Why Get a Graduate Degree?

Once upon a time in America, high school graduates were regarded as unusually well-educated. A high school education provided more than enough training for a number of high-paying careers. Throughout the 1800s, the high school diploma distinguished the financially successful from those with day-to-day financial struggles. However, as the U.S. population swelled with immigrants and more Americans moved to urban areas, social activists and lawmakers saw a need for all residents to receive a common secondary education. From 1900 to 1996, the percentage of children earning high school diplomas rose from about 5% to about 85%. As the high school diploma became more common, its value fell. In 1975, those without a high school diploma earned just 10% less than people with college degrees. In 2005, they earned 30% less. The diploma’s worth has fallen as more high school graduates are competing for jobs. At the same time, the U.S. economy has changed since the late 1970s. Higher-paying jobs today demand advanced training. College graduates are finding that the bachelor’s degree has also lost its competitive advantage. A four-year degree no longer offers the promise of a steadily-rising income. Since 2001, wages for the majority of college-educated U.S. workers have not increased when adjusted for inflation. In 2007, the real value of wages actually fell almost 2% below the 2001 level. Just as the high school diploma lost value as it became more common, the baccalaureate has become a victim of downsizing. Globalization and technology have redefined the worth of an educated workforce. Positions that once brought a comfortable and steadily-growing income have become obsolete, stagnant, or moved overseas. Today’s employers are rewarding people who have very specific and advanced skills. Graduate degrees have therefore become the new must-have degree for career growth and financial success.

More Info from Kaplan University Online
Kaplan University - Master's Degrees. Students interested in getting their graduate degree from Kaplan University will be getting an excellent college education from the premiere university online. Kaplan University prepares students to have successful careers by providing all the skills they'll need.
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Ashford
Ashford University - Master's Degrees. Ashford University is commited to its mission of creating excellent leaders in the workforce. Ashford University offers accredited Master's Degrees at affordable prices.
Ashford
Liberty University
Liberty University - Master's Degrees. Liberty University Master's Degree programs are available to working professionals from anywhere they are. Liberty University makes it convenient for working adults to go back to school to be able to further their career.
Walden University
Walden University - Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Walden University is the best fit for students seeking to obtain their Doctoral degree online. Walden University takes pride in offering students the very best online degrees available that are affordable to everyone.
Walden University
Capella University Online
Capella University - Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Capella University uses a student-centric approach to educating those attending school there. Capella uses this approach to become one of the most respected online colleges in the nation for students seeking to get an upper level degree.
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degrees. Students interested in finding a convenient way to go back to school will be interested in attending Grand Canyon University. Grand Canyon allows students to take all of their graduate level classes at home.
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AIU Online, American Intercontinental University Online
American InterContinental University Online - Master's Degrees. American InterContinental University is a place where bright minds come together and work towards getting their Master's degrees. AIU prepares students at campus locations worldwide and online classes also available.
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Baker College Online
Everest University - Master's Degrees. Everest University is a dynamic educational portal that offers affordable, accredited degrees to students. Everest University Master's degrees are designed for professionals working towards getting their secondary degree.
Everest College
South University
South University - Master's Degrees. South University Master's graduates are immediately prepared to take the next step in their careers because of their new, respected education. South University offers their Master's degree at affordable prices so that numerous students are able to attend.
South University
University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix - Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Known as the largest online college, University of Phoenix has a variety of upper level degrees available. University of Phoenix offers their degrees online and at campus locations.