The median weekly earnings for individuals age 25 and older who worked full time and had less than a high school diploma was $504 in 2016 (approximately $26,200 per year), compared to $819 (approximately $42,600 per year) for individuals with an associate degree. Data show that more education not only leads to higher earnings but also to lower unemployment rates. For example, individuals with less than a high school diploma had the highest unemployment rate of 7.4 percent. Those with some postsecondary education had an unemployment rate of 4.4 percent. The unemployment rate was 3.6 percent for individuals with an associate degree and 2.7 percent for bachelor's degree holders.