Are you questioning whether you can afford college? Does the student loan debt average of over $30,000 cause you concern? Figures from a recent Pew Research Center survey indicate that affording college should be the least of your worries. This, and studies like it, show that you cannot afford NOT to go to college. Let’s look at why that’s the case, and then look at how credit-by-exam programs like those from Achieve Test Prep can lessen the financial burden.

Higher Gap than Ever Between College Grads and the Less Educated

The 2014 Pew Research Center survey indicates that, when compared with previous generations, today’s Millennials face a greater disparity between the economic well-being of those with college degrees and those without. It is true that the actual difference in pay hasn’t grown as sharply, however the college graduate will still bring in, on average, $17,500 more annually than those holding just a high school diploma will make. Those with an advanced degree can make an average of $2 million more over their lifetime!

More importantly, the college graduate is more likely to be employed full time and overall significantly less likely to be unemployed. This is where the real discrepancy appears. More and more employers are looking for college graduates for all types of positions – not only for the knowledge, but for the personality traits and skill sets a college degree indicates.

The survey also shows that those with a college degree are far more likely to say their job is a career choice or a step on the career ladder. They feel greater job satisfaction and are more confident they have the education and training to gain promotions.

Should Cost Be a Factor?

With 60% of the students deciding on a school based on financial aid, cost is something that is considered. However, the Pew survey shows that 86% of those who got their degrees say it was worth it.

Interestingly, a Gallup poll taken in 2014 showed that the name of the college or university has little or no influence on job prospects. And a 2013 Pew Research Center survey found that public school graduates had the same economic well-being and job satisfaction as those graduating from the more expensive private universities.

Studies like these show that the alternatives to a traditional four-year college can bring the same employment benefits and life satisfaction. It is important to note that getting some college education, without getting your degree, could be more financially damaging that not going at all. You won’t receive the employment benefits that the degree brings, but you will still be obligated to pay off any student debt. Obtaining that degree is very important.

How Does Credit-by-Exam Help?

We’ve seen that you simply cannot afford not to get your degree, with all the benefits being a college graduate brings. What would you think if you could get your degree in less time and less cost than going to a traditional four-year college? You could be in the workforce sooner, paying off that student debt faster, and on your way to a satisfying career before your peers.

Achieve Test Prep credit-by-exam programs allow you to get a semester’s worth of credit in just a few weeks at a significantly lower cost. There’s no daily or weekly assignments, or papers to turn in. At the end of the prep course, you take one exam. That’s it. Pass and you receive your credit. If you have difficulties with the exam, Achieve’s 911 program allows you to receive one-on-one tutoring and retakes of the prep course at no additional cost. Your success is our number one goal.

And it’s flexible in when and how the courses are offered. The sessions can be taken on location at one of our campuses across the country, or online in a live virtual classroom, which gives you the classroom experience from the convenience of your home. Courses are offered day and night, year round.

You’ve read the benefits of a college degree, call Achieve today to find out how to make that degree more affordable and faster to obtain.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE GUIDE ON “HOW TO AFFORD COLLEGE”

For more tips and insights into the options available to you to help make college affordable, no matter who you are, click HERE to download our free guide “How to Afford College”