🚨 Expert Advice: The College Investor reviews student loan insurance. Read More

College usually pays off. But what if you’re the exception?

College usually pays off. But what if you’re the exception?

It’s true. College graduates on average earn more than people without degrees. A lot more.

Over a lifetime, college grads earn about $1.19 million – twice as much as high school grads ($580,000).

But here’s what many students and families are scared to say out loud:

“What if I’m not average? What if college doesn’t pay off for me?”

It’s not just a hypothetical. While most graduates do fine, some don’t.

Some Graduates Fall Behind. Way Behind.

Even among college grads, earnings vary wildly depending on major, school, and career path. Check this out:


Caption: Some graduates earn millions more than others – just based on what they studied or where they went to school. Student Loan Insurance helps protect you in case you’re on the lower end of that scale.

That means a graduate in the bottom 20% may earn less than half of what their higher-earning peers make – despite taking on the same types of loans to get their degree.

Fear of Debt Can Backfire

It’s no wonder many families across the country are choosing lower-cost schools just to avoid student loans.

But here’s what the data shows:

Students who attend lower-cost, lower-return colleges are 7x more likely to default on their loans than those who attend higher-cost, higher-return schools (18% vs. 2.5%).

This “tuition myopia”— focusing on short-term savings — can lead to:

  • Lower future earnings
  • More loan defaults
  • Career compromises

Student Loan Insurance = Peace of Mind

Let’s be clear: Student Loan Insurance isn’t for the average outcome.

It’s for the students who fall into the bottom 20%. The ones who do everything right — and still struggle to earn enough.

Trouble is, you can’t predict the future. But you can protect it.

Student Loan Insurance is simple –

  • If you earn a low income after college, Student Loan Insurance helps repay your federal, private, and parent PLUS loans.
  • In other words, the less you make, the more help you get.

It’s a safety net – just in case you need help.

The Worry Is Real. So Is the Solution.

Families are right to worry. Student debt can feel like a gamble – and the fear of “being the exception” is valid.

But you don’t have to bet everything.

With Student Loan Insurance, you can choose the right college – not just the cheapest – and chase the future you want, not just the one you can afford.

Previous post
Next post

Trending Posts

Community College vs. Four-Year College: Which Path Is Right?

Community College vs. Four-Year College: Which Path Is Right?

By Justin Gillmar

Compare community college vs. university in this guide. Explore costs, graduation rates, earning potential, and more to make the best college decision.

Read more
College usually pays off. But what if you’re the exception?

College usually pays off. But what if you’re the exception?

By Justin Gillmar

College pays off – for most. But what if you’re the exception? Discover how Student Loan Insurance offers peace of mind when the future feels uncertain.

Read more