The average debt of $21,326 for a bachelor's degree may seem like a lot. However, the $18,500 gap between a high school diploma and a four-year degree demonstrates the value of higher education. In all honesty, this doesn't take into account the differences in vertical movement over the years. As a result, the difference in earnings potential between the two will become even greater in the long term. Bottom line, the value of a higher education is one hundred percent worth the cost of student loans. With the raw statistics of unemployment rates plus wage differences, we can see the real cash value. Regardless of this information presented by multiple legitimate sources, there is still one factor in all of this that cannot be ignored. Success in life can be achieved through multiple paths; your passion for your work should be one of them. Getting additional education in a career you are passionate about will allow you to live a happier life. This aspect alone is priceless