Periods of job insecurity often force people to rethink their next move. When layoffs rise, hiring slows and career paths feel less predictable, it’s natural to question whether going back to school is a smart decision or an added risk. Historically, college enrollment tends to increase during uncertain economic times as individuals look for ways to strengthen their qualifications, remain productive and position themselves for future opportunities. For many students, exploring flexible online degree options becomes a proactive response to uncertainty rather than a pause button on their careers.
Choosing to enroll during these moments reflects a long-term growth mindset. Instead of competing in a volatile job market right away, students use this time to invest in education, develop in-demand skills and expand their professional networks.
Here are the benefits of earning your degree online during times of economic uncertainty and how you can support both your immediate goals and long-term career growth.
Advantages of getting your degree
In economics, “opportunity cost” refers to the value of a decision. For example, if you choose to go to college instead of seeking full-time work, the opportunity cost is the income and work experience you give up during your years of study, while the potential benefit is the higher pay or better career options a degree might provide later.
Here are just a few of the many advantages of earning your degree during times of economic uncertainty.
Improved long-term earning potential and job stability
Earning your degree during periods of economic uncertainty may help you improve your long-term earning potential and job stability, even if it feels risky.
According to a study on the effects of educational degrees in turbulent economic times, “four-year college graduates have much greater lifetime earnings than high school graduates, and that even in recessionary times, college graduates have higher rates of employment and find jobs more quickly than those without college degrees.” When job markets are unstable, employers often prioritize candidates with specialized skills, credentials and adaptability — qualities that higher education can help you develop.
Graduates are also much more likely to qualify for roles in fields that recover faster after economic downturns, such as healthcare, education, technology, finance and business administration.
While a degree can’t guarantee immediate success, it can provide you with a stronger foundation for career advancement and financial stability over time, especially once the economy rebounds.
“I have had people reach out with other job opportunities, so [earning a] degree has already helped me a lot. I like my current role, but I have goals to get to a manager or director position at the company where I work,” recent online Master of Business Administration graduate Leah Bradley said.
More time to build skills aligned with future labor needs
Degree programs, like the more than 100 programs offered by Boise State Online, are designed to be relevant to the current job market. New or returning students who aren’t as familiar with emerging technologies — AI, for example — can build skills that align with future labor market needs for a new role or advancement in a current role.
When industries are in flux, employers increasingly look for versatile workers with strong soft skills like critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving — abilities that are developed through higher education.
Degree programs allow you to learn emerging technologies, gain industry-relevant certifications and develop highly sought-after skills such as communication and data literacy while the economy stabilizes.
Instead of entering a weaker job market immediately, you can use this time to prepare yourself for roles in growing fields, positioning you to compete for better opportunities.
More opportunities for networking and internships
Along with the skills you can build, you’ll also have more access to internships and networking opportunities within your field that you may not have had otherwise. Similarly, many of Boise State’s online degree programs offer culminating activities, such as projects and portfolio building, that set you up for success when seeking employment.
A great example of this support in action is the online Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning (OPWL), which provides its students with the chance to conduct (and publish) research, work with actual clients, make industry connections, seek mentors, find internships and gain access to job opportunities offered to those within the OPWL program.
Access to financial aid, scholarships and flexible programs
The thought of taking on additional debt during times of financial strain can be scary. Fortunately, Boise State Online offers reasonably priced tuition, scholarship opportunities, financial aid options and focused degree paths to help ensure you complete your degree plan quickly and efficiently.
Most programs follow an alternative fee model, meaning no out-of-state tuition, no surprise charges and per-credit fees are the same whether attending full- or part-time. You’ll also have guidance along the way from expert faculty, coaches and advisors who truly have your best interest in mind.
Additionally, the online degree programs are flexible in that most are offered full- or part-time with 100% online coursework (in-person clinical or field work is required for some healthcare degree programs). This flexibility allows you to continue to balance work and life while earning your degree.
Practical tips to help you minimize financial risk
While there are many advantages, cost is still a risk that can’t be ignored. Here are a few tips and resources to help manage the financial risks associated with pursuing a degree.
- Figure out your finances early: You’ll want to apply for financial aid, scholarships and grants as soon as possible. Reviewing your loan options, repayment plans and forgiveness programs can be overwhelming, but your student success coach or advisor can help walk you through it. If you are currently employed, research employer partnerships that offer tuition support for degrees or certificates to upskill their workforce. Once all your cards are on the table, you can start planning for the bigger picture.
- Explore your prior credit options: If you have already earned prior credits through community college, technical training or accredited universities, with the help of your student success coach, you may be able to apply these toward your degree plan and finish sooner.
- Look for a degree completion program: If you have prior credits or work experience, you may also consider a degree completion program, especially if finishing your bachelor’s degree is your top priority. Boise State’s online Bachelor of Applied Science and Interdisciplinary Professional Studies program are both great options for this goal.
- Apply for work-study or paid internships: Many online students continue to work full- or part-time jobs while earning their degrees. While this can seem daunting, utilizing the flexible online schedule and learning time-management skills can help you avoid burnout. You may also look into work study options to supplement your costs or paid internships that help you build connections while completing school.
- Contact career services: It’s never too early to start networking and building interview skills before graduation by taking full advantage of Boise State’s career services. Career counselors can help you explore your options, make a plan and effectively search for jobs after graduation.
Learn more about Boise State Online
Boise State Online offers 100+ online programs and 900+ unique online courses to help you make your educational dreams a reality — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online program is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.