Studies show time and time again that your salary goes up when you earn a degree. Some adults return to school for the sheer joy of learning, but most of us find ourselves back in the classroom for a degree, or another one, that will earn us more income.

Studies by the U. S. Department of Education prove that your effort pays off.

In 2011, the Census Bureau reported the following statistics:

Earnings Estimates:

$19,474 Less than a high school diploma
$26,181 High school diploma
$31,017 Some college or associate’s degree
$46,275 Bachelor’s degree
$60,091 Graduate or professional degree

The DOE has similar data.  It also generalizes, reporting that the “pattern of higher earnings corresponding with higher levels of educational attainment was consistent for each year shown between 1995 and 2012.” The pattern holds for male, female, white, black, Hispanic, and Asian subgroups, they say.

If you have any doubt that going back to school is in your own best interest, study these tables from reliable sources. Research their websites. The type of job you choose, of course, has an impact on your total earnings, but a degree will land you a better job than not every time.  http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm