Higher levels of education are correlated with higher earning potential. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that average annual income increases with educational attainment, from $27,448 for high school graduates to $63,174 for graduate degree holders. While a college education requires time and financial investment, it pays off in higher lifetime earnings. Vocational associate's degrees provide a middle path for increased earning potential without a full bachelor's, with respiratory therapy as an example leading to a $52,200 average salary. Beyond financial returns, college degrees open up rewarding career options and a better quality of life.