Government income statistics indicate that the average earnings of college graduates are significantly higher than those of high school graduates. A college degree nearly doubles your earnings over a high school diploma.

It is never too late to return to college and graduate. Many state colleges offer programs that can be completed on site or via distance education. Many public universities also have programs for "reentry students" (those with a gap in their education); ask about special scholarships for reentry students.

Still not sure? Try this calculation on the back of an envelope. List your annual salary in your current job, and multiply it by the number of years you plan to work before retiring. Feel free to modify the salary figure if you think your salary will be increasing. Then do the same with the salary you could be making with a college degree. What is the difference between the two numbers?

In most cases, you will note that your overall income will be greater with the degree. However, there are valuable reasons to consider getting a degree beyond projected income: self-esteem, personal growth, serving as a role model for other members of your family, and exploring new career tracks.

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