50,000

According to an analysis from Strada Education Foundation, a degree is a good investment. That’s if you attend an in-state public university and get a job that pays at least $50,000 within a year of graduation. Yep, lots of caveats there. 

As we all know not all degrees are created equal.
I joke with my college friends that our Bachelor’s degrees expired years ago.
Community colleges, often praised for their affordability, don’t always lead to jobs that pay enough to repay student loans.
And Ivy leagues, as much of a leg up as it can give you are what you make of it.

That’s why choosing the right degree is important
As is understanding the tradeoffs that come with that degree
Not every graduate earns the "average wage" cited in the stats.

And If you’re a communications or journalism major like myself, odds are you will make very little to start. Few if any of us see six figures. And I didn’t see 50,000 until my late twenties.
That’s not to say it's not worth it. But shouldn’t our kids enter the job market with their eyes open? 

We must let them know that education is crucial, but college is not one-size-fits-all.
“Go to college to succeed” needs to become “hey kid let’s plan your next steps.”

What do you think? What advice do you have for entry-level workers or kids looking at colleges? Share your thoughts and check out more discussions at jamesbrowntv.substack.com.

On that note, I’m James Brown, and as always, be well.