One of the primary reasons students pursue a college degree is to become qualified for positions in their desired career field. However, a college degree could do so much more than simply help you get a job after graduation; a bachelor’s degree program also allows you to enjoy personal growth and fulfillment along with the opportunity to explore new ideas to which you might not otherwise have been exposed.
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why is getting a bachelor’s degree important?” The guide that follows aims to showcase the true value of an undergraduate degree program.
The Significance of a Bachelor’s Degree in Today’s Job Market
For decades, a bachelor’s degree has been considered to be the leading qualification for most entry-level positions in professional fields. As a result, a significant number of students consider enrolling in bachelor’s degree programs each year. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 39% of 18- to 24-year-old students are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. In addition, many learners of all ages opt to return to their studies, often in hopes of advancing their career or pursuing a different career path entirely.
Knowing the role that a bachelor’s degree program could play in the job market may help you decide if this is the right time to begin your undergraduate studies.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment
It has long been known that earning a bachelor’s degree could improve your employment prospects. The Association of Public and Land Grant Universities cites substantial evidence that earning a college degree has the potential to improve the ability to secure a job and advance your career over the course of your lifetime. The association also notes that college graduates are less likely to be unemployed than their peers who have just a high school diploma.
The Role of a Bachelor’s Degree in Career Advancement
A bachelor’s degree may play a powerful role in career advancement over the course of your career. Not only does a college degree allow you to develop an advanced understanding of your chosen field of study, but it also presents an opportunity to develop the soft skills required to navigate today’s complex business landscape.
Additionally, for those who want to continue their studies throughout their career and pursue advanced degree programs, a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for most graduate degree programs, regardless of your field of study. If you are looking to enjoy a lifelong career that you may build upon in the years to come, the first step you should take is to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program.
Why Get a Bachelor’s Degree? Comprehensive Benefits of Earning a Bachelor’s Degree
Although choosing to enroll in a college degree program requires an investment of your time and financial resources, students find that the benefits they enjoy as a result of earning a college degree are well worth the effort. When it comes to why getting a bachelor’s degree is important, a degree program could yield a variety of comprehensive benefits — ranging from increased job opportunities, higher earning potential over the course of your career, and significant personal growth.
Financial Gains Associated With Higher Education
Generally speaking, college graduates have a higher earning potential over the course of their career compared to those whose highest educational qualification is a high school diploma. The income potential for an individual may vary considerably based on the degree program they pursue, the location in which they live, and the job they acquire after graduation — but for the most part, college graduates’ financial investment in their degree will pay off in the long term. The Association of Public and Land Grant Universities notes that nearly 87% of graduates with a bachelor’s degree report that they feel financially secure, emphasizing the financial gains associated with higher education.
Personal and Professional Development Opportunities
Why is getting a bachelor’s degree important aside from greater stability? While many students often focus on the financial advantages associated with earning a bachelor’s degree, keep in mind that these undergraduate programs offer other benefits. In addition to improving your earning potential over time, your college degree program may also allow for personal and professional growth. These programs generally require students to complete a wide range of coursework, allowing them to uncover opportunities for specialization and areas of personal interest within their field.
Navigating the Path to a Bachelor’s Degree
Knowing that you want to pursue and earn a bachelor’s degree is the first step. Next, you have to create a personalized, strategic plan that allows you to accomplish your goals. Understanding the path toward a bachelor’s degree can help you identify the necessary next steps to enroll in the right program for you.
Choosing the Right College or University
Choosing a college or university that aligns with your personal learning style and professional goals is essential for success within your bachelor’s degree program. You may choose the right college or university by:
- Researching several colleges that interest you the most. Be sure to take note of the size, location, student body demographics, campus atmosphere, and available programs at each college or university you are considering. Prioritize these factors according to your own personal needs and interests.
- Requesting additional information from each school in order to verify that you have a well-rounded understanding of what is available.
- Scheduling a campus visit to experience the scope of the campus and overall atmosphere for yourself.
- Meeting with an academic advisor to learn more about the courses required for the degree program in which you are most interested.
- Talking with other students to learn more about their experiences at that school.
Understanding the Application Process
Most colleges or universities have a multi-faceted application process in order to ensure that various factors are considered when admitting students. This admissions process may involve:
- Researching the school’s available programs.
- Talking with an admissions officer.
- Filling out an online application.
- Completing an essay or personal statement.
- Completing an admissions interview.
- Completing subject-specific placement exams.
- Submitting transcripts or standardized test scores.
Financial Planning for Your Bachelor’s Degree
Tuition costs for your bachelor’s degree program will vary based on the program you choose, the school you attend, and whether you pursue your education in person or online. In addition, depending on your circumstances, you also may be required to pay additional fees that cover housing, dining, technology, textbooks, and more. Fortunately, there is financial assistance available to help students pursuing a bachelor’s degree finance their education and achieve their personal goals.
Exploring Scholarships, Grants, and Loans
Students enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program may often find financial assistance through government programs and private lenders. According to Federal Student Aid, the most common types of financial assistance for college students include:
- Scholarships – Scholarships are a particularly beneficial form of financial assistance because students do not have to pay back the aid provided. Scholarships are awarded by both private and public institutions and typically given based on academic merit, personal accomplishment, or financial need. Scholarships may be available to a particular population of students or students who are pursuing a specific area of study (with requirements varying based on the scholarship provider).
- Grants – Similar to scholarships, grants are a form of financial assistance that does not require repayment. Some federal grants available to students include Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants.
- Student loans – Student loans are available from both private and public lenders, allowing students to receive the financing they need to pay for their tuition and fees. Student loans must be paid back within a specific period of time, with repayment being required after graduation or when a student is no longer enrolled in their degree program. Students interested in learning more about which federal student loans are available to them may fill out the FAFSA form.
Budgeting Tips for Prospective Students
Prospective students who hope to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program may consider the following from Merrill to begin saving for college:
- Set a savings goal and develop a plan to reach that goal.
- Consider investing in an education savings plan.
- Allocate extra income (such as bonuses or gifts) toward your college savings.
- Consider asking friends or family to contribute in lieu of gifts.
Maximizing the Bachelor’s Degree Experience
During a degree program, a great deal of learning may actually take place outside the classroom environment. College is a time for personal exploration and growth, and in order to maximize the bachelor’s degree experience, you should take advantage of some of the unique opportunities available on your campus.
Engaging in Internships and Co-op Programs
Regardless of your field of study, internships and co-op programs are available to pursue while earning your bachelor’s degree. These temporary professional experiences allow you to learn more about the field you are considering, develop the necessary skills to work in that profession, and begin to build your professional network. You may work with academic advisors and faculty members to learn more about which internships and co-op programs may be available within your program or sector.
Leveraging Campus Resources for Success
Of course, you want to succeed in your bachelor’s degree program, but keep in mind that your college or university wants you to succeed just as much. Numerous schools offer a range of resources for students, designed to support them personally, professionally, and academically as they work toward earning their degree. Such student services may include:
- Academic advising
- Career support services
- Health services
- Counseling services
- Extracurricular activities and opportunities
Emerging Trends in Bachelor’s Degree Programs
As advancing technology continues to shape every aspect of our lives, many bachelor’s degree programs are evolving and changing with the times. These emerging trends in bachelor’s degree programs highlight the importance of selecting a forward-thinking university that will continue to support the needs of modern learners:
Online vs. Traditional Campus Learning
Traditional campus learning has been the standard for hundreds of years, but in recent decades, there has been a surge in online learning among students of all ages. Online learning offers college students more flexibility to balance their synchronous and asynchronous coursework along with other personal and professional responsibilities. There is expected to be an increase in the number of online degree programs in the future to accommodate evolving technology and the changing preferences of college students.
The Rise of Interdisciplinary Studies
Interdisciplinary studies allow students to explore a vast range of topics as they build core competencies — such as research, analysis, and critical thinking skills. At one time, interdisciplinary studies were dismissed by some professionals, but today, students and employers alike are seeing the value of this broad and impactful degree program. The number of students enrolled in interdisciplinary studies programs is anticipated to rise in the coming years as the economy evolves and employers emphasize the importance of soft skills in the workplace.
The Global Perspective on Bachelor’s Degrees
Not only are bachelor’s degree programs valued throughout the United States, but these programs are also held in high regard around the world. Among the multiple reasons why to get a bachelor’s degree, it is considered the key qualification to launch a career in a chosen field.
International Students and Global Education Trends
According to Open Doors Data, the United States is a highly sought-after destination for international students looking to earn a bachelor’s degree. The report notes that the U.S. hosts more than a million international students each year, and international enrollment continues to increase at colleges and universities around the country.
How Bachelor’s Degrees Are Viewed Around the World
A bachelor’s degree is a widely recognized credential that can open doors to opportunities in various fields. Graduates from U.S. institutions may find that the skills and knowledge gained during their studies are applicable in professional contexts both locally and internationally, depending on industry standards and regional requirements.
Why Get a Bachelor’s Degree? Learn More About the Value of Undergraduate Degree Programs at Post University
At Post University, we offer a wide range of undergraduate degree programs — many of which are available both on campus and online. Our bachelor’s degree programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of their chosen field as well as the relevant skills required to succeed after graduation. Each degree program boasts a rigorous curriculum that helps students feel confident in their investment in their education.
Request more information about our bachelor’s degree programs today.
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