IT Certificate May Pay Off More Than Bachelor's Degree, Georgetown Study Finds

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Aug. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study released in June 2012 by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce found that even though on average college degree holders earn more than workers with certificates, many with certificates in fields such as IT, earn more than workers with Associate's degrees, and some earn more than workers with Bachelor's degrees. This study confirms what we at PC AGE Career Institute have known for over twenty years: IT certificates pay off. As an industry leader in IT training since 1991, PC AGE Career Institute provides education to working adults so they can earn IT certificates and attain higher salaries.

"In computer and information services, [certificate holder] men working in field earn $72,498 per year, which is more than 72 percent of men with an Associate's degree and 54 percent of men with Bachelor's degrees. Women with certificates in this field and working in a related occupation earn $56,664 annually, which is greater than 75 percent of women with an Associate's degree and 64 percent of women with a Bachelor's degree," the study finds.

Experience is a major factor too in the salaries mentioned above but people would not have reached those salary levels without their certificates and without working in the field. Considering the fact that the average college tuition is now over $27,000 per year and only 50% of students complete college, going for a one year certificate program that pays more than a bachelor's degree is the logical option for most people, especially those looking to change careers.

"Generally speaking, it takes four years and costs over $100,000 to complete a Bachelor's degree in contrast to one year for a certificate that costs about $20,000. For a $35,000 salary, three years of loss of income while attending college and not working is $105,000. Since some employers pay for your college, if you get a certificate first, get a job, and then complete your degree, you're probably saving $185,000," says Zafar Khizer, President of PC AGE.

For most people, pursuing a degree first is a huge mistake both financially and in terms of time, especially for those who have higher chances of dropping out due to circumstances. But now as this report finds, the trend is changing and more and more people are taking a certificate first, then degree route. It is a very smart and more direct path to financial success.

It should be noted that the Georgetown University study is referring to certificates or credentials issued by many non-degree granting institutes. Even though pay is impressive for those working in the training related field, only 24% of men holding certificates in IT work in the field. To increase probability of employment in the training related field, PC AGE also prepares students for CompTIA, Microsoft, and Cisco certifications. This gives students an edge in the job market resulting in over 70% placement rates in the field that is much higher than 24% that the report finds.

PC AGE Career Institute was founded in 1991 by Zafar Khizer and his wife Arifa Khizer. Its 9-12 month computer networking program and job placement assistance has won the company the New Jersey's Finest Award and Inc. Magazine's Inc. 500 award. PC AGE provides a 9-12 month career education and job placement assistance in the Information Technology (IT) field. It operates out of campuses in Jersey City, Edison, and Parsippany, as well as offering live online classes.

SOURCE PC AGE Career Institute