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Is a Bachelor's Degree Worth It? Here Are Some Benefits You Can Expect

April 5, 2022
by Tami Althoff

Are you contemplating finishing your bachelor’s degree but not sure if it’s worth the time or money? It can be a hard decision, but if you’re wanting a higher-paying job with the potential for advancement, then the answer is yes.

Here are a few reasons why it’s still worth it to get a bachelor’s degree.

Affordable Tuition Options

While many universities have unreasonably high tuition rates, there are plenty out there that offer affordable bachelor’s degrees. Online bachelor’s degrees like those offered by OU Online and the College of Professional and Continuing Studies can be an affordable and convenient way to get a degree.

Online degrees typically cost less and can be completed on your own schedule from anywhere in the world. When you study online, you also eliminate extra costs like housing and commuting. This can save on the amount of debt you incur earning your degree.

Scholarships and grants can save you even more money. Many colleges, including OU, offer several ways to help you cover the cost of your degree.

More Money

There’s no question about it. People who earn a college degree earn more money. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelor’s degree can result in up to a 49% increase in salary.

If earning more money isn’t motivating enough, the number of employers requiring at least a bachelor’s degree is also growing. According to a Georgetown University Center study on education and the workforce, around 65% of jobs in the United States require a college degree for employment.

Once your degree helps you land your dream job, it’ll also provide you with added job security. Companies tend to keep employees who have degrees when scaling back, and many jobs that require a degree can be done virtually. Being able to telecommute means you’re less likely to suffer a layoff during tough times.

Additional Benefits

In addition to earning your degree, you’ll also learn “soft skills” that will put you in a position to be successful in a variety of career settings.

Some of those skills are:

  • Communication
  • Writing
  • Research
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Leadership
  • Time management

You’ll also have the benefit of networking and sharing thoughts and ideas with like-minded people. These connections can lead to some of the best friendships of your life, as well as future business opportunities.

In addition, those with degrees typically have additional benefits with their jobs including vacation, sick leave and other benefits.

Are you ready to get started on the path to finishing your degree? Check out the online degrees offered by OU, and apply today.