It’s no secret – rising education costs are a topic of concern for many Americans. Those who are first looking to explore higher education may feel overwhelmed by new challenges their parents didn’t face, while those looking to return for graduate school are struggling to find affordable programs.

This can be a deterrent to making any significant educational decisions in the near future. But choosing to skip professional development may not be a financially sound decision. Investing in your education can actually help you combat inflation and rising costs. With new skills and training, you can increase your earning potential and change or advance your career to higher levels with better benefits.