While it’s true that earning a college degree qualifies graduates for more challenging and rewarding careers, life has a way of upsetting plans. Economic circumstances can require a high school graduate to immediately enter the workforce. Others earn some college credits but do not complete a program because of professional or personal responsibilities.
The millions of Americans who find themselves in these situations can still reap the rewards of earning a college degree. Online learning now allows working adults to graduate with a bachelor completion degree while still maintaining their job. These same programs are available for those who want the traditional college experience.
Point Park University offers both online and on-campus programs through its Pathway to Completion program. It’s designed to give older students the education and skills they need to take the next step in their current career or transition to a new field.
Reasons to Complete a Bachelor’s Degree Program
An estimated 39 million people in the United States have some college credit but did not complete their undergraduate degree. Each year, thousands enroll in bachelor completion programs because they realize the impact a bachelor’s degree can have on career trajectory.
More Job Opportunity
According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, more jobs than ever require a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s degree holders currently have about 25 percent of all jobs in the nation, while those with a master’s degree hold another 15 percent of the jobs. They project that by 2027, there will be even fewer jobs for those without a degree.
Higher Salaries
Earning a college degree has a big impact on income, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those with a bachelor’s degree earned a median weekly income of $1,305 in 2020, compared to $938 for an associate degree. People with “some college, no degree” earned $877 per week.
Better Marketability
The BLS also reports lower unemployment rates for workers with a college degree in 2020, the latest numbers available. These numbers were higher than usual because of the global COVID-19 pandemic:
- High school diploma – 9 percent
- Some college, no degree – 8.3 percent
- Associate degree – 7.1 percent
- Bachelor’s Degree – 5.5 percent
Networking Opportunities
When students enter a degree program, whether online or on campus, they meet other like-minded students who share many of the same goals and ambitions, creating a network of such people offers support over the course of a decades-long career.
Point Park University Pathway to Completion Program
The Pathway to Completion program from Point Park University offers students a chance to complete their bachelor’s degree either at the University’s Downtown Pittsburgh campus or through an online program.
Point Park offers student support that can make the college experience more enjoyable and keep students on track to complete their degrees on time. That support includes an enrollment advisor who guides students in the re-enrollment process, eliminating any roadblocks and helping students maintain confidence as they work on earning a degree.
Enrollment advisors also create a personalized plan for each student focusing on successful program completion. Students also benefit from small class sizes, career-focused education, and faculty with real-world experience in their areas of expertise.
In today’s world of higher education, the reason why a student did not finish their degree does not matter. What’s important is that bachelor completion programs now offer them an opportunity to realize their educational goals and boost their careers. At Point Park University, these programs are available for both online and on-campus students.
