New Grad - Was It Worth All Those Student Loans?

Congratulations! You made it through college. Your future is looking bright. Studies continue to confirm that college graduates often make significantly more money than their non-college counterparts.

The Census Bureau reports that as of 2000, the average college graduate (B.A. degree) earned $49,674 a year, compared to just $26,059 a year for non-graduates. That's a 90% earnings advantage, up from 57% in 1975. So if you're wondering whether it was worth it, it has all the potential of being worth an extra $23,615 a year (at least this year).

So who cares if you've only got eight bucks in your pocket, three million in loans and a beater car outside? You're about to take full advantage of a personal economic boom -- no matter what's going on with our nation's economy -- because, bottom line, you're bound to make more moola that you did in college. And you've come to just the right place to get the information you need. Because, even though you hate financial planning, you gotta love the opportunities you now have for a very bright financial future indeed.

What Kind Of Job Should You Look For?If you're trying to figure out which direction to head career-wise, you might want to take a look at a recent study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Tomorrow's Jobs" (at bls.gov) predicts the fastest-growing occupations through 2010. Not surprisingly, most of them involve technology (computer software engineering, analysis and systems management) and require a college degree. Other industries that may provide job growth include health care and education. The study also predicts plenty of work for librarians, accountants, auditors, meeting planners, graphic designers and financial professionals.

More information and help on student loans you'll find here: Student Loans Help Blog.