In order to be competitive in the job market, training beyond high school is imperative. It used to be that a high school diploma was enough. Now employers routinely sort through a stack of resumes from job applicants, looking for ways to shorten the stack. The first thing they look for in a potential candidate is some kind of a degree.

Also, people with a degree lead generally happy, healthier lives. Recent research shows that graduates enjoy increased life expectancy, better general health, and improved quality of life for themselves and their children. They have more job options and promotion possibilities available to them. They're more likely to be employed, and when they're unemployed, they find new jobs faster.

People with education after high school earn, on average, $1 million more over their lifetime than those with only a high school diploma.