The difference a college degree makes both in income and chance of unemployment.

How much of a difference can getting a college degree really make? A lot, and more as the degrees get higher. This chart from Justin Wolfers shows that an education can pay off in more ways than one.

People without a high school diploma are suffering 14.9% unemployment right now, and that’s just the U-3! Just imagine what the underemployment rate is for this age bracket. This compares to a much more reasonable 5.4% for those with a bachelors degree.

In addition to much greater job security and employment opportunities, those with a bachelors degree can expect to earn two to three times more than those without a high school diploma, and still significantly more than those who do hold a high school diploma.

Tags: Education, Employment