How much is a degree really worth?

College graduates still enjoy higher earnings than the average U.S. worker. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 2022, bachelor's degree holders took home a median wage of $1,432 per week, while workers with just a high school diploma earned only $853. That's a difference of 68%.

What is the real value of a college degree?

Graduates are more likely to participate in the labor force, less likely to be unemployed, and more likely to have full-time jobs. Among full-time workers, college graduates are more likely to have jobs that offer paid vacation, health insurance, retirement, and flexible work arrangements.

What degree is actually worth it?

The best degree for a career depends largely on individual interests, industry demand, and career goals. Fields like Computer Science, Healthcare, Engineering, and Business Management often top the list due to their high demand in the job market, strong salary potential, and broad applicability across industries.

How much does a degree really matter?

According to government data, the average salary of a bachelor's degree recipient is $67,500 per year. With the current national average just below $56,000 per year, individuals with a bachelor's degree are rewarded with higher earning potential as compared to high school diploma and associate degree recipients.

How valuable is a bachelor's degree?

Data from the BLS shows that graduates with a bachelor's degree earn a median annual US salary of $69,368. That's significantly more than associate degree holders ($50,076) and high school diploma holders ($42,068) [3]. Bachelor's degree holders also tend to earn notably more over the course of their lifetime.

The most useless degrees…

Does a bachelor's degree matter anymore?

The percentage of jobs requiring a college degree fell from 51% in 2017 to 44% percent in 2021. And according to Gallup, the percentage of U.S. adults ages 18 to 29 who view college education as “very important” dropped from 74% to 41% in just six years.

Is having a bachelors degree impressive?

Stand Out in the Crowd. Earning a bachelor's degree gives you a competitive edge among other jobseekers. While holding an associate degree is definitely an advantage, taking your education a step further to complete a four-year degree makes you an even stronger candidate when you're applying for jobs.

Are college degrees losing value?

The percentage of young adults who said that a college degree is very important fell to 41 percent from 74 percent. Only about a third of Americans now say they have a lot of confidence in higher education.

Do employers care what degree you have?

Aside from GPA, employers also look closely at the specific type of degree you've earned. That's why it's crucial you choose a major aligned with your future career goals. After all, employers want to make sure you've received the proper training to successfully perform the job they're hiring you to do.

Does the average person have a degree?

As previously stated, around 44% of Americans 25 and older have attended college and completed their degree programs. The grand majority of these degree-holders possess a bachelor's degree. 35% of those over 25 have a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the least regretted major?

The top three regret-free majors, all above 70%, are computer and information sciences, criminology, and engineering. Graduates strongly tied their sentiments toward their majors to job prospects, ZipRecruiter found. They're also less likely to regret pursuing quantitative fields.

What's the hardest degree to get?

What degree is most in demand?

What percent of Americans have a college degree?

The percentage of adults in the U. S. between the ages of 25 to 64 with college degrees, certificates, or industry-recognized certifications, has increased from 37.9% in 2009 to 53.7% in 2021, a gain of nearly 16 percentage points.

Why do so many jobs require a degree?

The value of a college degree to employers

Exceptional young people go to college to learn skills that make them valuable to employers. Our society also views a diploma as a sign of intelligence, work ethic and responsibility.

Can jobs tell if you have a degree?

Educational Background Checks Are Critical

By using degree verification services, employers can spot applicants who exaggerate or lie about their degrees and other educational qualifications. As a result, employers avoid the most dishonest individuals and reduce the risk of later legal actions for negligent hiring.

How often do employers check degrees?

Only 53% of employers always check job candidates' education credentials. Slightly more than half of the employers surveyed, 53%, always verify the education credentials listed on a job applicant's resume. Among the rest, 24% sometimes check applicants' education records, while 23% never do.

What degree do most employers look for?

How many Americans don't have a college degree?

Only 38% of Americans over age 25 have at least a bachelor's degree.

What college degrees are lowest value?

Will college be worth it in 20 years?

The Economic Data Initiative reveals that the return on investment of a bachelor's degree over a 20-year period has been 38.1%, with a lifetime ROI of 287.7%.

Do employers prefer BA or BS?

Fortunately, most employers do not prefer one degree type over the other. Learners should focus on earning a good GPA to impress employers. Students who find math and science easier than other subjects may perform better in a BS program. Learners who thrive in the creative disciplines may excel in a BA program.

Which is harder BS or BA?

You may be able to finish programs with less rigorous requirements in just three years, particularly if you've earned credits from other programs. BS programs tend to have more required core and major courses than BA programs, and may take more time to complete.

Is getting a degree a big accomplishment?

One of the most significant benefits of earning a bachelor's degree is the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment it provides. This feeling of pride and satisfaction can boost your self-esteem and motivate you to pursue other goals in your life.