If you’re considering a bachelor’s degree, the earning potential you can look forward to also has a big impact on your decision, particularly now that so many people are returning to school. You’re probably already familiar with stories of people who earn high starting salaries with only an associate’s degree. So I understand why it’s tempting to believe you could be one of those people, too.
There are many ways to get a bachelor’s degree, and the cost of each depends on whether you choose to go to a public or private school, where you live, and whether or not you’re attending full-time.
If you’re attending a public school in Illinois, for example, the average tuition is around $9,000 per year. That means that if you attend full-time (and don’t have any other expenses) it will cost you around $18,000 over four years. If your parents are paying for your education, they’ll likely be able to claim it as a tax deduction.
If you’re going to a private college or university in Illinois, tuition could run anywhere from $25,000-$40,000 per year—plus room and board! This can add up quickly!
While this may seem like a lot of money now, remember that most states offer financial aid packages and scholarships for students who qualify based on their income level or major field of study.
Salary for bachelor’s degree
America’s Best Bachelor Degrees By Salary
Graduating from university never really guarantees you a well paid job but some degrees definitely give you a higher chance of finding one. According to Payscale, Petroleum Engineering is America’s best bachelor degree by salary. Despite the revolution in renewable energy, petroleum engineers in the United States can expect to earn around $94,500 in the first five years of their career, with typical pay rising to $176,900.
