Whether considering going to college for the first time, returning to complete a degree program or seeking an advanced degree for career advancement, there are many things to consider before enrolling. College is a time commitment, which is difficult for those working full-time or balancing busy schedules. Coursework can be challenging and requires patience and focus. And, most importantly, college is a major expense with differing public opinion on the importance of a degree.
All the concerns above may have you wondering: Is college worth it?
Today’s higher education experience goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. College equips you with the experience and skills needed to succeed in the modern workplace. You’ll form lasting connections and network within your industry. You’ll also increase your earning potential and career stability. Beyond the financial benefits, earning a degree gives you the flexibility to grow, pivot or advance into leadership roles as your goals evolve.
Online programs enhance that flexibility even further by offering affordable tuition options, accelerated degree paths and the ability to continue working while you attend school, so you can invest in your future without putting your present on hold.
Whether you’re starting fresh or returning to finish what you began, here are five reasons why college is definitely worth it.
1. College offers hands-on training and skill-building
Higher education equips you with both the practical and soft skills needed to thrive — and advance — in any career field. Through collaborative learning, real-world projects and building dynamic portfolios, you can gain more expertise in critical thinking, communication and effective problem-solving.
College also helps you stand out in an ultra-competitive job market by providing industry-relevant coursework and curriculum that reflects current trends and technologies. By blending theory with practice, you’ll graduate prepared to adapt, innovate and lead.
“You feel more like a practitioner when you finish, because you’ve done this giant, real project with a real client in a setting where it feels safe to maybe not have a perfect end result. You learn so much along the way,” said David Searle, an online Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning student.
2. College graduates have higher earning potential
Earning your college degree opens the door to a wider range of opportunities. Many careers, especially those in technical or specialized fields, require at least a bachelor’s degree as a baseline qualification. Without one, access to higher-paying roles may become out of reach.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that college graduates earn significantly more than those without degrees, as a degree signals your ability to follow through on completing tasks and meeting deadlines.
Beyond immediate earning potential, a degree also provides you with the flexibility to move seamlessly into other roles or shift careers entirely. Whether switching industries, advancing into management or exploring entirely new fields, a college education equips you with the credentials and foundational skills needed to grow and succeed in any situation.
“I went as far up the ladder as I possibly could. I decided to go back to school to have a better chance at some director and higher management positions,” Ashley Hagemann, online Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Leadership graduate said.
3. College graduates have increased job security and stability
In addition to higher pay, college graduates often enjoy greater job security and stability. Employers actively seek and retain degree holders because they demonstrate the skills, knowledge and adaptability to navigate organizational changes. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics findings also indicate that those with a college degree experience lower unemployment rates compared to non-graduates.
A degree can also act as a safeguard against economic downturns. During recessions or periods of uncertainty, employers tend to retain and upskill existing employees since it’s more cost-effective, especially if you have a degree with specialized training. This offers graduates peace of mind that can be harder to achieve without formal education. You may also find it easier to pivot and continue moving forward after an unexpected job loss or economic downturn.
4. College offers vast networking opportunities
College gives you unparalleled access and opportunities to build meaningful professional and personal connections in your career field. By interacting with credentialed faculty, like-minded peers and industry professionals, you can form relationships that may lead to advantageous mentorships, internships or a foot in the door toward your dream role. You may also find opportunities not open to the general public by engaging with alumni networks and attending professional university events.
Additionally, higher education brings people together from diverse backgrounds who have varying perspectives and experiences. By interacting with a wider range of people, you’ll develop the critical soft skills needed for teamwork, conflict resolution and leadership.
“At my current job, I am a clinician lead, so I train a lot of new clinicians. These courses have been great in helping me grow into a leader and someone who is able to effectively communicate with different communicators,” said Gabby Ponce-Brambilla, an online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies student.
5. College is more affordable than you think
Many assume college is financially out of reach, but the reality is that higher education is more accessible than ever when you know how to take advantage of available resources. Colleges and universities provide several financial aid programs, payment plans, grants, merit-based scholarships and work-study opportunities to help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses.
If you’re interested in the flexibility of studying online, online degree programs offer reasonably priced tuition with lower per-credit rates, financial aid options and accelerated degree paths that help you reach your goals faster, especially if you’re returning to school with prior credits.
Beyond traditional aid and scholarships, many employers and military institutions offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs that cover some or all costs for working professionals wanting to upskill for advancement.
“My ultimate career goal is to serve as a training officer at one of our [Coast Guard Force Readiness Command] training centers. You have to have a training or performance-related degree to serve in those senior leadership roles. The Coast Guard offers funded post-grad education programs and opportunities within our workforce,” Jessica Cooper, online Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning graduate said.
These options allow you to pursue a degree while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses, making a college education a realistic and attainable investment in your future.
Is college worth it? FAQs
Is college worth it financially?
Yes, data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that, on average, college graduates earn more over the course of their careers than those without degrees. College graduates also have higher rates of retention and the ability to adapt or advance into leadership roles. While tuition costs and student debt are major considerations, financial aid, scholarships, grants, tuition reimbursement and accelerated degree programs can help make college more affordable. When a degree helps increase your earning potential and career opportunities, the long-term investment may outweigh the upfront cost.
Do employers still care about degrees?
Yes, many employers still value a degree and, more often than not, require at least a bachelor’s degree to be considered for employment. A degree demonstrates subject matter expertise and important soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and time management — all of which are highly valued in the workplace.
How do employers view online degrees?
The majority of employers view online degrees favorably, especially when earned at an accredited institution. Accredited online programs often have the same quality as their on-campus counterparts. They also prepare students for success within a remote workforce. Many institutions with a physical campus may not differentiate between an online degree and a traditional, in-person degree. Boise State University, for example, doesn’t list “online” on your diploma.
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.