As of 2003, 27% of U.S. adults had earned at least a bachelor’s degree within their cumulative education. The total number of bachelor’s degrees awarded jumped nearly 50% from 1992 to 2004. Meanwhile, the average cost of tuition has been rising faster than the rate of inflation. The most recent data show tuition alone at $21,235 per year at private universities, and $5,491 per year at public universities. Estimates fail to take into consideration the costs of room and board, books, time, and effort. Does the four year investment in a bachelor’s degree come with sufficient rewards?
Financial Rewards of a Bachelor’s Degree
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying occupations in America demand at least a bachelor’s degree education for entrance into those industries. On average, a professional who has earned a bachelor’s degree earns $900 per week, whereas the worker with only a high school education earns only $554 per week. Going deeper into the data, that means the bachelor’s degree graduate earns 62% more than the high school graduate. Over a lifetime, this adds up to major differences in total earnings.
The Bachelor’s Degree at Work in the Job Market
In addition to higher earnings, bachelor’s degree graduates have lower unemployment rates and a wider variety of career options than workers without a college degree, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job market appears to be increasingly favorable towards workers with a college degree. Between 2002 and 2012, over 14 million job openings are predicted to be won by bachelor’s degree graduates or master’s degree graduates who are entering a profession for the first time.
Should Everyone Get a Bachelor’s Degree?
Although the data certainly sheds a favorable light on the prospect of earning a bachelor’s degree, there are additional factors to consider before jumping in head-first. Job prospects and earning power are also affected by the local job market, the type of bachelor’s degree earned, and the industry a worker is attempting to enter. The most lucrative and fastest-growing industries for bachelor’s degree holders are expected to be in business, computers and engineering, education, counseling, and healthcare. For some professions, an associate’s degree may be sufficient, whereas other professions may require a graduate degree to take advantage of new entry-level job openings.
How to Get Started Towards Earning a Bachelor’s Degree
For more information on job outlook by career and education level, prospective students can visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006 – 2007. The number of subjects and avenues towards pursuing a bachelor’s degree are endless and include both campus and online bachelor’s degree programs. College-Pages.com is another valuable source of information with an extensive list of available programs and education resources.
Click on a program or degree below to request information from the school of your choice.
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Westwood College isn't your typical institution of higher learning. With our career-focused education, students can earn a bachelor's degree in just three years and some associate degrees in as little as 20 months.
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With convenient class locations as well as online learning, University of Phoenix makes quality higher education highly accessible. Whether you’re seeking an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, we can help you reach your goal while you work – and much sooner than you might expect.
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An accredited online university founded in 1970 and dedicated to enabling the success of working professionals around the world. Join 33,000+ students making a positive change in their careers and the lives of others.
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At ITT Tech we are committed to helping men and women develop the skills and knowledge to pursue many opportunities in fields involving technology, criminal justice, and business.
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Whether you want to change or advance your career, Kaplan University will help you get the education you need for the life you want to live. Offering online flexibility, the personal attention of a campus-based experience, reduced costs, financial aid assistance, and a quicker path to your degree, Kaplan University is a smart choice for working adults.
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Florida Career College has been specializing in career training since 1982. All our programs are specially designed with employers' requirements in mind. We train individuals who want to succeed in the fields of Allied Health, Cosmetology, Information Technology, and Business and Wellness.
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You can start now to make your dream career a reality at Sullivan College of Technology and Design, the region's respected academy for training technical and creative professionals. For half a century, we've shaped the people who've shaped the design and technology industries, with career-focused programs designed to prepare students for success much sooner than traditional colleges.
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As an accredited university, Capella University takes online education to a higher level. We believe that real, life-changing learning happens in an environment of academic excellence, challenge, and personal connection.
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Founded in 1970, American InterContinental University offers a wide range of Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. Our institution of higher learning is focused on helping students acquire industry-current knowledge and skills as they pursue, build and advance their careers in many of today's most in-demand fields.
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Programs at Argosy University are geared to your lifestyle. Depending on the program you select, you may be able to choose from day, evening and weekend schedules. Many of our classes are accessible online providing outstanding instruction and resources no matter where you are or what time of day it is.
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Tags: Bachelors Degrees, degree programs, education, employment, online bachelors degree, universities
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on Tuesday, January 27th, 2009 at 6:35 pm and is filed under Bachelors Degrees.
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