Making Money After High School: Career & Education Choices

Trying to decide if college is a good financial decision? Or if the benefits of having a college degree are worth the challenges that come with getting it?

There's a difference between having a job and making enough money to pay your bills. A “living wage” is what you need to make to pay your rent, buy groceries, get gas in your tank, and afford other living expenses. The Dallas, a living wage was $54,636 in 2021, or $26.27/hour for a full-time employee. See how we calculate that at the bottom of this page.

Here’s a breakdown of what Dallas County public school graduates like you (now aged 25-30 years old) are earning:

1. Workers with No College: $37,100 Average Salary or $17.84/hour full-time

Graduates without a college degree make ~$17.5k less than they need to cover their expenses in Dallas.

2. Workers with at Least an Associate Degree: $58,700 Average Salary or $28.22/hour full-time

If you've got an associate degree or plan on obtaining one, you're on track for a living wage! Associate degrees take less time than a bachelor’s degree and are offered by many schools! Plenty of students are graduating high school with their associate’s degree.

3. Living Wage Struggle: Only 13% Make the Cut

Just 13% of young Texans without associate degrees meet the living wage standard of $54,636, compared to 48% of young Texans with a bachelor's.

4. Associate Degree Superpower: Twice the Chances

Those with associate degrees are almost twice as likely to earn a living wage. A solid advantage.

5. Bachelor’s degree Jackpot: 4X Better Luck!

Aim for a bachelor’s degree – you're four times more likely to earn a living wage compared to those with no college.

The data from prior graduates is clear. Whether it's an associate or a bachelor's degree, your education matters when it comes to your financial future.

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But you don't have to figure this out alone. There are many organizations that can connect you with financial assistance, advising, and other resources to help you navigate your options.

• Dallas County Promise supports students in finding their best fit for after high school. Promise Scholars can be offered last-dollar tuition grants.
• MyTxFuture lets you explore different colleges and careers, filtering by salary, degree, region, and more!
• Dallas ISD partners with community colleges to offer dual credit courses that you complete in high school and count towards your degree.