Why Community Colleges Matter
Community Colleges everywhere are integral contributors to the communities in which they reside.
North Central positively influences both the lives of its students and the regional economy through:
- Increased Earnings
- Greater career stability
- Improved quality of life
- More community involvement
- Boosting the community’s skilled workforce
Median usual weekly earnings and unemployment rate by educational attainment.
Educational attainment
Median weekly earnings ($)
Unemployment rate (%)
Doctoral degree
Median weekly earnings
$2,278
Unemployment rate
1.2%
Professional degree
Median weekly earnings
$2,363
Unemployment rate
1.3%
Master’s degree
Median weekly earnings
$1,840
Unemployment rate
2.2%
Bachelor’s degree
Median weekly earnings
$1,543
Unemployment rate
2.5%
Associate’s degree
Median weekly earnings
$1,099
Unemployment rate
2.8%
Some college, no degree
Median weekly earnings
$1,020
Unemployment rate
3.8%
High school diploma
Median weekly earnings
$930
Unemployment rate
4.2%
Less than a high school diploma
Median weekly earnings
$738
Unemployment rate
6.2%
TOTAL
Median weekly earnings
$1,221
Unemployment rate
3.3%
Note: Data are 2024 annual averages for persons age 25 and over. Earnings are for full-time wage and salary workers.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey.
| Educational attainment | Median weekly earnings | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | $2,278 | 1.2% |
| Professional degree | $2,363 | 1.3% |
| Master’s degree | $1,840 | 2.2% |
| Bachelor’s degree | $1,543 | 2.5% |
| Associate’s degree | $1,099 | 2.8% |
| Some college, no degree | $1,020 | 3.8% |
| High school diploma | $930 | 4.2% |
| Less than a high school diploma | $738 | 6.2% |
| Total | $1,221 | 3.3% |