education qualification

From Associate to Doctorate: A Complete Guide to College Degree Levels

Genevieve Carlton

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated April 12, 2024

Hannah Muniz

Contributing Editor

Reviewed by

Stephanie DeBord

Contributing Reviewer

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

Considering a college degree? First, you'll have to understand the types of degrees and college degree levels.

Different degrees prepare you for different career paths. For example, you can't become a psychologist with just a bachelor's degree — you'd need a master's or doctorate in psychology. And you usually can't become an engineer without at least a bachelor's degree.

Typically, as your university degree level rises, your earning potential increases, and the unemployment rate decreases. That's one more reason it's important to understand the different types of degrees.

What Types of Degrees Are There in College?

There are many types of degrees you can earn in college. College degree levels can be broken down into two categories: undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees.

Here are the college degrees in order, from lowest ranking to highest:

• Associate degree (undergraduate)
• Bachelor's degree (undergraduate)
• Master's degree (graduate)
• Doctoral degree (graduate)

While a doctorate is the highest education level, some fields may stop at a master's. The phrase "terminal degree" refers to the highest degree in a field.

A professional degree is a type of graduate degree — often a doctorate — that prepares you for a professional career in fields like law and medicine.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Associate Degree

• Typical Program Length: 1-2 years
• Typical Number of Credits: 60

Most associate degrees prepare you to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. These programs can be found at community and technical colleges and typically last 1-2 years.

An associate degree can also serve as the foundation for a bachelor's program. You may even be able to transfer some of the credits you earned for your associate degree toward a four-year degree.

Some associate degrees require you to complete an internship or practicum in addition to taking classes. This is particularly common among healthcare and tech degrees.

To apply for an associate degree program , you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED certificate. Some schools may require you to submit standardized test scores, such as the ACT or the SAT, as well.

Featured Associate Programs

What can you do with an associate degree.

An associate degree prepares you for vocational, allied health, and support roles. For example, you can become a medical assistant , paralegal , or vet tech with an associate degree.

The highest-paying careers with an associate degree pay over $80,000 per year. See the table below for salary information on other popular associate degree jobs.

Source: BLS

Types of Associate Degrees

Colleges can offer three kinds of associate degrees:

• Associate of Arts (AA)
• Associate of Science (AS)
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Arts, humanities, and creative fields typically offer an AA, whereas social sciences and natural sciences fields often award an AS. Many applied and vocational programs offer an AAS degree.

The type of degree matters if you're planning to transfer into a bachelor's program. Colleges normally offer fewer transfer credits for an AAS degree.

Popular Associate Degrees

• Business Administration
• Business Management
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Cybersecurity
• Early Childhood Education
• Graphic Design
• Healthcare Management
• Information Technology
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Pre-Nursing
• Social Work

Bachelor's Degree

• Typical Program Length: 4 years
• Typical Number of Credits: 120

A bachelor's degree prepares you for many career paths. You'll generally spend four years earning a bachelor's degree at a college or university. You'll take general education classes and courses in your major . You can also choose a minor.

Some colleges offer accelerated bachelor's programs , which take less time — often 2-3 years. Degree-completion programs can also speed up the timeline by awarding you credit for previous college coursework.

You can earn your bachelor's degree online as well. An online degree from an accredited college meets the same standards as that of an in-person degree.

You'll need a high school diploma for admission and may also need to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Featured Bachelor's Programs

What can you do with a bachelor's degree.

In diverse industries like business, tech, and education, a bachelor's degree can prepare you for many entry-level careers. Some of the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's degree include roles in finance, management, and tech.

Graduates with a four-year degree can also benefit from high demand in many lucrative fields, like software development and engineering. The table below introduces some popular jobs with a bachelor's degree.

Types of Bachelor's Degrees

You can earn a bachelor's degree in many fields. Some of the most common types of bachelor's degrees you'll see include:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Science (BS)
• Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The two most popular degrees are a BA and a BS. These degrees cover all arts and sciences majors and some education and engineering degrees.

Popular Bachelor's Degrees

• Civil Engineering
• Communication
• Computer Programming
• Health Informatics
• Health Sciences
• Human Resources
• Mathematics
• Organizational Psychology
• Political Science
• Public Policy
• Supply Chain and Logistics

Master's Degree

• Typical Program Length: 1-3 years
• Typical Number of Credits: 30

A master's degree can help you gain specialized skills and qualify for higher-paying roles. As a graduate student, you'll work closely with experts in your field to explore advanced topics.

While a master's degree typically takes two years, some universities offer accelerated one-year master's programs. You can also enroll in a bachelor's-to-master's program to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in less time.

Most master's programs require a minimum of 30 credits. Admission and graduation requirements vary depending on the program. For example, many arts and sciences master's programs require GRE scores , while business programs typically require GMAT scores .

Featured Master's Programs

What can you do with a master's degree.

With a master's degree, you can qualify for management-level careers and specialized roles in industries like healthcare, research, and social services. The highest-paying master's degrees include MBAs and nurse practitioner degrees.

Learn more about the earning potential and demand for popular master's degree jobs below.

Types of Master's Degrees

Here are some of the most common types of master's degrees you can earn:

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MS)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education (M.Ed.)
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Master of Laws (LL.M.)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Public Policy (MPP)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)

An MA and an MS are among the most popular master's degrees. Humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences fields typically award an MA or an MS. Other popular options include an MBA and an M.Ed.

Popular Master's Degrees

• Creative Writing
• Data Science
• Engineering
• Healthcare Administration
• Library and Information Science
• Network Security
• Public Health
• Supply Chain Management

Doctoral Degrees

• Typical Program Length: 2-10 years
• Typical Number of Credits: Varies

A doctorate represents the highest degree you can get in academia. There are a few types of doctoral degrees you can get.

Professional doctorates train you for a professional career. For example, law school and med school are two common professional paths. A Ph.D., on the other hand — by far one of the most common types of doctorates — emphasizes theory and research.

In a doctoral program, you'll take graduate-level seminars and courses, take comprehensive exams, conduct original research, and defend a dissertation in front of a faculty committee.

Most applied doctorates take 3-5 years, while a Ph.D. typically requires 4-6 years of coursework. In certain fields, you can earn your doctorate online.

Some doctoral programs require a master's degree for admission, whereas others admit applicants with just a bachelor's degree. You may need to submit standardized test scores depending on the program.

Featured Doctoral Programs

What can you do with a doctorate.

If you want to become a physician , professor , or lawyer, you'll need a doctorate. In many fields, a doctorate translates into higher salaries. Lawyers, pharmacists , and physicists all report median salaries of over $125,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The following table shows the earning potential and demand for popular doctoral degree jobs.

Types of Doctoral Degrees

A doctorate is the highest education level, but there are still several types of doctoral degrees. Here are some of the most common you can get:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
• Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
• Juris Doctor (JD)

A Ph.D. is the most popular doctorate. You can earn a Ph.D. in many arts and sciences fields. Other doctorates take their names from the career path associated with the degree.

Popular Doctoral Degrees

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Administration
• Educational Leadership
• Human Services
• Legal Studies
• Organizational Leadership
• Public Administration

Frequently Asked Questions About College Degree Levels

What are the four types of college degrees.

The four types of college degrees are associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees. Colleges classify associate and bachelor's degrees as undergraduate degrees and master's and doctoral degrees as graduate degrees.

Within those categories, you can earn many types of degrees. For instance, at the bachelor's level, you could earn a bachelor of arts (BA), a bachelor of science (BS), or a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree.

What is a four-year college degree called?

A four-year college degree is called a bachelor's degree. Another term for this degree type is a baccalaureate degree.

Many careers require a bachelor's degree for entry-level roles. For example, most careers in business require you to hold a bachelor's degree. Many roles in tech, education, the public sector, and engineering also require you to have a four-year degree.

Some career paths require a specific major. In many states, you'll need a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to become a registered nurse . In other fields, your specific major matters less than the quality of your skills.

What is the highest degree?

The highest degree is a doctorate, also called a doctoral degree. In terms of university degree levels, both master's and bachelor's degrees rank below doctorates.

You can earn a doctorate in a wide array of fields, including the social sciences, business, the humanities, education, engineering, and healthcare.

In some fields, however, a master's degree represents the terminal, or highest, degree. For instance, a master of fine arts (MFA) is the terminal degree for creative writing.

What is the hardest college degree?

Most would agree that the hardest college degree is a doctorate. As the highest education level, a doctorate requires significant expertise in the field.

Many Ph.D. programs take six years or more and require you to write a book-length dissertation based on original research.

Because a doctorate represents the top of the university degree levels, it's a relatively uncommon degree. Only around 2% of U.S. adults held a doctorate in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau .

What is the quickest degree?

The fastest degree you can get is either a one-year associate degree or a one-year master's degree. While other types of degrees typically take a minimum of two years, you can earn a master's degree in one year with an accelerated or fast-track program.

You can sometimes add a master's degree to your bachelor's through a 4+1 program, also known as a bachelor's-to-master's program. In this case, some of your coursework counts toward both your undergraduate and graduate degrees, meaning you'll spend an additional year in college to leave with a master's degree.

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Quick Guide: Your College Degree Options

Find the right college for you.

There are generally four categories of college degrees: associate degree, bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, and doctorate or professional degree. Each category comes with its own particular subcategories, and there are some subtle differences between a doctorate and a professional degree.

If you ever find yourself lost in the sea of abbreviations for degrees, you're not alone. This quick guide is here to clear the air regarding the types of degrees available to you and what each one means.

Guide to College Degrees, Professional Studies & Certifications

Associate degree.

An associate degree is a two-year degree typically offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges. However, some four-year universities offer them as well. Examples of some associate degrees include Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS).

AS degrees are generally more narrowly focused and prepare students for science and math-related careers. AA degrees are broader and focus on fields outside of math and science such as liberal arts, business administration, criminal justice, and culinary arts.

Some students who earn an associate degree transfer to a four-year program to earn a bachelor’s degree. Others complete associate degrees and then go straight to work.

Bachelor's or Baccalaureate Degree

Bachelor’s degrees require students to complete four- or five-year programs in a specific academic discipline. The two most common types of bachelor’s degrees are bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS). Other types of bachelor’s degrees include the bachelor of fine arts (BFA), and bachelor of architecture (BArch).

Because bachelor’s degrees train students to enter a specific field, many professional careers require them. Earning a bachelor’s degree can open the door to many job opportunities and increase your potential income.

Some institutions offer a liberal arts and career combination program, also called a 3-2 program. This is a type of dual degree in which a student completes three years of liberal arts study followed by two years of professional or technical study. In the end, students earn two bachelor’s degrees, usually a BA and a BS.

An example of this is Columbia University’s 3-2 Combined Plan program in which students can earn a BA and a BS in five years.

Some colleges also let you earn a teacher certification by combining bachelor's degree study with state certification requirements. State requirements vary, but these programs usually feature professional education courses, including student teaching.

Graduate Degree

Graduate degrees are advanced degrees that some students pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree. The two most common are master of arts (MA) and master of science (MS). Other examples include master of fine arts (MFA) and master of business administration (MBA). A graduate degree is like an extension of a bachelor’s degree whereby a student further enriches their knowledge of their field and narrows their f ocus of study .

Graduate degrees usually take around two years to attain, but this can vary based on the degree. Many institutions allow students to enroll in a graduate program in a field unrelated to their bachelor’s degree. This may require some extra credit hours, though.

Professional Degree

Students earn professional degrees to become licensed to work in professions like medicine or law. The M.D. degree is an example. Professional programs generally require a college degree before you start them and then at least three years of study to complete.

Doctoral Degree and Professional Degree

The doctorate and professional degrees are the highest levels of education one can attain. They signify mastery of a subject and often come with the coveted title “doctor.” Although the two are similar, there are some important differences.

A doctorate or doctoral degree is a research-oriented degree focused on scholarly development. The most common doctorate is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Despite the name, a PhD covers many disciplines, not just philosophy.

A professional degree is an application-oriented degree, meaning it prepares students for a specific working position. There are many types of professional degrees. Some examples are: doctor of medicine (MD), doctor of pharmacy (PharmD), and doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) in the field of medicine, and juris doctor (JD) and doctor of juridical science (SJD) in the field of law.

A graduate degree does not need to precede a doctorate or professional degree. Often, students will go straight into a doctorate or professional program following their bachelor’s, however some programs will require a master’s degree to gain entry. Completion can take anywhere from four to eight years, depending on the field of study.

Many doctoral students work either full-time or part-time while they study in the program. This, along with the field they are studying, will significantly affect the time it takes to complete their degree.

Joint Degrees

Some students may choose to pursue a joint degree, also known as a dual degree, which means they simultaneously study for a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree. Joint degrees can be pursued in the same college or can be split between two different colleges. For example, Berklee College of Music and Harvard University offer a dual bachelor’s/master’s program in which a student receives a bachelor of arts (BA) at Harvard and a master of music (MM) or master of arts (MA) at Berklee.

Depending on the program, it may be possible to study at the same time for a master's degree and a doctorate. For example, the University of Southern California offers a program leading to doctor of pharmacy and master of public health degrees.

How do academic degrees go in order?

There are four types of degrees. In order of level of education, they rank as associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s or graduate degrees, and doctorate or professional degrees.

How many degrees are there in college?

Most community colleges offer only two-year associate degrees, while most four-year colleges offer bachelor’s, graduate, and doctorate or professional degrees. Some four-year colleges may also have associate degree programs.

How many years do you have to be in college to achieve certain degrees?

Though it will vary between academic disciplines, associate degrees usually take two years to achieve, bachelor’s degrees take four years, master’s degrees take two years, and doctorate or professional degrees can take anywhere from four to eight years.

What is an eight-year degree?

An “eight-year degree” typically refers to a doctorate degree or PhD. Although some doctorates can be completed in as little as three years, these degrees typically require more time studying highly specialized subjects. Students in these programs often must defend a dissertation while already working a professional job.

What are the four years of college called?

The first four years of college are the undergraduate years, and a student studying for a bachelor’s degree is called an undergraduate. The four years refer to the total accumulated credit hours; a student may take fewer or more than four years to attain their undergraduate degree.

What does a graduate degree mean?

A graduate degree or master’s degree is an advanced degree that some students pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree. Earning a graduate degree signifies mastery of a particular field of study and focuses more intensely on a subject than a bachelor’s degree does. Graduate degrees usually take two years to attain.

What do you call a master's student?

A master's student is called a graduate student or “grad student” for short. A student still studying for a bachelor’s degree is called an undergraduate student or “undergrad student.”

How many years is a master's degree?

Graduate degrees usually take around two years to attain, but this can vary based on the degree. Many institutions allow students to enroll in a graduate program in a field unrelated to their bachelor’s degree, although it may require some extra credit hours.

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Education Levels and Requirements for Employment

Levels of Education

Examples of education requirements in job postings, experience in lieu of education, education levels and job applications.

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When you're applying for a job, it's important to understand the educational requirements needed for success in the role. Many occupations require a certain level of education in order to be eligible to work in that profession. Employers usually include the educational requirements for a job in their descriptive write-up or position advertisement.

In some cases, employers may accept experience in place of some or all of the educational requirements for a job. This is known as equivalent experience or experience in lieu of education.

Here's a list of the education levels that employers look for in the candidates they hire.

Less Than High School

This is the completion of any level of primary or secondary education that did not result in the awarding of a high school diploma or an equivalency diploma.

High School Diploma or Equivalent

This is the completion of high school, or the equivalent, resulting in the awarding of a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as the General Education Development (commonly referred to as a GED) award . Other high school equivalency diplomas include the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) and the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC).

Some College, No Degree

This is the awarding of a high school diploma, or the equivalent, in addition to the completion of one or more postsecondary courses that did not result in any college degree or award.

Associate’s Degree

An associate's degree is usually awarded for the completion of at least two years of full-time academic study beyond high school, typically at the community college level.

Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor's degree is typically awarded for at least four years of full-time academic study beyond high school.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a formal training program that combines a full-time job with training.  

Certification

A certification is a credential that recognizes specific skills or knowledge. Certification is usually tied to an occupation, technology, or industry.

Some occupations require a license to work in the field. Licenses are typically regulated by the state, and each state's requirements may differ.

Postsecondary Non-Degree Award

This is a certificate or other award that typically is not a degree. Certifications issued by professional (i.e., industry) organizations, or certifying organizations, are commonly not included in this category. These certification programs may last for only a few weeks, or for as long as two years. Examples include certificates for health aides, paramedics, EMTs, and hairstylists.

Master’s Degree

A master's degree is usually awarded for one or two years of full-time academic study beyond a bachelor’s degree.

Doctoral or Professional Degree

A doctorate or professional degree is usually awarded for at least three years of full-time academic work beyond a master’s degree. Examples include degrees for lawyers (JD), physicians (MD) and surgeons, scientists (Ph.D.), and dentists.

Examples of a required education level listed in job postings:

• Must have a GED or high school diploma.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalency.
• High school diploma or GED, bachelors, or associates degree preferred.
• Completed certified apprenticeship program preferred.
• Serve-safe certified, or a food safety certification preferred.
• Possession of a valid registration as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
• A bachelor's degree is required.
• An associate's degree, or equivalent, is required. This usually boils down to a minimum of 34 credit hours plus one additional year of relevant full-time experience.
• A master's degree and three years of experience or Ph.D. degree with no prior experience are acceptable.

In some cases, when applying for jobs, the employer may list work experience or equivalent experience that may be substituted for education. The organization may allow you to augment some educational requirements of a position with experience.

One factor to keep in mind when applying for a job is that when employers list educational hiring criteria, the chances of getting an interview are lower if you don't have the requirements, or come close to having the requirements.

In some cases, if your resume and the skills and background required for the position are fairly well aligned, you may have a chance at getting an interview.

For example, if you have robust work experience that correlates well with the position and you're only one or two credits shy of the required bachelor's degree, you should submit your resume. However, in general, it is better to focus on applying for jobs where you do have the appropriate educational and experiential qualifications.

CareerOneStop. " High School Equivalency ." Accessed May 11, 2021.

CareerOneStop. " College ." Accessed May 11, 2021.

CareerOneStop. " Apprenticeships ." Accessed May 11, 2021.

CareerOneStop. " Certification ." Accessed May 11, 2021.

CareerOneStop. " Do You Need a License ?" Accessed May 11, 2021.

Home » Education » What is the Difference Between Academic and Educational Qualification

What is the Difference Between Academic and Educational Qualification

The main difference between academic and educational qualification is that academic qualification does not involve practical training, whereas educational qualification may sometimes involve practical training.

In most contexts, these words are synonyms. But sometimes, the term educational qualification can refer to both academic and professional qualifications. In such cases, education qualifications also involve training in addition to academic knowledge and coursework.

Key Areas Covered

1.  What is Academic Qualification         – Definition, Features 2.  What is Educational Qualification      – Definition, Features 3.  Similarities Between Academic and Educational Qualification      – Outline of Common Features 4.  Difference Between Academic and Educational Qualification      – Comparison of Key Differences

Academic Qualification, Educational Qualification, Professional Qualification

What are Academic Qualifications

Academic qualifications refer to certifications awarded to students upon successful completion of a course of study in higher education, typically at a college or university . Such educational institutions commonly offer degrees at various levels, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate . They also often offer professional degrees alongside academic degrees.

Furthermore, there are different types of academic qualifications, and we can broadly categorize them as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Undergraduate degrees refer to a person’s first degree, whereas postgraduate refers to further education a person pursues after the first degree. Bachelor’s degree is the most common undergraduate degree, but in some countries, there are lower-level academic qualifications such as associate degrees and foundation degrees. An associate degree is an undergraduate course that can be completed in two years. In addition, a Bachelor’s degree is considered to be of a higher level than an Associates degree. Masters degrees and doctorates are postgraduate degrees. Moreover, postgraduate courses usually tend to be a combination of research and coursework, while undergraduate courses may or may not involve research.

What are Educational Qualifications

Educational qualifications refer to certificates, diplomas, or degrees a person has received certifying that he or she has successfully completed an education program. The term educational qualifications is a more general term than academic qualifications.  It sometimes includes both academic and professional qualifications.

Professional qualifications are vocational qualifications, which often involve an element of practical training. Professional qualifications ensure that students are ready for a career in a given field and have the necessary training in addition to academic knowledge. Degrees in fields like medicine, engineering, law, architecture, etc., usually include both academic and professional qualifications; therefore, we can describe them as educational qualifications. This is because they are not strictly academic qualifications – most of these degrees include practical components relating to training.

Similarities Between Academic and Educational Qualification

• Academic and educational qualifications are imperative in today’s job market.
• In addition, both involve undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
• Most people tend to use the two terms academic qualification and educational qualifications interchangeably.

Difference Between Academic and Educational Qualification

Academic qualifications refer to certifications awarded to students upon successful completion of a course of study in higher education, typically at a college or university. Meanwhile, educational qualifications refer to certificates, diplomas, or degrees a person has received certifying that he or she has successfully completed an education program.

Academic vs Professional

Moreover, academic qualifications typically include subject knowledge or academic knowledge; in addition, they do not involve training. Educational qualification, on the other hand, involves both academic and professional components.

In most contexts, these words are synonyms. But sometimes, the term educational qualification can refer to both academic and professional qualifications. In such cases, the main difference between academic and educational qualification is that academic qualification does not involve practical training whereas educational qualification may sometimes involve practical training.

1. “ Academic Degree .” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Aug. 2021. 2. “ Difference between Academic and Professional Qualification September 2021 .” Careerpoint Solutions, 17 July 2018.

Image Courtesy:

1. “ College-students-graduation-photo-1872810 ” (CC0) via Pixabay 2. “ Exam, Student, Graduation ” (CC0) via Public Domain Pictures

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The Many Types of Education Degrees: How to Pick Your Path

Education degrees aren't just for classroom teachers.

Education Degrees: Picking Your Path

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Though some education degree programs focus on teacher training, others concentrate on education administration, policy or technology. Some education majors explore the unique challenges faced by rural or urban schools.

One common misconception about education degrees is that they're only useful for future classroom teachers.

However, education degrees can lead to all sorts of careers: They're often held by education administrators, policymakers, researchers, technologists, curriculum designers, learning scientists, school counselors or psychologists , standardized test-makers and textbook authors. Staffers at education-oriented government agencies at the local, state and federal level – such as the U.S. Department of Education – frequently have academic degrees in education as well, and the same is true for representatives of education-related charities and nonprofit organizations.

Here's what you need to know about the hierarchy of education degrees and how to choose the right one.

How to Tell if an Education Degree Is a Good Fit

An interest in helping others learn and a desire to work with children are common and compelling reasons for studying education, says Daniel A. Domenech, the executive director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Education majors tend to earn less than people who receive a comparable level of training in other fields, so a majority of people who become educators do so for non-financial reasons, he adds.

According to an August 2022 report from the Economic Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank that analyzes working conditions for low-income and middle-income workers in the U.S., the pay disparity between teachers and similarly educated professionals reached an all-time high in 2021, when teachers received 23.5% lower wages on average relative to other workers with comparable credentials.

However, some education occupations typically lead to six-figure salaries. For example, the median salary among U.S. school district superintendents, the majority of whom have doctorates, was $147,000 in 2022, according to a recent report from AASA.

Laura W. Perna, vice provost for faculty at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education , says education degree recipients can use their degree to do good work and benefit society. "If we think about the important problems that need to be addressed in our world, you know, so much of the answer comes down to education," Perna says.

Stacey Ludwig Johnson, senior vice president and executive dean of the school of education at Western Governors University , an online university, emphasizes that schools and school districts aren't the only places where education degree recipients can use their skills. For instance, an educator can work as a corporate trainer, helping a business to increase the skills of its workforce, she says.

The Many Kinds of Education Majors

Among teaching degree programs, some focus on a particular level of education, such as preschool, elementary, middle or high school. Teaching degree programs may also hone in on how to teach a particular subject, or they can emphasize teaching methods that work well with a specific student population, such as adult learners, multi-lingual learners or individuals with disabilities.

When comparing education degree specializations, keep in mind that the earning potential of educators varies widely depending on which part of the education system they are trained for and what credential their job usually requires. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary among U.S. high school teachers, who typically had a bachelor's degree, was about $61,820 in May 2021. That's about twice the median salary of preschool teachers, who usually had an associate degree and earned $30,210. The median salary among principals, who usually had a master's degree, was $98,420.

Sometimes educators with the same level of education earn different amounts depending on their area of focus. For instance, BLS data reveals that though teachers who specialize in basic adult education generally had the same amount of training as high school teachers – a bachelor's degree – their 2021 median salary was roughly $2,100 lower.

Education Degree Levels and How to Find the Right Tier

Leadership roles in the education sector generally require graduate education . The more training educators have, the higher their salaries tend to be. For example, according to PayScale, a compensation data company, the average base salary for U.S. workers with a Bachelor of Education , or B.Ed. degree, was $57,000, whereas the average annual base salary among those with a Doctor of Education, or Ed.D. degree, was $80,000.

Prospective education students should analyze the resumes of people who have jobs they are interested in to figure out the highest level of education to pursue, experts say.

Associate Degrees

Many preschool teaching jobs require at least a two-year associate degree in early childhood education. Teachers' assistants or paraprofessionals usually need at least two years of college coursework or an associate degree to work in public school classrooms.

Bachelor's Degrees

A bachelor's is the minimum amount of education needed for an entry-level K-12 teaching position at a U.S. public school.

Master's Degrees

A few states require teachers to begin pursuing a master's degree within several years of beginning teaching to maintain their license. Teachers may also move up the pay scale with a master's. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 58% of U.S. public school teachers who taught during the 2017-18 school year had a more advanced degree than a bachelor's.

Instructional coordinators or curriculum specialists, the educational administrators who oversee curricula, standards, teaching materials and often assessments, usually have a master's, and their median salary was $63,740 in May 2021, BLS data shows.

College and university administrators, who earned a median annual salary of $96,910 in May 2021, also typically have master's degrees, according to the BLS. Work in education policy typically requires a master's degree as well.

Master's degrees in education usually require two years of coursework.

College faculty who research and teach about education typically have Doctor of Philosophy, or Ph.D., degrees, and they sometimes have Ed.D. degrees. According to PayScale, the average salary for a worker with a Ph.D. in education was $87,000. Doctoral programs in education usually last at least three years and often take longer to finish.

School district administration positions sometimes require doctoral education, and certain managerial roles at government agencies and nonprofit organizations are reserved for individuals with doctorates. Education researchers frequently have doctorates, and so do school psychologists.

Guidance on Figuring Out How Much Schooling You Need

When deciding how high of a degree they should aim for, education students should think about the level of expertise and the kinds of skills that their desired job requires, says Carol Basile, dean of Arizona State University's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College . "As you continue to move up in any education organization, there begins to be more of a requirement for a doctorate," she says.

Searching for a grad school? Get our  complete rankings of Best Graduate Schools.

Grad Degree Jobs With $100K+ Salaries

Tags: education , education policy , education graduate school , teachers , careers , students

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How to Write Educational Qualifications in a Resume

Last Updated: February 8, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Kent Lee . Kent Lee is a Career and Executive Coach and the Founder of the Perfect Resume, a career development services company based in Phoenix, Arizona. Kent specializes in creating customized resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters, and thank you letters. Kent has over 15 years of career coaching and consulting experience. Previously, he has worked as a Career Consultant for Yahoo and has worked with thousands of clients including Fortune 500 executives from around the world. His work and career advice have been featured in ABC, NBC, CBS, Yahoo, Career Builder, and Monster.com. This article has been viewed 14,625 times.

Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, finding the best way to incorporate your educational qualifications into your resume can be daunting. However, there are some simple rules and extra tips that can help. Start by creating educational qualifications section entries that contain everything an employer might want to know. Then, organize the information to suit your needs. Finish up by formatting the section so it will look as appealing as possible.

Creating Entries for the Schools You Attended

• For example, write University of Southern California instead of USC or State University of New York Plattsburgh instead of SUNY Plattsburgh.

• For example, if you attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, then you could list it as “Miami University, Oxford, OH.”
• It’s okay to include an abbreviation for the state where the school is located, such as NY for New York.

• For example, if you completed an Associate’s of Science degree in Computer Science, then list this in the line right below the school’s name and location. You can abbreviate the degree type, such as A.S., B.A., B.F.A., M.A., etc.
• If you graduated in May of 20007, then write “May 2007” next to your degree.
• If you have not yet graduated, include something like “Anticipated Graduation: May 2020.”

• For example, you might include a bullet that reads, “Cumulative GPA: 3.65” or “Major GPA: 3.49.” Then, if you have awards or honors to mention, list these in separate bullets, such as “Awards: Graduate Excellence Award, 2017” or “Honors: Dean’s list Fall 2015-Spring 2018.”

Tip : Be sure to list the exact same GPA on your resume as the one that shows up on your official school transcript. Contact your school’s registrar if you’re unsure what your GPA is.

• If you completed an honor’s thesis for your Bachelor’s degree or a thesis or dissertation as part of a graduate degree, you can also provide the title of your project. However, it’s best to mention this only if you think it will be relevant to the employer, such as if it's related to the job description. [10] X Research source
• For example, if you minored in accounting, and the job description mentions responsibilities that you learned in your minor, then mentioning it would be a smart move.

• For example, if you’re applying for a Nursing position in a hospital where you already completed clinical rotations or an internship, then mentioning this in the education section may be a boost for you. It can show that you have experience with the job even though you have not worked as a nurse yet.
• Or, if you are applying to a job where speaking Spanish is a preferred skill, mentioning your semester studying abroad in Spain might help to set you apart from other candidates.

Organizing Your Information

• For example, if you graduated from your Bachelor’s degree program in 1995, but you went back to school for a Master’s Degree in 2010, then your Master’s degree entry would go first followed by your Bachelor’s degree.

• For example, keeping your GPA above a 3.5 could demonstrate to employers that you are hard-working. Being an active member of your major’s honor society can show dedication to your field.

Tip : Note that this depends on how much experience you have in your field. For example, if you have worked in your field for over 10 years, the relevant work experiences you have had will be much more valuable to an employer than your education.

• For example, you could list your degree and then Penn State University, State College, PA followed by a line listing your degree. Then, just omit the date you graduated.

Formatting the Section

• Educational Background, which might work well for listing a degree from a university.
• Education and Certifications, which might be good for listing a degree and a special certificate or license you earned.
• Education and Training, which is a good title to indicate experiences like internships.
• Education and Professional Development, in which you could include workshops and other professional development events you’ve attended along with your degree.

• Good font types for resumes include Arial, Book Antiqua, Helvetica, Calibri, Cambria, and Garamond. [18] X Research source

• Another simple way to make text bold is to hold down “ctrl” and “B” at the same time.

Tip : Resume templates will do all of this formatting for you, but they can also be restrictive. Try making your resume with a template if you want to see what it would look like. If you don’t like it, you can always transfer the text to a blank page and format it how you want.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Kent Lee. Career & Executive Coach. Expert Interview. 2 April 2020.
• ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/resumewriting/education-information/1/
• ↑ https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/career/resources/marketing-materials/resume
• ↑ https://career.louisiana.edu/students-alumni/resume-writing-tips/basic-categories-include-your-resume
• ↑ https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5331-best-resume-fonts.html

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Education vs. Qualification

What's the difference.

Education and qualification are two distinct but interconnected concepts. Education refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and values through formal or informal means, such as attending schools, colleges, or universities. It encompasses a broader scope, including theoretical and practical learning, personal development, and critical thinking. On the other hand, qualification refers to the specific credentials, certifications, or degrees that individuals obtain to demonstrate their competence in a particular field or profession. While education provides the foundation for acquiring knowledge, qualification validates and recognizes an individual's expertise and ability to perform specific tasks or roles. In essence, education is the broader concept that encompasses various forms of learning, while qualification is the tangible proof of an individual's educational achievements and capabilities.

Further Detail

Introduction.

Education and qualification are two terms often used interchangeably, but they have distinct attributes that set them apart. While both are important in shaping an individual's career and personal growth, understanding the differences between education and qualification can help individuals make informed decisions about their professional development. In this article, we will explore the attributes of education and qualification, highlighting their unique characteristics and the role they play in shaping an individual's knowledge, skills, and opportunities.

Education is a broad term that encompasses the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes through various formal and informal means. It involves structured learning experiences, such as attending schools, colleges, universities, or vocational training institutes. Education provides individuals with a comprehensive understanding of various subjects, theories, and concepts, enabling them to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

One of the key attributes of education is its focus on holistic development. It not only imparts subject-specific knowledge but also fosters personal growth, social skills, and emotional intelligence. Education encourages individuals to explore diverse fields, engage in extracurricular activities, and develop a well-rounded personality. It promotes creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning.

Furthermore, education is often a long-term commitment that requires dedication, perseverance, and continuous effort. It involves a structured curriculum, examinations, assignments, and assessments to evaluate the progress and understanding of students. Education provides individuals with a formal degree or certification, which serves as evidence of their educational attainment and opens doors to various career opportunities.

Education also plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's worldview and understanding of society. It exposes students to different cultures, perspectives, and ideas, fostering tolerance, empathy, and global awareness. Education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to their communities, make informed decisions, and actively participate in civic life.

Qualification

Qualification, on the other hand, refers to the specific skills, knowledge, or credentials required to perform a particular job or task. It is often associated with certifications, licenses, or professional qualifications that validate an individual's expertise in a specific field. Qualifications are typically obtained through specialized training programs, workshops, apprenticeships, or on-the-job experience.

Unlike education, qualification is more focused and targeted towards a specific profession or industry. It aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills and competencies required to excel in a particular job role. Qualifications are often sought after by employers as they provide a tangible measure of an individual's capabilities and suitability for a specific position.

One of the key attributes of qualification is its practicality. It emphasizes hands-on experience, practical training, and industry-specific knowledge. Qualifications are designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge gained through education and the practical application of that knowledge in real-world scenarios. They often involve practical assessments, case studies, or simulations to evaluate an individual's ability to apply their skills in a professional setting.

Furthermore, qualifications are often more time-efficient compared to education. While education may require several years of study, qualifications can be obtained in a shorter duration, allowing individuals to enter the workforce sooner. This makes qualifications an attractive option for individuals seeking to acquire specific skills or switch careers without investing significant time and resources in a formal education.

However, it is important to note that qualifications alone may not provide individuals with a comprehensive understanding of a subject or field. They often focus on specific aspects or technical skills required for a job, but may lack the broader knowledge and critical thinking abilities that education offers. Therefore, qualifications are best complemented by a strong educational foundation to ensure a well-rounded skill set.

Education and Qualification: Complementary Attributes

While education and qualification have distinct attributes, they are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they often complement each other and contribute to an individual's overall professional growth and success. Education provides individuals with a broad knowledge base, critical thinking skills, and a foundation for lifelong learning. Qualifications, on the other hand, offer specialized skills, practical experience, and industry-specific expertise.

By combining education and qualification, individuals can enhance their career prospects and adapt to the evolving demands of the job market. A strong educational background can provide individuals with a competitive edge, enabling them to pursue higher-level positions, leadership roles, or entrepreneurial ventures. Qualifications, on the other hand, can help individuals gain recognition, credibility, and specialized expertise in their chosen field.

Moreover, education and qualification work hand in hand to foster continuous professional development. Education provides individuals with a solid foundation, while qualifications offer opportunities for ongoing skill enhancement and specialization. This combination allows individuals to stay relevant, up-to-date, and adaptable in an ever-changing professional landscape.

Education and qualification are two distinct yet interconnected aspects of an individual's professional journey. Education provides individuals with a broad knowledge base, holistic development, and a lifelong love for learning. Qualification, on the other hand, offers specialized skills, practical experience, and industry-specific expertise. While education lays the foundation, qualifications provide the necessary tools to excel in a specific profession or industry.

Both education and qualification are valuable assets that contribute to an individual's personal growth, career opportunities, and societal impact. By understanding the unique attributes of education and qualification, individuals can make informed decisions about their professional development, ensuring a well-rounded skill set and a successful career path.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

• News & Insights
• Education System
• Grading System
• Credentials
• Universities

Primary Education

Middle education, secondary education, vocational education, tertiary education.

Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge early years, cambridge primary, cambridge lower secondary, cambridge upper secondary, cambridge advanced.

• Recognition and acceptance
• Bilingual education
• Cambridge Global Perspectives
• Cambridge CEM
• Developing digital examinations

Cambridge Pathway

Our Cambridge Pathway is for students aged 3 to 19. Its wide range of subjects and flexibility gives schools the chance to shape the curriculum so that it is exciting and relevant for their own students. 

Cambridge Pathway students have the chance to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to achieve at school, university and beyond.

The five stages lead seamlessly from primary to secondary and pre-university years. Each stage – Cambridge Early Years , Cambridge Primary , Cambridge Lower Secondary , Cambridge Upper Secondary and Cambridge Advanced – builds on the learners’ development from the previous one, but can also be offered separately.

A clear path for educational success from age 3 to 19

A play-based programme, with:

• a holistic curriculum

• engaging resources

• support to measure progress

6 curriculum areas including Personal, social and emotional development

• Clear, adaptable curriculum

• Flexible assessment options

• Support and resources

• Insight to understand potential

10+ subjects including English, Mathematics and Science

• Insight to predict performance

• Broad, adaptable curriculum

• Fair, valid, reliable assessment

• Insight to optimise achievement

Cambridge IGCSE™: 70+ subjects

Cambridge O Level: 40+ subjects

Cambridge ICE

• In-depth, adaptable curriculum

Cambridge International AS & A Level: 50+ subjects

Cambridge AICE , Cambridge IPQ

Cambridge Professional Development for teachers and school leaders

Five elements lie at the heart of a Cambridge education: international curriculum, teaching and learning, assessment, international recognition and global community.

International curriculum

We offer a wide range of subjects and give schools flexibility in how to offer them. We support schools in developing a curriculum that suits their context, culture and ethos, and that they can tailor to their students’ needs.

Teaching and learning

We provide professional development for teachers, to help them improve their performance and practice throughout their careers. We encourage teaching practices that develop the ability of students to reflect on their learning.

We design our assessments to be fair, valid, reliable and practicable. We assess what we know to be of value: deep subject knowledge, conceptual understanding, and higher level thinking skills. Our flexible assessment structure maximises time for teaching and learning.

International recognition

Our qualifications are widely recognised by universities and employers. Cambridge students can be confident that their qualifications will be understood and valued throughout their education and career, in their home country and internationally.

Global community

Cambridge schools belong to a worldwide education community. We support professional learning communities which connect teachers around the world so that we can share views, information and resources, and learn from one another.

Find out more about an international education from Cambridge (PDF, 774KB)

• Syllabus overview
• Past papers, examiner reports and specimen papers
• Published resources

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. 

It incorporates the qualifications from each education and training sector into a single comprehensive national qualifications framework. 

Find out more information about the Undergraduate Certificate and the addendum to the Framework.

For people seeking credit for previous study or employers looking to verify qualifications.

The Australian Qualifications Framework Review was completed in 2019, with the final report published in October 2019. More information can be found at the Department of Education website.

Find out how providers and courses are accredited and how licensing or registrations for trade or professions are achieved.

Find out which agencies can help you with student records, qualifications verification for prospective employers, employment awards relevant to specific qualifications, assessment of overseas qualifications or help with immigration or visa matters.

The AQF Second Edition January 2013 provides the complete set of AQF policies and objectives and information about the governing and monitoring arrangements for the AQF.  Implementation arrangements for the revised AQF are also included.

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Qualification, exam and professional development

Since 1 January 2019, certain professional standards have applied to financial advisers and new financial advisers (that is, persons training to become financial advisers).

The Minister is responsible for setting the professional standards and ASIC is responsible for implementing and overseeing them.

For an overview of how the standards affect Australian financial services (AFS) licensees and financial advisers, see  How the reforms affect you .

For information on the dates for financial advisers and AFS licensees to comply with the professional standards, see  Timeline for the reforms ,  the Financial advisers quick reference guide and Information Sheet 260  FAQs: Timeframe for passing the financial adviser exam  ( INFO 260 ).

Qualification

Treasury's Financial Adviser Standards website at  fas.treasury.gov.au  sets out detailed information on the education requirements for:

• financial advisers who are existing providers
• new financial advisers, and
• financial advisers with foreign qualifications.

The most recent list of approved degrees and equivalent qualifications is outlined in the  Corporations (Relevant Providers Degrees, Qualifications and Courses Standard) Determination 2021  (Determination).

Financial advisers who are existing providers

Generally, financial advisers who are existing providers have until 1 January 2026 to meet the qualifications standard in section 921B(2) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act). For more information on the dates for existing providers to meet this requirement, see the Financial advisers quick reference guide .

The Treasury Laws Amendment (2023 Measures No. 3) Act 2023 , which commenced on 21 September 2023, introduced the experienced provider pathway as an alternative way to satisfy the education and training requirements. Generally, an existing provider who meets the criteria for an ‘experienced provider’ can rely on the experienced provider pathway to meet the qualifications standard and the professional year standard without needing to undertake further education and training. ASIC will provide further guidance on the experienced provider pathway in due course.

New financial advisers or financial advisers who are not existing providers

If you are training to become a financial adviser or are a financial adviser who is not an existing provider, the minimum education requirement is an approved bachelor’s degree (AQF7 level) or above, or an equivalent qualification, see information for new financial advisers on Treasury's website.

Financial advisers with foreign qualifications

If you have completed a foreign qualification, you may apply to Treasury to have that qualification assessed against the education requirements.

If you are not an existing provider, this assessment will not change the requirement to complete an approved Australian degree. You can enrol in an approved Australian degree and have your qualification assessed by your higher education provider for recognition of prior learning (advanced standing) as part of your enrolment process.

AFS licensees: Checking qualifications

AFS licensees should ensure that a person they intend to authorise as a financial adviser has completed a bachelor or higher degree, or equivalent qualification, that is approved by the Minister.

AFS licensees can confirm that a degree or qualification is approved by assessing the final academic transcript(s) of the completed degree or qualification against the current Determination .

The degree or qualification in the final academic transcript(s) must exactly match a degree or qualification listed in Schedule 1 of the current Determination, including any conditions relating to that degree or qualification: see Table 1.

Table 1: What to look for on an academic transcript

If a person has completed a degree or qualification listed in the Determination but their academic transcript does not meet all the prescribed conditions for that degree or qualification, an AFS licensee can be satisfied that the person has met the qualifications standard if they receive written approval from the Minister that the person’s degree or qualification is equivalent to one listed in the Determination.

AFS licensees must update the  Financial Advisers Register  when a financial adviser has completed the approved qualifications.

Financial adviser exam

All financial advisers (including new financial advisers) must pass the financial adviser exam to comply with the professional standards. Time-share advisers do not need to pass the financial adviser exam.

The financial adviser exam tests practical application in the following three competency areas:

• Financial advice regulatory and legal requirements – This includes obligations under Chapter 7 of the  Corporations Act 2001 , the  Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 , the  Privacy Act 1988  and the  Tax Agent Services Act 2009 .
• Financial advice construction –This includes suitability of advice aligned to different consumer groups, consumer behaviour and decision making.
• Applied ethical and professional reasoning and communication – This includes the  Financial Planners and Advisers Code of Ethics 2019  (Code of Ethics).

If you are training to become a financial adviser, you can sit the exam at any time, including before you have completed an approved degree. However, you cannot commence the third quarter (indirect supervision) of your professional year until you have passed the financial adviser exam.

For information on the financial adviser exam, including how to book to sit the exam, see  Financial adviser exam .

Professional year

If you are training to become a financial adviser, you must complete a professional year before you can be fully qualified. This is also known as the ‘year of work and training’. For more information on this requirement, see Professional year .

Continuing professional development (CPD) requirements

Financial advisers must comply with certain CPD requirements. For more information on these requirements, including for financial advisers who provide tax (financial) advice services, see Continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for financial advisers .

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Biden administration cancels $7.7 billion in student debt for 160,500 people. Here's who qualifies.

By Aimee Picchi

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

May 22, 2024 / 9:11 AM EDT / CBS News

The White House on Wednesday said it has approved $7.7 billion of student debt cancellation for 160,500 borrowers, part of its ongoing effort to provide relief after the Supreme Court last year  blocked  President Joe Biden's plan for broad-based college loan forgiveness. 

With the latest round of forgiveness, the administration has erased a total of $167 billion in student loans for 4.75 million people, or about 1 in 10 student loan borrowers, the Department of Education said. 

The people who qualify for forgiveness in the latest round of debt cancellation include public servants such as teachers and law enforcement officers, as well as tens of thousands of people who have signed up for Biden's new loan repayment program , called SAVE. That program, created last year, pegs a borrower's monthly payment to their income, lowering their financial payments, and is designed to fix a pitfall of earlier repayment programs that allowed interest to snowball.

"One out of every 10 federal student loan borrowers approved for debt relief means one out of every 10 borrowers now has financial breathing room and a burden lifted," U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in the statement. 

Here's what to know about the latest round of forgiveness. 

Who qualifies for loan forgiveness?

The Biden administration said there are three groups of borrowers who have been approved for forgiveness in the latest round.

• 66,900 borrowers will have $5.2 billion forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which is designed to help public servants such as teachers, nurses and law enforcement officers get their debt canceled after 10 years of repayments. 
• 54,300 borrowers will have $613 million forgiven through the SAVE plan. 
• Another 39,200 borrowers will have $1.9 billion forgiven through adjustments to their income-driven repayment plans. These plans were sometimes mismanaged by loan servicers, which made it more difficult for some borrowers to achieve forgiveness. 

How will I know if I qualify for forgiveness?

The Biden administration said that people who qualify under this latest round of debt cancellation will get an email about their approval. 

The debt cancellation will then be processed in the next few weeks, it added. 

Does Biden plan to offer more student loan forgiveness? 

Yes, because the Biden administration is working on a new effort to provide broad-based loan forgiveness through the Higher Education Act. 

The new plan could provide relief to about 30 million borrowers, either erasing some or all of their college loans. 

The Biden administration on Wednesday said the public comment period on the new regulation closed on May 17, with the Department of Education now reviewing the thousands of comments it received. 

"Our goal is to publish a final rule that results in delivering relief this fall," the Education Department said in the Wednesday statement. 

How can borrowers sign up for SAVE? 

The SAVE plan is open for enrollment here .

The income-drive repayment plan bases monthly payments on income and family size, with some lower-income households with more family members paying little to nothing each month. For instance, a family of four with less than $50,000 in annual income would have monthly payments of $0. 

Another benefit to the program is that it eliminates snowballing interest. In previous plans, borrowers sometimes saw their balances grow if their monthly payments didn't cover all their interest, a financial situation called "negative amortization." That's why some borrowers may have left college with, say, $20,000 in debt but ended up with much larger balances even after years of repayment.

• Biden Administration
• Student Debt

Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.

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