Most people who go into the job market just out of college may not see a significant earnings difference from those who do not a have a college degree.

Entry-level positions, regardless of the industry, tends to offer lower wages as people hone their professional skills in the workplace.  However, over time, those with a college degree historically earn more than their counterparts who do not have a degree. Why is that?

There are several reasons for this.  First, employers often view those who pursued and obtained a degree more task-focused and goal-oriented, and having the ability to meet a challenge placed before them.  Second, those with a college degree have been exposed to different types of tasks involving public speaking, writing, and critical thinking; all conducive to being successful in the workplace.  Third, those with a degree have been exposed to skills needed at the management level, so those with a degree tend to garner management positons more rapidly than those without.

Certainly this is not the case in all professionals but for the most part, those who have earned a college degree are ultimately higher earners than those without.