The results are in and according to the U.S. Census Bureau, those adults 18 and over with a bachelor’s degree earn almost twice what those with only a high school diploma make in a given work year. According to the Bureau, those with bachelor’s degrees earned $51,554 in 2004, which those with only a high school diploma earned $28,645 and those with less than a high school diploma earned $19,169 on average.

“We have always believed that education is the path to a brighter future and that was the principle for founding South Texas College – opening the door to opportunity,” said Dr. Shirley A. Reed, president of STC. “These results do not surprise me because this is a trend we have been seeing locally for many years. I can not stress how important a college education is to future success.”

Many of STC’s students have started their education at local campuses, earning an associate’s degree and moving on to institutions like The University of Texas – Pan American to finish their studies and earn a four-year degree. The college has also developed a variety of programs to make college accessible to everyone including dual enrollment for high school students, offering a Bachelor of Applied Technology degree, opening campuses at five locations across Hidalgo and Starr Counties, offering night and weekend classes, as well as providing financial assistance to approximately 80 percent of students.

“College is not just an option any more – it is the option to getting ahead in life,” said Mario Reyna, division dean of Business Math, Science and Technology. “Whether you pursue a certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree, you need to learn skills that will be of value to future employers. Companies no longer have the time and money to invest in on-the-job training and they are looking for people who can come in on day one and start delivering results. You must look at continuing your education whether you are 18 or 80. Learning is a lifelong process and it never ends.”

Thousands of STC students have completed their degrees and gone on to see the difference that an education can make. Yolanda Gonzalez graduated from STC with an associate’s in Business Administration and transferred to UTPA, where she obtained her bachelor’s in marketing. While in college she continued to work full-time at First National Bank in the marketing field, helping her earn the position of membership director with The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce.

“Earning an education prepared me for the demands of the business world, in particular business principles, customer relations and basic office procedures, and without this knowledge I would not be successful at my job,” said Gonzalez. “I encourage everyone to look past the costs and time commitments required to earn a degree and keep the bigger picture in mind. Having South Texas College and UTPA close to home made it easier for me to attain my education. The facts are plain; earning a degree means more money and more options.”

Rita Reyna, former STC student and current secretary for the college’s Office of Distance Learning, is currently pursuing her bachelor’s in English from UTPA and is one year away from earning her degree.

“I have always loved learning and so pursuing a college education was something I chose; it wasn’t forced on me by anyone,” said Reyna. “I believe that education leads to better career opportunities. If you go to college, you choose what you want to do rather than waiting for life to make that choice for you. An education is something that no one can take away from you. You earn it and you own it and it’s up to you to make the most of it.

For additional information about this study visit http://www.census.gov/. For more information about South Texas College programs and opportunities, visit www.southtexascollege.edu or call 872-8311.

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