Looking for the ticket out of your dead end job? Give yourself a $22,000 raise. According the U. S. Census Bureau, Americans with a Bachelor's Degree earn about $22,000 more than those with only a High School Diploma. Give yourself another $26,000 raise if you hold a Graduate Degree.

In addition to the financial gains a college education provides, you'll also enjoy more job satisfaction. Control your educational pursuits by selecting a course of studies that ignites your passions. That means you come out of school ready to take on jobs in the profession of choice. The more education you pursue, the more quality employers will pursue you.

Before you begin looking at schools, have a good idea of what you want to study. Some schools offer more directed programs of study than others. For schools with highly accelerated degree programs, you may not have the ability to transfer credits if you decide that's not the school for you. You have a varity of choices from online programs, brick and mortar colleges and universities in your hometown or across the world. Select your school carefully. Consult independent, online sources to find out what schools offer your intended program of study. From there, compare graduation rates, tuition, and financial aid availability. You should even peruse course offerings in your major to get a feel for the education you'll be receiving. Contemplating studying abroad? Factor in real world education and cultural exposure as added bonuses to your educational experience.

As you look at tuition and fees, don't let the daunting expense of education sway your intentions. Think of it as investment in your future. Most schools offer comprehensive need-based financial aid to cushion the blow. Aid can come in the form of scholarships, grants or student loans. Before taking out loans, be wary of the cost of borrowing and your future ability to repay.

Like most things worth having, your education is a challenging and rewarding process. Before you start submitting applications, think about how you'll balance school with other obligations like work, family and your social life. If you decide to pursue your studies from home, do you have dedicated workspace to accommodate studying? You'll spend approximately six hours a week per class on homework. Time management skills and an unyielding drive to succeed are essential. If you've been out of school for a while, consider starting slow with one or two classes until you feel comfortable with the pace.