Final answer:
A negative correlation between the number of years in college and earnings suggests that individuals with more education tend to have lower earnings. However, other factors can also influence earnings.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of college education and earnings, a negative correlation means that as the number of years in college increases, earnings tend to decrease. This suggests that individuals with more years of education generally have lower earnings compared to those with fewer years of education.
For example, a study conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the median weekly earnings for someone with a high school diploma were higher than those with a bachelor's degree. This supports the idea of a negative correlation between years in college and earnings.
However, it is important to note that correlation does not imply causation. Other factors such as job market conditions, chosen field of study, and individual performance can also influence earnings.
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