Is a Bachelor's Degree Really Worth $66K at Age 25?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the value of a Bachelor's degree, specifically questioning the reported median income of $66K for individuals aged 25 and older. Participants explore the implications of this figure, its accuracy, and factors that may influence the data.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, questioning the validity of the $66K figure for those with a Bachelor's degree.
  • There is a clarification that the $66K figure pertains to individuals aged 25 and older, not specifically 25-year-olds.
  • One participant calculates that the income based on the provided data is approximately $54K, not $66K, suggesting a potential error in interpretation.
  • Another participant raises concerns about the broader financial implications of education, such as loan payments and lost social benefits, questioning the net value of the reported income.
  • Some participants express confusion over the initial claim and seek clarification on whether the $66K figure is perceived as too high or too low.
  • A suggestion is made to search previous discussions on the topic, indicating that this may be a recurring theme in the forum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the accuracy of the $66K figure, with some asserting it is incorrect while others question the implications of the data presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential misunderstandings regarding the age demographic referenced in the statistics and the need for additional context regarding financial obligations associated with obtaining a degree.

KingNothing
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"Education pays" on BLS website.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has this page on their website: http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm.
http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.JPG
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, 2010.


This just seems very odd to me. This says the median for a 25-year-old with a Bachelor's degree is/was over $66K per year. I realize this is two years old, but it seems just as odd for 2010.

Any thoughts on what might skew the data?
 
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Why does that seem odd? Also, where are you getting the $66k figure?
 


First, it does NOT say that it is for 25 year olds. It says it is for people 25 and older.

Second, 1038 x 52 is about 54k, not 66k.
 


Pengwuino said:
where are you getting the $66k figure?

Jack21222 said:
Second, 1038 x 52 is about 54k, not 66k.

Whoops, sorry, I accidentally used the figure from the Master's degree row.
 


Any figures for average loan payments, tax payments and lost value of social benefits? I'm sure education does pay but perhaps less so then the above graph suggests.
 


I didn't understand what you found odd. Do you agree now that it is $54K instead of $66K? Did you find the $66K figure too high or too low?
 


I believe we have had these discussions before?. Try searching the forums.
 

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