Regardless of U.S. labor market conditions one constant holds true: Education boosts earnings and reduces unemployment.
According to the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU) the earnings gap between college graduates and those with less education continues to widen. In 2021, median income for recent graduates reached $52,000 a year for bachelor’s degree holders aged 22–27. For high school graduates the same age, median earnings are $30,000 a year.
Those with a bachelor’s degree earn, on average, 75% more over the course of their lifetime.* In addition to increased earning potential, a bachelor’s degree can provide opportunities for promotion or entry into a new career.
*Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce
People with a bachelor’s degree earn
*National job opportunities data is based on national medians and figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook handbook.
*Local job opportunities data is based on estimated base pay and figures from Indeed.com.
Employers recognize that competent communication skills are the heart of advancement, promotion, and leadership opportunities. According to a 2017 article in the Chronicle of Higher Education, employers and administrators report that competent communication skills are one of the top three skills graduates need to succeed. The Association of American Colleges and Universities reported in 2015 that the ability to effectively communicate orally, the ability to work effectively with others in teams, the ability to effectively communicate in writing, and the ability to apply critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills were rated as very important by employers. Eastern Kentucky University’s online communication studies program includes the development, reinforcement, and mastery of these skills.
The EKU Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all of your career and professional development needs. We offer a variety of services to current online EKU students and alumni to help you with your career development, decision-making and job search.
Services include: