Acquire your bachelor's degreeit used to be a way for students to differentiate themselves in a highly competitive job market. From 2011 to 2021, however, thePercentage of people with a college degree or higher increasedby 7.5 percentage points, from 30.4 percent to 37.9 percent. This new standard shows that applicants with a bachelor's or even a college degree are more common than ever.
Does this mean that a bachelor's degree is worthless? Does it matter in today's world of start-ups and independent entrepreneurs? Is it a worthwhile investment considering student loan debt may be involved?
Ultimately the answer is that it really depends on you. Your individual goals in life, including your career aspirations, determine whether a bachelor's degree is a good fit for you.
Is college necessary for a successful future?
A common question people ask when deciding whether or not to pursue a college degree is, "Can I be successful without college?"
This question is based on various stories from Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and other successful business owners who didn't get their college degrees. However, these experiences are the exception rather than the rule, which raises the question of whether a degree is worth it for most people.
In making that decision, it's important to know what you envision for your future career, what skills you need to succeed, and what life experiences you need to get there. The combination of all these elements gives an indication of whether or not the study period will benefit your professional career.
If you can't pursue your ideal career without some form of college education, there's no question that a college degree provides the resources you need to succeed in your chosen career. As mentioned above, the number of people with a bachelor's degree or higher has increased significantly, making a bachelor's degree increasingly important. For this reason, for many people, a college degree is important to succeed in today's job market.
Let's look at the benefits of a bachelor's degree and how your personal educational goals and lifestyle choices should factor into this important decision.
1. Improved access to job offers
A bachelor's degree opens up rewarding opportunities that would not otherwise be accessible. see college graduates57 percent more job opportunitiesthan non-graduates, and it is estimated that between 2016 and 2026 theThe number of singles jobs will increase by 10 percent.A degree allows you to qualify for these additional opportunities and gives you more flexibility in your choice of work.
Not only are there more jobs for graduates than there are for high school seniors, but existing jobs are more accessible. According to a study by Burning Glass Technologies, two million new jobs posted online each quarter require a bachelor's degree or higher. For job seekers, these online job postings are a primary tool for finding and applying for available positions. while more than80 percent of all job postings for employees with a bachelor's degree or higher are posted online., only 50 percent of jobs that require a college degree are advertised online, making it difficult for these workers to connect with potential employers.
A college education also broadens your access to opportunities by connecting with an ongoing network of peers, advisors, teachers, and mentors. Throughout your career, this network can open doors and connect you with industry leaders with whom you can share ideas and explore new ventures.
2. Preparation for a specialist career
As the world changes, so does the job market. Technology, education and healthcare are three of the fastest growing areas for good reason; they are developed so frequently that only the most skilled people can do the job. Earning a bachelor's degree will help you learn the specific skills and habits needed to earn a living in these fields.
While not all degrees provide a direct path to a specific job (for example, English, Philosophy, or Political Science), many are created with a specific career path in mind. For example, a pedagogy degree is designed as a funnel for teaching jobs; Some healthcare degrees also end up with very specialized jobs waiting for those who complete them.
3. Increased marketability
A bachelor's degree will keep you in demand as the need for skilled workers with college degrees continues to grow.
More than 80 percent of jobs in four of the fastest growing professions—health, STEM, education, and government services—require post-secondary education.
On your way to a bachelor's degree, you'll gain skills that will give you a competitive edge in the job market. Employers today are more interested in applicants withExceptional communication, leadership, critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills.
In college, you have access to rigorous coursework and experiential learning opportunities that equip you with those skills to make you more attractive to employers.
4. Increased earning potential
HeBureau of Labor Statisticsshared the average salary of people with different levels of education, and the data is unequivocal: College students can expect their starting salaries to rise over time, giving them hope for their future earnings. The higher your level of education, the higher your salary.
The difference in purchasing power is striking:
- Those who have not graduated from high school can expect to earn an average of $520 per week or $27,040 per year.
- Those with high school diplomas can expect to earn an average of $712 per week or $37,024 per year.
- Associate degree holders earn an average of $836 per week or $43,472 per year.
Earning a bachelor's degree comes with a significant salary jump. Bachelor's graduates earn an average of $1,173 per week or $60,996 per year. That's more than $17,500 more than associate's degree holders and nearly $25,000 more than high school graduates.
5. Economic stability
Of the 11.6 million jobs created since 2010,More than 8.4 million jobs, 95 percent, were for bachelor's graduates.. Meanwhile, jobs for high school graduates have grown by only 80,000. that makes sense thenBachelor's graduates have a significantly lower unemployment rate than high school graduates. As of 2022 it is theunemployment rate1.8 percent for people ages 25 to 34 with a bachelor's degree, while more than 3.7 percent of high school graduates in this age group remain unemployed.
due,People without title are three times more likely to live in poverty. According to the Pew Research Center, only 6 percent of college students live below the poverty line, while an alarming 22 percent of those without a college degree live in poverty. The bachelor's degree gives you economic stability and security for the future.
6. Networking opportunities
In today's job marketDevelopment and maintenance of a professional network.is critical to success. Certain aspects of a degree, from internships to volunteer work, are designed to help you meet people who can help shape your future.
Taking advantage of the various job fairs and career development resources available to college students is also a great way to put this degree to use.
When they're ready to graduate and venture out into the world, graduates can expect a level of support from their mentors and professors that isn't available anywhere else.
7. A path to ascension
Have you considered a career as a physical therapist, chief librarian, or anesthesiologist? These popular jobs usually require a bachelor's degree as the first step before you can earn another graduate degree.
You also need a bachelor's degree beforehand.Maestroopromotionas well as the popularMasters of Business Administration. Even if you're not sure you're ready for the entire career path, earning a bachelor's degree now puts you in the driver's seat should he decide to follow later.
8. Personal growth and improvement of self-esteem
Unless you're looking for the kind of career that often emerges from a four-year apprenticeship, you may be questioning the value of a bachelor's degree.
However, there is more than paper; Many students have also found the experience profound and personally enriching. In addition to learning skills like writing, time management, and teamwork, there is an opportunity to improve presentation skills and interact with teachers and students who will later become part of your team.valuable professional network.
Earning a degree is empowering; strengthens self-confidence and ensures a sense of achievement. Pursuing a higher education also equips you to face complex challenges and overcome adversity, which contributes to greater happiness and less stress. that may be the reasonBachelor's graduates report higher self-esteem than high school graduates.
College graduates are also more likely to be involved in their communities. Compared to undergraduates, they are more likely to vote, volunteer, donate to charities, join community organizations, and participate in educational activities with their children. As more active citizens, bachelor's graduates contribute to a stronger and more engaged community to create opportunities for future generations.
9. Greater job satisfaction
Research shows thatA bachelor's degree leads to greater job satisfaction in the long run. The differences between graduates and non-graduates are striking:
- 86 percent of college grads see their job as a career or a stepping stone to their career, while only 57 percent of high school grads say the same.
- The majority of undergraduate graduates, 60 percent, say they are very satisfied and that their job is more than a paycheck. Only 38 percent of college graduates report the same level of satisfaction.
- 42 percent of high school seniors say their job "is just making ends meet," compared to 14 percent of undergraduate graduates.
Bachelor's graduates also enjoy more benefits in the workplace that contribute to a sense of job satisfaction. In fact, 52 percent of college-educated full-time employees were offered retirement benefits, compared to just 43 percent of peoplewithout a title.
10. Return on capital positive
The cost of a degree can be daunting, especially when many students are in the news sharing student loan woes and don't feel like the job market is kind to their specific degree. While no one can argue that some degrees aren't that easy to apply for, many college grads find the ROI of a bachelor's degree positive.
Young adults say their degrees are good value: 72 percent believe their degree paid off and another 17 percent believe it will very soon. This trend also continues among those who have borrowed for school. In addition, there are many programs that finance higher education;subsidies,subsidiesYTuition reimbursement programsthey are designed to help students avoid debt.
Use a degree to your advantage
Whether you're looking for more upward mobility in your career, a new learning and professional growth opportunity, or a better life for your family through a higher annual salary, there are reasons to explore adegree courseThey are many.
In today's market, thethe price ofnohave a college degreerising as undergraduates face a lack of job opportunities and growing economic instability.
Whileget a bachelor's degreeIt's a big commitment, the rewards are plentiful, and within your grasp. A brighter economic future, more career opportunities, and a greater sense of personal fulfillment are all possible by earning a bachelor's degree.
Take the next step andrequired informationon earning your bachelor's degree today.
FAQs
10 benefits of a college degree? ›
It prepares you, both intellectually and socially, for your career and your adult life. The benefits of a college education include career opportunities like better paying and higher skilled jobs, but studies have shown that it also leads to overall happiness and stability.
How does a college degree benefit you? ›It prepares you, both intellectually and socially, for your career and your adult life. The benefits of a college education include career opportunities like better paying and higher skilled jobs, but studies have shown that it also leads to overall happiness and stability.
What are 5 financial benefits of a college degree? ›- Higher lifetime earnings. Research consistently links a college education with higher earnings. ...
- Lower unemployment rates. When you earn a college degree, you're helping to protect yourself from unemployment. ...
- Increased job opportunities. ...
- Better health, job satisfaction, and more.
A college degree opens up more opportunities, even in fields that aren't in your major. Improve Discipline and Develop Strong Character. Obtaining a degree takes discipline and a will to succeed. By getting your degree, you overcome procrastination and learn to do what it takes to reach your goal.
What are 3 benefits of higher education? ›College graduates have lower smoking rates, more positive perceptions of personal health, and lower incarceration rates than individuals who have not graduated from college. Higher levels of education are correlated with higher levels of civic participation, including volunteer work, voting, and blood donation.
Does college degree make a difference? ›The evidence that a college degree significantly improves one's employment prospects and earnings potential is overwhelming. Bachelor's degree holders are half as likely to be unemployed as their peers who only have a high school degree and they make $1.2 million in additional earnings on average over their lifetime.
What are the pros and cons of college? ›| Pros of Attending College | Cons of Attending College |
|---|---|
| Higher earning potential | High cost |
| Access to more jobs | Opportunity cost of time spent not working |
| More learning opportunities | The availability of high-paying, no-degree jobs |
| Networking opportunities | Underemployed college graduates |
College Graduates Usually Make More Money
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher had median usual weekly earnings of $1,556 when working full-time, compared to just $866 for high school graduates with no college studies.
Increased Earning Potential
There is plenty of data that suggests college graduate majors can expect their starting salaries to increase over time, giving them hope for their future earnings. The greater your level of education, the higher you can expect your salary to be.
College graduates get higher-quality jobs
Among full-time workers, college graduates are more likely to have jobs that offer paid vacation, health insurance, retirement, and flexible work arrangements. These forms of non-wage compensation help provide greater financial stability and security over the long run.
Does getting a college degree ensure success in life? ›
Although college isn't necessary for success, you still need to further your education and build skills. Luckily, there are many alternatives out there. Here are a few ways you can gain the skills you need for a career without a traditional college experience.
Does your college degree really matter? ›One of the reasons many students stress about their choice of major is due to the mistaken belief that their major will determine their career. While your degree may come with an obvious career path, you don't have to follow it. Your future career and success are not at the mercy of the degree you choose.
How has college changed you as a person? ›College has helped you become self-aware.
In college, you get to explore YOUR interests. You've gotten to take classes that are more relevant to what you want to do with your life - and this has contributed to you getting to know yourself better.
College grads generally earn more and have better employment opportunities than non-graduates. And for many students, college is an opportunity to gain financial literacy, begin networking and broaden their horizons. The investment is worthwhile for many.
How can education improve your life? ›Education can also lead to more accurate health beliefs and knowledge, and thus to better lifestyle choices, but also to better skills and greater self-advocacy. Education improves skills such as literacy, develops effective habits, and may improve cognitive ability.
What are the social benefits of college? ›Through volunteer work, leadership, and philanthropic contributions, public university graduates enrich the civic and economic life of their communities. They also contribute more in taxes and are less reliant on government services than their peers whose highest degree is a high school diploma.
Is it better to have a degree from a college or university? ›Both are equal academically, but if you prefer a school with a wider choice of classes and programs, a university may be a better fit. If you prefer small-sized classes and being able to interact more with their professors, a college might be a better option.
What are two cons of going to college? ›- You Likely Will Graduate With Student Loan Debt. ...
- High-Paying Jobs Aren't Guaranteed. ...
- It Can Take More Than Four Years to Graduate.
- You may not gain technical skills. ...
- You may not get employability skills. ...
- Contact time is less than at school. ...
- You'll leave with a lot of debt. ...
- You will be committing at least three years of your life. ...
- You're not guaranteed a graduate job. ...
- Lifetime earnings can be higher with an apprenticeship.
- College uses a fairly standard academic structure for education that not every student thrives in. ...
- Not every career choice is best learned in an academic environment. ...
- The “well-rounded” approach of colleges can be counter-productive with certain technical careers. ...
- College is expensive.
Is getting a college degree a big deal? ›
According to research from Georgetown University, the lifetime earning potential of a worker with a bachelor's degree is $2.8 million. Without a degree the expected earning power is $1.6 million. But in a study of universities in Massachusetts, college graduates were found to earn no more than high-school graduates.
What is the hardest degree to earn in college? ›- Chemistry.
- Environmental Economics and Policy.
- Environmental Earth Science.
- American Studies.
- Nuclear Engineering.
- Energy Engineering.
- Astrophysics.
- Applied Mathematics.
Depending on your age, income level, and job status, education can have both a negative and positive effect on your happiness. There are certain patterns to this, but your own values play an important role: the more you value education, the bigger effect it will have on your happiness.
Do most millionaires have college degrees? ›88% of surveyed millionaires graduated from college.
In contrast, 33% of the general U.S. adult population has graduated from college.
According to data published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the wage premium for early-career college graduates was 52%, or $17,680. The unemployment rate for college grads was also far lower in the first quarter of 2023 at 2.1% versus 6.9% for young workers without a college degree.
What percentage of college graduates are successful? ›Report Highlights: In 2019, those who've obtained their bachelor's degree or higher had an employment rate of 87% for both genders, 91% for males, and 83% for females.
Why do employers prefer college graduates? ›Earning a college degree show your ability to complete academic work. Some employers consider this a demonstration of your mental capacity and work ethic. Employers may view your degree as verification of your skills, intelligence and ability to dedicate yourself to difficult tasks.
What is the success rate of college degrees? ›Key graduation rate statistics
Public colleges have an average graduation rate of 63 percent, and private nonprofit schools have a rate of 68 percent. Women are more likely than men to graduate within six years of starting their degree program.
There's a reason you're required to put the name of the college you attended on your resume and job application. Despite what you may read to the contrary, most employers do care about where you went to school for your degree.
How important is your college major? ›Selecting a major now can help you decide which college to attend. If you're interested in a particular career, find out which majors are required and make sure the colleges you're considering offer them. If you're unsure, consider liberal art colleges or universities offering many difference academic areas.
Can you live without a degree? ›
Some people don't want to study full-time at a campus university, others don't want to study at all. If you're put off by the high fees that campus colleges ask for, or wondering how to have a good life without college, read on. The good news is that it's still possible to be successful without a degree.
What do colleges look at about you? ›Colleges today are looking for students whose strengths and experiences will be an asset to their school. Good grades, a challenging high school curriculum, standardized test scores, extracurriculars, and a strong essay are a few key factors admissions officers assess.
What should I get my college degree in? ›- Pharmacology. For a lucrative career helping people, pharmacology is at the top of the list for in-demand degrees. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Health Science. ...
- Information Technology. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Business Administration. ...
- Finance. ...
- Human Resources.
- Safety.
- Academic Support and Career Services. ...
- Campus Life. ...
- Athletics and Extracurricular Activities. ...
- Majors and Minors. ...
- Class Size. ...
- Cost and Fees. ...
- Location and Distance From Home. ...
Bachelor's degree holders generally earn 75% more than those with just a high school diploma, according to “The College Payoff,” a report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce — and the higher the level of educational attainment, the larger the payoff.
What are the 5 most important things to consider when choosing a college? ›Before making your choice, consider these factors: cost, location, size, your interests, campus life, graduation rates, and the potential return on your investment. Once you make your decision, be sure to commit to the college by the deadline.
Why is it important to be educated? ›Education helps you develop critical skills like decision-making, mental agility, problem-solving, and logical thinking. People face problems in their professional as well as personal lives. In such situations, their ability to make rational and informed decisions comes from how educated and self-aware they are.
Why should you be educated? ›Educating children not only secures their personal life but collectively contributes to the development of a more reliable nation and the world. It can yield a better surrounding in which people can differentiate between right and wrong, know the importance of voting, adhere to laws, and reduce crimes.
Does education make you more confident? ›But sometimes confidence comes from learning how to learn. Because your education teaches you how to find information, you also know where and how to look things up. You come more fully prepared to tasks at work, volunteer projects, and even conversations.
How does getting a college education benefit you and society? ›The report also found that the unemployment rate for those with a bachelor's degree or higher is about half of what it is for high school graduates, while the poverty rate for those with a bachelor's degree was 9 percentage points lower than it was for those with a high school diploma only (4 percent vs. 13 percent).
What are some student benefits? ›
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) ...
- Student Career Experience Program. ...
- Federal Work-Study Program. ...
- Fulbright Programs. ...
- Federal Pell Grants.
In college, you will gain so many new friends — from your new living or studying spaces, from classes, extracurricular activities, and part-time work. This leads to a much richer social life than the one you may have had during high school. Your social calendar will be much more varied as well.
Does a college degree mean success? ›Bachelor's degree holders earn an average of 66 percent more than high school graduates. People with a bachelor's degree will add $1 million to their total lifetime earnings compared to someone without a degree. High school graduates experience an unemployment rate 8 percent higher than college grads.
What are the benefits of going to a 4 year college? ›- You'll be educated in a wide variety of subjects through general education requirements. ...
- There are more majors for you to pick from. ...
- There are loads of extracurricular options. ...
- You'll get the traditional college experience.
Why require a degree when the job's duties and responsibilities are the same no matter how much education an employee has? The study found that employers believe that applicants with a college degree are more “job-ready” than those without a degree.
Are college graduates happier? ›College Degree = Increased Self-Satisfaction:
A study done by CollegeBoard found that four-year college graduates reported the highest levels of satisfaction in their job, when compared to others with less academic experience.
Bachelor's degree holders generally earn 75% more than those with just a high school diploma, according to “The College Payoff,” a report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce — and the higher the level of educational attainment, the larger the payoff.
How important is a degree? ›Obtaining college degree will almost always improve your career opportunities. In today's competitive job market, it's becoming more common for employers to require applicants to hold at least a bachelor's degree in order to qualify for many jobs.
Is college cost worth it? ›Despite the high costs associated with going to college, it can be worth it for many people. You may very well find that your investment pays off in the long run, by allowing you to build a well-paid, successful career. Not to mention the invaluable life experience and connections you gain at school.