The media is filled with conflicting messages on whether or not you should earn a bachelor’s degree. One source tells you that college is the only way to prepare for the future. Another tells you the only thing you’ll get from your studies is a massive pile of debt. College isn’t for everyone. Here are four ways you can know if completing a degree is the right choice for you.
You’re Ready for Personal Growth
Finishing a bachelor’s degree will challenge you in ways you can’t imagine. You might find yourself:
- llate into the night studying for a chemistry exam
- writing a 25-page paper for your English literature course
- corralling four other students into completing a group project worth 50 percent of your grade
College will force you to do things you didn’t know you were capable of doing. You’ll gain confidence, self-worth and a new way of approaching the world. You’ll be forced to stick with your commitment, even when your brain is telling you to quit. For the rest of your life, you’ll be able to look at your college degree and know that you are a person who can overcome adversity.
You Want Economic Stability
College can be expensive. There’s no way around that. However, completing a bachelor’s degree offers a lifetime of dividends. According to the Washington Post, college is still worth the cost. College graduates earn over $1 million more than high school graduates. The median salary of a college graduate is the same as the median salary of a 34-year-old high school graduate. A bachelor’s degree tells employers that you can:
- communicate in writing
- think critically about your decisions
- use computers
All of these are vital skills in today’s workforce. With a degree in hand, you’ll have an easier time weathering recessions and finding work after a lay-off.
You Want to Protect Your Health
Can you earn a good salary with just a high school diploma? Yes, but only for a limited time. High-paying trades like plumbing or construction offer high pay for a few short years, but eventually, your body will be unable to keep up with the demands of these fields. A bachelor’s degree can offer you a way out. If you’re looking to transition out of the skilled trades, you have many options. Want to stay close to your trade by using your mind instead of your body? Do this by earning a degree in:
- organizational leadership
- business management
- electrical engineering
You Need Structure
The internet has made it possible to learn throughout your life. YouTube and other online sites offer an immense treasure trove of knowledge. But too many choices can be overwhelming. Plus, after a long day of hard work, it’s difficult to find the motivation for self-improvement. College can be a solution to this problem. By following a degree roadmap, you’ll:
- expand your horizons with general education courses
- sharpen your technical knowledge with science and mathematics courses
- follow a pre-set plan
A bachelor’s degree can help you overcome a lack of motivation or energy by providing you with:
- academic counselors
- supportive professors
- a community of learners
Many degrees offer enough flexibility for you to choose a handful of electives in topics you’ve always wanted to study without letting you get too far off the path you need to follow.
Related Resource: 20 Highest Paying Bachelor Degrees
Don’t let your mind come up with a million excuses. You can get the help you need to make seeking a bachelor’s degree the right choice for you with:
- a part-time schedule
- online courses
- financial assistance.