Money may not grow on trees but it does seem to grow on degrees. Ireland has the greatest lifetime net benefit of getting a degree compared to non-graduates.
While we may already be familiar with the notion that a higher education equals a higher salary, data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that graduates in Ireland benefit the most financially.
While Ireland’s unemployment levels have been swelling, they’re still significantly lower for those with degrees compared to non-graduates and early school-leavers.
Unsurprisingly, America is next on the list of countries with the greatest lifetime net benefit of a degree. With both countries enjoying lower income taxes, their graduates naturally receive more take-home pay.
However, there is still a significant gap between Ireland and America and the rest of the countries. Nordic countries are way down the list, due to a massively skilled workforce and high income taxes, meaning degree-holders don’t have as much of a competitive edge, nor do they enjoy the same healthy pay packet.
Due to a historical shortage of a third-level educated workforce, demand for highly skilled talent has increased massively over recent years in former Eastern bloc countries such as Poland, Slovenia and Hungary.
This means their graduates are reaping the benefits of being the most sought-after candidates and enjoy higher incomes.
However, the type of degree you have will determines where you fall on the salary scale, and certain degrees can help you to hit the six-figure sums.
For example, a bachelor of science in finance might point you to a career as a financial analyst, giving you an annual salary of approximately $77,000. With a bachelor of science in information systems, you could hit the $80,000 mark as a computer systems analyst.
Check out the infographic below to find out what kind of degrees will bring you the right skills and job offers that can give you a very handsome monthly sum.
Infographic: University of Alabama at Birmingham Online
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