A university boss says big bucks aren't the only incentive for getting a degree.
New university research has found those with a degree earn around $1.3 million more over a lifetime than those going straight to work from school.
Medicine tops the list at an extra $3.5 million.
Universities New Zealand CEO Chris Whelan told Mike Hosking there's huge value in any post-school education.
He says religious studies graduates end up being priests who don't earn a lot, but follow their passion.
Whelan says young doctors start off by earning about one third of their eventual income after eight years study.
He also says there are many hidden sins with the research, and some young people going into a trade after school will end up owning a company and doing very well."
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