The graph illustrates the weekly earnings of full-time graduates with different types of degrees across various age groups in 2002.
Overall, the earnings of all three groups of graduates increased steadily until the age of 38, with the highest income for higher degree holders. Beyond the age of 38, the trend in earnings varied based on the type of degree, with a noticeable decline for other degree holders, stability for first degree holders, and a significant increase for higher degree holders in the older age groups.
Initially, the youngest graduates (21-25 years old) earned between 350 and 420 pounds per week, with other degree holders having the highest income. Their earnings continued to increase steadily, reaching peaks of 820, 700, and 695 pounds for other degrees, higher degrees, and first degrees, respectively, at the age of 38. However, beyond this age, the weekly income of other degree holders decreased to around 690 pounds for individuals aged 60, slightly higher than first degrees and around 90 pounds lower than higher degrees.
In contrast, the earnings of first degree holders remained relatively stable after the age of 38. On the other hand, the weekly income of higher degree holders experienced a substantial increase for individuals aged 52 and above, reaching 790 pounds for the oldest age group, marking a noteworthy difference in income compared to the other two groups.
