by Candace Roberts

Created on: September 17, 2009

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a college graduate makes about $1 million more than someone who only has a high school diploma. Some of the most successful people in America either dropped out of high school or college or just didn't attend college at all. Some chose to earn a GED or even join the military and later found success. There are many exciting and well paid careers out there for non degree holders.

One of the greatest entertainers, Bill Cosby, dropped out of high school after tenth grade. He then joined the Navy and completed high school through a correspondence course. Upon being discharged from the Navy, Cosby received an athletic scholarship to Temple University. In his sophomore year at Temple, he dropped out. Yet, Bill Cosby went on to become a well known and respected comedian, actor, and educator. His most flourishing work is The Cosby Show.

Chairman of Microsoft Corporation, Bill Gates, never earned a college degree. He did however attend Harvard, but left in his junior year. In 2001 Forbes ranked Gates as the richest man in America. Bill Gates is now worth over a billion dollars.

Famous GED holders include; actor and comedian D.L. Hughley, founder of Famous Amos Wally Amos, the Hilton Hotel heiress Paris Hilton, actor Michael J. Fox, comedian Chris Rock, entertainer Jessica Simpson, founder of Wendy's Restaurant Dave Thomas, and entertainer Aaron Carter.

Popular college dropouts include; rapper Kanye West (Chicago State University), founder of Dell ComputersMichael Dell (University of Texas at Austin), actor Brad Pitt (University of Missouri), entertainer Ellen DeGeneres (University of New Orleans), and singer Alicia Keys (Columbia University). Singer Ashanti turned down scholarships for both Princeton and Hampton University.

There are jobs that do not require 4 year degrees, such as, Film and Video Editors. They can receive on-the-job training or attend vocational school. The average yearly income for this job is a little over $58,000. Other non 4 year degree jobs that make over $50,000 a year include; Flight Attendants, Real Estate Brokers, Car Salesperson, Loan Officer, Account Manager, and the list goes on.

A college degree doesn't hurt either, but it is not always required. Some may even chose to join the military. Joining the military requires a high school diploma or GED. Although GED holders have a less chance of being sworn in to the military. Some of the strongest demand jobs only require an associate degree or being skilled in a trade.

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