Connect with us

Featured

College Majors With the Best Return on Investment (ROI)

Sarah Jimenez

Published

on

Photo by John Guccione
Photo: John Guccione

Engineering and health-care majors top the list for ROI.

It’s no secret that college is expensive.

Both private and public institutions ranked by U.S. News saw tuition increases for the 2022-2023 academic year, according to data submitted in an annual survey.

Average tuition and fees at ranked private universities was about $40,000, while ranked public universities cost nearly $23,000 for out-of-state students and $10,500 for in-state students.

In turn, the average student loan debt continues to rise, currently clocking in at about $30,000 per borrower, according to U.S. News data.

Though students may encounter difficulties paying for it, college is a worthwhile investment when done wisely, experts say.

In 2021, the median weekly wage for full-time workers age 25 and older who had at least a bachelor’s degree was $1,334, compared to $809 for those with only a high school diploma and no college, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What a student studies can further affect the calculation.

Certain degrees yield a better return on investment than others, according to data from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.

Degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, known collectively as STEM, the data shows, are among those with the highest ROI.

“STEM careers continue to offer highly competitive salaries in the job market.”
—Jackson Gruver, Data Analyst at Payscale

[ READ: A Guide to STEM Majors. ]

“STEM careers continue to offer highly competitive salaries in the job market,” Jackson Gruver, a data analyst at online salary database Payscale, wrote in an email.

“These ‘hot’ jobs rely on specialized skill sets that are hard to come by. Such talent scarcity drives up the demand for these workers along with their pay. Whether it’s engineering, medical or data sciences – these laborers will see an abundance of opportunities in the job market that compensate well.”

Georgetown’s CEW analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard to determine a list of 34 degrees with the highest ROI.

It uses four categories to determine which degrees hold the most economic value:

  1. median monthly earnings net of debt
  2. median monthly debt payments
  3. median annualized earnings net of debt
  4. median debt

Payscale also tracks salary data by analyzing survey results from the past 10 years of nearly 3.5 million respondents with either an associate degree or bachelor’s degree, reporting both early and mid-career median pay for specific majors.

Degrees With the Highest ROI

Engineering tops both the CEW and Payscale lists for best return on investment.

Engineering degree holders have median monthly earnings of $6,000, or $72,200 per year, after debt payments – which average $240 per month – have been paid off, according to CEW data.

Advertisement

Engineering technologies/technicians ranks fourth, with median earnings of $5,100 per month or $61,800 per year, after median monthly debt payments of $230.

According to Payscale data, here are some specific engineering majors in bachelor’s degree programs that result in high incomes … [ keep reading on U.S. News & World Report ]

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Food & Drink

Best Cottage Cheesecake You’ll Ever Taste

DORAL 360

Published

on

Continue Reading

Op-Ed

Which is better for self-defense: tasers or pepper spray?

DORAL 360

Published

on

Photo by Andrew Neel

As women, we’ve been taught to fear the world outside. Whether it’s through warnings from our parents or statistics on the news, we know that danger lurks in the shadows. And while we may never know when that danger will strike, we can at least prepare ourselves with self-defense tools. But with so many options available, how do we know which one is right for us?

Today, we’re going to explore two of the most popular options: tasers and pepper spray.

Let’s start with tasers.

When most people think of tasers, they picture a small, handheld device that delivers a jolt of electricity to the attacker, rendering them temporarily incapacitated. And while that may sound like the perfect solution to our self-defense needs, there are a few things to consider before investing in a taser.

Firstly, tasers can be expensive. A quality taser can cost several hundred dollars, and that’s not even factoring in the cost of replacement cartridges. And while the initial cost may seem worth it for the peace of mind that comes with having a powerful self-defense tool, it’s important to remember that a taser is only effective if you can actually use it.

Using a taser requires close proximity to the attacker, which can be risky in itself. Additionally, tasers require a level of skill to use effectively. In the heat of the moment, it can be difficult to remember the correct technique for deploying a taser, which can render the device useless in a critical situation.

Now let’s consider pepper spray.

Pepper spray is a chemical spray that, when deployed, causes intense pain and temporary blindness in the attacker, giving the victim time to escape. Unlike tasers, pepper spray is relatively inexpensive and easy to use. It requires minimal skill or training to deploy effectively, and can be used from a safe distance.

However, pepper spray does have its drawbacks. It’s not as effective on individuals who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and can be blown back into the user’s face in windy conditions. Additionally, pepper spray can take several seconds to take effect, which can feel like an eternity in a high-pressure situation.

So which is better for self-defense: tasers or pepper spray?

The answer is neither. Both options have their pros and cons, and ultimately, the best self-defense tool is the one that you feel most comfortable using. The most important thing is to invest in a tool that you feel confident using and to practice deploying it in a safe environment.

Whether it’s a taser, pepper spray, or another option entirely, the goal is to be prepared and empowered to defend ourselves in any situation.

Here is a list of places where you can buy tasers or pepper spray online:

  1. Amazon has a wide variety of self-defense products available, including tasers and pepper spray.
  2. Self Defense Products is an online store that specializes in self-defense tools, including tasers and pepper spray.
  3. Taser is the manufacturer of the popular taser brand of stun guns, and they sell their products directly on their website.
  4. SABRE is a well-known brand of pepper spray, and they sell their products on their website as well as on Amazon.
  5. Damsel in Defense is an online store that specializes in self-defense products for women, including tasers and pepper spray.
  6. Security Pro USA is an online store that sells a variety of self-defense products, including tasers and pepper spray.
  7. The Home Security Superstore is an online store that specializes in home security products, including tasers and pepper spray.
  8. Cabela’s is a hunting and outdoor store that sells a variety of self-defense products, including tasers and pepper spray, on their website.
  9. OpticsPlanet is an online store that specializes in outdoor and tactical gear, including tasers and pepper spray.
  10. Walmart sells a variety of self-defense products, including tasers and pepper spray, on their website.

Continue Reading

How-To

When, why, and how to use self-defense pepper spray safely

DORAL 360

Published

on

Photo by Cottonbro Studio

Self-defense is an important aspect of personal safety, especially for vulnerable populations EVERYONE. One of the most popular and effective self-defense tools is pepper spray, a non-lethal weapon that can incapacitate an attacker. That said, it’s important to know when, why, and how to use pepper spray safely.

When to Use Pepper Spray

Pepper spray should only be used as a last resort in situations where there’s an immediate threat of physical harm. Obviously, it’s not a toy, you shouldn’t use it for pranks, and it shouldn’t be used to intimidate or threaten others… unless they deserve it (just kidding).

Some situations where pepper spray may be appropriate include:

  1. Walking or jogging alone in a secluded area
  2. Being followed or stalked by someone
  3. Confronted by an aggressive or violent individual
  4. In a situation where physical force is the only option for self-defense

Why Use Pepper Spray

Pepper spray is a relatively powerful self-defense tool that provides you with a decent level of protection in dangerous situations. When used right, it will temporarily blind an attacker, causing them to experience intense pain and difficulty breathing — giving you time to escape or call for help. Unlike other self-defense tools, pepper spray is compact and easy to carry, making it a convenient option for everyday use.

How to Use Pepper Spray Safely

Using pepper spray requires careful consideration and preparation. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

Choose a quality pepper spray product:

Look for a product that contains at least 10% oleoresin capsicum (OC) and is specifically designed for self-defense. Avoid using products that are expired or past their shelf life.

Know how to use it:

Practice using the spray before you need it, so you can be confident in your ability to use it effectively. Aim for the attacker’s face, and spray in short bursts while moving away from the attacker.

Be aware of your surroundings:

Before using pepper spray, make sure there aren’t any innocent bystanders or animals in the immediate area. Wind conditions also affect the spray’s effectiveness, so be aware of the direction of the wind. The last thing you want to do is spray yourself.

Only use it as a last resort:

Remember, pepper spray should only be used in situations where there is an immediate threat of physical harm. Avoid using it in situations where there are other options for de-escalation.

Takeaway

Pepper spray is a useful self-defense tool that can provide you with added protection in dangerous situations however, it’s important to use it safely and responsibly. By understanding when, why, and how to use pepper spray, you can take steps to protect yourself and others while staying safe.

Here are some places where you can buy pepper spray online:

  1. Amazon – Offers a wide variety of pepper spray products from different brands, including Sabre, Mace, and Fox Labs.
  2. Walmart – Online store also carries a selection of pepper spray products from different brands.
  3. Pepper Spray Store – Online retailer that specializes in self-defense products, including pepper sprays.
  4. The Home Security Superstore – Sells a variety of self-defense products, including pepper sprays from different brands.
  5. Sabre Red – Leading brand in the pepper spray industry and has its own online store where you can purchase its products.
  6. Mace – Another popular brand in the pepper spray industry and has its own online store where you can buy its products.
  7. Defense Devices – Another online retailer that offers a wide range of self-defense products, including pepper sprays.

Remember to research local laws and regulations before purchasing and carrying pepper spray, and always use caution and follow proper safety procedures when handling these products.

Continue Reading

Trending