Planning for College

The Value of a College Education

A study done by the U.S. Census Bureau suggests that almost 90 percent of students graduate from high school each year, and about 60 percent of high school seniors enroll in college the following year.

The average yearly earnings ranged from $18,900 for high school dropouts to $25,900 for high school graduates, $45,400 for college graduates, and $99,300 for workers with professional degrees (M.D., J.D., D.D.S., or D.V.M.).

Numbers like these reinforce the value of a post-secondary education in today's changing world. Start talking early with your child to stress the importance of a college education.

"The Big Payoff: Educational Attainment and Synthetic Estimates of Work-Life Earnings," U.S. Census Bureau, 2002.

Iowa State Youth Programs

Learning is made fun for students of all ages through Iowa State's Programs for Youth. Each year, Iowa State hosts students for field trips, summer camps, and other enrichment experiences both on and off campus.

Iowa State offers programs based on grade level, subject area and more! This Web site gives parents, educators, and pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students a chance to learn about the youth programs available through Iowa State University.