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<p>Note that $100,000 for four years is a lot less than the full list price of many private and out of state public universities; the rate of return would be likely be less favorable if one spent full list price at the most expensive universities. What it means is that, unless one comes from a very wealthy family that can easily and willingly spend up to the full list price at any university, looking for the best value for your educational needs is important. Also, the rate of return can be affected by choice of subjects studied, and the popular view of which majors pay well is not necessarily the same as reality.</p>
<p>Also note that the rate of return for an associates degree is higher than that for a bachelor’s degree in the chart. This is likely because one can study to an associates degree at an inexpensive community college, while learning skills that can significantly upgrade your job prospects compared to those with no additional education or training beyond a high school diploma (depending on the subject studied, of course).</p>