While a bachelor’s degree remains a good investment for most students, not all have the time, money, or inclination to complete the degree. Since college tuition rises are outpacing the inflation rate, College Measures, a joint venture of AIR and Optimity Advisers, is studying the value of sub-baccalaureate credentials. Depending on subject studied and location, the project finds that those with associate’s degrees or certificates often out-earn those holding a bachelor’s.
 

Percent change in bachelor’s degrees awarded in the U.S. between 2008 and 2013: +18

In short-term certificates: +28

In associate’s degrees: +38

In long-term certificates: +64

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Colorado per-capita median income in 2013: $31,000

Median wages earned by those with an associate’s degree: $42,000

By those with a long-term certificate: $49,000

By those with a short-term certificate: $54,000

By those with a bachelor’s: $55,000

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Median earnings of graduates in Colorado with an associate’s of applied sciences in graphic communications: $32,000

In computer systems networking and telecommunications: $58,000

In registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing: $64,000

In fire protection: $73,000

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Texas per-capita median income in 2013: $26,000

Median wages earned by those with a certificate: $47,000

By those with an associate’s degree: $56,000

By those with a bachelor’s: $69,000

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Median earnings of human development, family studies and related services certificate holders in Texas: $23,000

Of funeral service and mortuary science certificate holders: $29,000

Of plumbing and related water supply service certificate holders: $71,000

Of mechanical engineering certificate holders: $116,000

All figures are from 2013 data, the latest available. Wages reflect earnings ten years after receiving a credential.

Sources: Education Pays in Colorado: Earnings One, Five and Ten Years After College (2015), College Measures, U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Data System