What a four-year degree can mean for you

The world’s changing fast, and it’s normal to wonder: is a four-year degree still worth it? More than ever, the answer is yes.

If you’re thinking about your future in Michigan, you’re in a good place to make big things happen.

Boosting earning potential

One of the clearest advantages of a bachelor’s degree is its impact on long-term earnings. 

• While individual outcomes may vary, a college degree generally provides greater financial security and opens more opportunities for advancement. In 2023, median income for recent graduates aged 22 to 27 was around $60,000 annually, compared to $36,000 for high school graduates of the same age.
• Over a lifetime, college graduates can earn about $1.2 million more than those without a degree.

Finding more career opportunities

Job security is another key benefit of a four-year degree.

• Occupations that require a bachelor’s degree are expected to have a 3.3 million openings each year, on average.
• College graduates have an employment rate about 24% higher than those without a degree.

Employers continue to value the skills, persistence and adaptability that come with earning a degree.

Advancing social mobility

A college degree doesn’t just affect your paycheck — it can also open the door to greater social mobility.

• About 62% of college graduates report a higher social status than their parents, compared to 47% of those without a degree.
• Graduates also tend to volunteer more and contribute to their communities at higher rates. Service and civic leadership often grow naturally from the skills learned in college.

At Central Michigan University, students are encouraged to build strong networks that help them thrive long after graduation. Connections made at CMU often grow into lifelong, worldwide networks where alumni are eager to support, mentor and open doors for one another.

Accessing better benefits

Having a degree can mean better access to important job-related benefits.

• College graduates are 47% more likely to have employer-provided health insurance.
• College graduates also contribute about 26% more to retirement savings than high school graduates.

Benefits like these create a stronger foundation for financial security over the long term and open more choices in both career and personal life.

Staying resilient through economic changes

Economic recessions can hit hard, but college graduates are generally better positioned to weather them.

• Demand for postsecondary education typically grows during recessions and research has proven the benefits of postsecondary degrees and training in reducing unemployment and underemployment rates while improving people’s health outcomes, savings and civic engagement.
• Even during economic downturns, bachelor’s degree holders tend to have lower unemployment rates. During COVID-19, unemployment peaked at 10% for college grads versus 18% for those without degrees.

While no degree guarantees absolute stability, having one significantly improves the odds of maintaining income and opportunity even in tough times.

Living longer, living healthier

Education impacts more than income — it influences health and longevity too.

• College graduates live about a decade longer and experience better health outcomes than those who never complete high school. 
• They also experience lower rates of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.

The long-term effects of earning a degree extend well beyond career success, shaping a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Why your investment matters

Earning a bachelor’s degree remains one of the strongest ways to build financial stability over a lifetime.

• College graduates rely less on government programs and services such as Medicaid, housing subsidies, nutrition assistance, unemployment benefits and other public assistance than those with only a high school diploma.
• College students learn practical skills and can experience networking opportunities that open doors to their perspective careers.

Build your future with CMU

If you are ready to step forward, Central Michigan University offers everything you need to get there. CMU provides a student-centered environment, innovative programs in high-demand fields and a community that truly wants you to succeed.

With dedicated career services, strong alumni connections and personalized advising, CMU isn’t just a place to study — it’s a place to reach your career goals.

Whether you want to lead in business, innovate in tech, teach the next generation or make an impact in healthcare, Central Michigan University will be with you every step of the way.

Ready to invest in yourself? Give Central Michigan University a look today and fire up your future.