How College Grads Can Boost Sagging Wages

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A college degree is recognized as one of the best ways to boost career earnings. But such workers aren’t doing as well as before.

In fact, “the bottom 50 percent of workers with a college degree still have lower wages than they did in 2000 or 2007,” according to the Economic Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit think tank.

The findings might raise questions about the worth of a bachelor’s degree, especially with the cost of college reaching record levels.

It’s important to note that American workers with college degrees continue to outearn their less-educated peers. Still, the EPI data paints a bleak picture of the post-recession economy in the United States. The EPI says:

“While those with college degrees or advanced degrees saw wage growth of 8.5 percent and 6.9 percent, respectively, from 2000 to 2016, educational attainment has not been sufficient to return many workers to where they were before the recessions of the 2000s.”

How to make more money

Are you a college-bound student who wants to ensure your degree will pay off? Selecting the right school can go a long way toward boosting your earnings. For more insights, check out “10 U.S. Colleges, Majors Produce the Highest-Paid Grads

Searching for the right job — in the right city — also can boost your fortunes. For more insight, check out:

Once you have a job, don’t rest on your laurels. Work hard and remind your boss of your accomplishments. Money Talks News reporter Maryalene LaPonsie writes that keeping a daily journal of your professional successes can help you during the annual review:

In addition to your daily work habits, review your entire calendar for the past year and find the highlights. Be prepared to give a copy of your calendar to the boss if he or she asks for a copy.

For more tips, check out “10 Things to Do Before Your Next Performance Review.”

Finally, you can always ask for a raise. Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson has some suggestions for adding to your bottom line — including how to purchase good health insurance or find the right credit card — in “Ask Stacy: How Do I Start Over.”

Whatever you do, don’t simply give up on building a brighter and more lucrative future. As Stacy writes:

The beautiful thing about adversity is that you’re the one who decides whether to lie down and give up or to treat your difficulties as challenges in the epic adventure of your life.

Do you have tips that can help today’s college grads earn more? Share them below or on Facebook.

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