benefits correlated with a postsecondary education, including: greater job satisfaction, greater civic engagement, healthier lifestyles, more engagement in the education of their children, increased tax revenue for the government, and less government expenditure on public assistance. Despite increases in rates of enrollment, large demographic-linked gaps in participation and completion of higher education persist. In an effort to close these gaps, the College Board recommends providing high-quality primary and secondary education, postsecondary training opportunities, and generous financial support to encourage postsecondary success.