Community college grads out-earn bachelor's degree holders

[jeffrey]

...Nearly 30% of Americans with associate's degrees now make more than those with bachelor's degrees, according to Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce. In fact, other recent research in several states shows that, on average, community college graduates right out of school make more than graduates of four-year universities.

The average wage for graduates of community colleges in Tennessee, for instance, is $38,948 -- more than $1,300 higher than the average salaries for graduates of the state's four-year institutions...

http://money.cnn.com/2013/02/26/pf/college/community-college-earnings/index.html

[~bs]

community college offer more degrees in the way of trades and practical skills, while many bachelor's degrees are more theoretical in nature. And with the economy the way it is, a 4 year degree in many majors is practically worthless.

Also note that only 30% out earn bachelor's degrees.

[Baby_nurse]

I think it depends on the degree. I have an associates in nursing. My daughter just graduated with her BSN. Not only is she earning the same salary as me (despite my 20+ years experience), her degree leaves her in a better position for advancing at her hospital than my lowly ADN does.

[bjl584]

I believe that, because most Associate's Degrees are Specializations as opposed to the more general and broad Bachelor's Degrees that are available out there. A lot of the trades that pay well right out of the gates require an Associate's Degree. I see them starting to pop up in the gas and oil drilling fields as of late.