In a recent report using 2007-2009 American Community survey data, researchers from Georgetown University have replicated a previous Census study on lifetime earnings.  They found that individuals with a Bachelor’s degree earn 84% more over a lifetime than those with only a high school diploma, up from 75% in 1999.  Today, Bachelor’s degree holders can expect median lifetime earnings approaching $2.3 million. By comparison, workers with just a high school diploma average roughly $1.3 million. Other key findings:

• Earnings vary greatly depending on the degree type, age, gender, race/ethnicity, and occupation of an individual. Women earn less at all degree levels, even when they work as much as men. On average, women who work full-time, full-year earn 25% less than men, even at similar education levels.  
  
• African Americans and Latinos earn less than Whites.  African Americans and Latinos with Master’s degrees have lifetime earnings lower than Whites with Bachelor’s degrees.
  
• Occupation also matters when it comes to earnings. There is a wide variation in earnings by occupation even among people with the same degree.

Related information on income by education can be found on our website.