Question

read this claim from an argumentative text.
personal development aside, getting a college degree, regardless of major, is a solid investment in one’s future financial security.
which of the following is the strongest piece of evidence that supports the claim?
a. according to experts, the benefits of getting a college degree continue to outweigh the costs, despite the consistent trend of tuition increases.
b. according to the bureau of labor statistics, the median weekly earnings for a high school graduate in 2016 were $712 compared to $1,173 to degree.
c. according to a 2019 u.s. news article, the median starting salary for a recent college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engine experience in the field is $65,619.
d. many people believe that the importance of college is not just the promise of a better career, but the opportunity it provides for self-understane

Explanation:

The claim focuses on a college degree (any major) being a solid investment for future financial security. Strong evidence should directly link college degrees to financial outcomes. Option A mentions expert opinions but lacks specific financial data. Option C is limited to mechanical engineering, not "regardless of major." Option D discusses self-understanding, irrelevant to financial security. Option B uses official (Bureau of Labor Statistics) data comparing median weekly earnings of high school vs. college graduates, directly showing the financial advantage of a college degree across majors.

Answer:

B. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earnings for a high school graduate in 2016 were $712 compared to $1,173 for a degree.