Their Relation to Higher Educational Finance 
63 
Dl AGR AM III' 
THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 
OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY 
Effect of Education on Average Incomes at Different Ages 
and Total Life Earnings 
FiGURE I.—The Untrained Man. He goes to work as a boy of 14—reaches 
maximum income at 30, on the average less than $1,200. a year. Since his income 
is largely dependent on physical 
strength and manual dexterity, 
it falls off at 50 or earlier, to'a 
poiut below the level of seif 
support. 
More than 60 out of every 
100 untrained workers are de 
pendent upon others for support 
at the age of 60. 
Total earnings from 14 to 60, 
about $45,000. Not more than 
$2,000. is earned in the four 
years that would have given him 
a High School education. 
Figure II.—The High School 
Graduate. He goes to work at 
18, passes the maximum of the 
untrained man within seven years, 
rises steadily to his own maxi 
mum of approximately $2,200. 
at 40, and continues at tliat level 
for the remainder of his active 
life. 
Total earnings from 18 to 
60, about $78,000. The $33,000. 
more than that earned by the 
untrained man represents the 
cash value of a four-year High 
School course—but note below 
what return may be expected 
from four years of Higher Edu 
cation. 
Figure III.—The College or 
Technical School Graduate. 
His permanent earnings began 
at 22, although a considerable 
amount may be earned during 
the College course. By the time he is 28, his income equals that of the High School 
graduate at 40, and it continues steadily to rise, practically without a break. 
Since his income is dependent upon his mental ability and training constantly 
improved by practice, it increases instead of diminishes with the years. The average 
of $6,000. at 60 is offen surpassed. 
Total earnings from 22 to 60 (not including anything earned during the College 
period), $150,000. The $72,000. more than that earned by the High School graduate 
represents the cash value of College, or technical training. 
1 Used through the courtesy of Dean Lord.