Does a college degree stand between you and a pink slip? Just look at the data: in the last months of 2009, unemployment for high school dropouts surged from 8% to 15.5%. In the exact same period, the unemployment stats for college degree holders increase by 2.6%. The bottom line: not having a college degree makes you three times more likely to be unemployed.

Obviously, there is no such thing as a totally recession-proof degree or job, however the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks employment trends, and this data gives valuable information about career stability. Drawing from recent BLS tracking, here are five career choices that provide both stability and growth potential.

Early Education Teacher – President Obama has made education reform a cornerstone of his administration, specifically targeting early childhood education. Economic stimulus funds have been allocated to improve schools, and education and training programs. With the demand for qualified teachers projected to increase, there may be significant federal or state loan relief on the horizon.
• Required Degree: Check you state requirements, but most require an Associate Degree for preschool teacher and a Bachelor’s Degree in education for kindergarten. Additional teaching credentials maybe needed for K-12 teachers,
• 2008 BLS median salary: $23,870 for preschool, $47,100 for kindergarten
• BLS predicted growth: 23 percent

Cyber Security Specialist – Security is a concern for both the government and the private sector, and the internet presents a whole new set of problems and challenges. If you have a background in information technology, online degree and certification programs can give you the credentials you need to land one of these positions.
• Required Degree: Associate’s or bachelors in information technology or certification in information security.
• 2008 BLS median salary: $43,450 (for all computer support specialists)
• BLS predicted growth: 13 percent

Health-Care Administrator – Between an aging Boomer population and current legislative initiatives to make health care more affordable and available the message is clear: health care is a growth industry. Critically important to ensuring that the demands of this market are met and cost-controls are in place is a solid corps of managers with combined experience in health care and business.
• Required Degree: Master’s degree in business or health administration.
• 2008 BLS median salary: $80,240
• BLS predicted growth: 16 percent

Registered Nurses – The need for qualified nurses is evergreen, even during an economic downturn. A decades-long nursing shortage means recent nursing school graduates can move right into a position. Of course, geography plays a role, so check out hiring trends in your area.
• Required Degree: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program.
• 2008 BLS median salary: $62,450
• BLS predicted growth: 23 percent

Financial Analyst – The financial industry has rebounded quicker and stronger than initially predicted. Finance is the engine that drives our economy, and jobs in this sector are among the few reporting earnings increases in the last year.
• Required Degree: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration or finance.
• 2008 BLS median salary: $73,150
• BLS predicted growth: 34 percent