The research is overwhelming: Holding a four-year degree is important for professional advancement. When weighing the value of a high school diploma or some college credit, against a four-year degree, research shows that an undergraduate degree outperforms in every area of consideration.

The most common objection to a traditional undergraduate degree is the cost. While this is a significant factor, and one that must be considered carefully, the ROI and the value of a four-year degree only continue to increase.

If you are set on returning to school to complete your undergraduate degree, you should consider doing so via degree completion programs!

Let's explore some key considerations for when you're researching your degree completion options:

1. Consider Affordability

While the cost of earning a college degree has risen over the years, Neumann University has focused on keeping college affordable for students. The value of a four-year degree pays dividends to graduates, from increased job opportunities to the chance for higher pay in their positions. Many universities also offer tuition assistance through scholarships and grants as well, helping students reach their goals and succeed in their careers.  

If you are committed to returning to school for your degree, now is the best time to do so.

2. Consider Job Security

Getting a job is just part of the equation; keeping that job is another topic altogether. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those who hold an undergraduate degree earn more and are less likely to be unemployed than those with an associate's degree. If a company experiences a difficult financial period or is going through an economic recession, employees possessing higher college degrees are often thought of as more valuable and are therefore, less likely to be laid off.

Take, for example, the recent Great Recession. Of the 7.2 million jobs lost between December 2007 and January 2010, 5.6 million were for workers with no more than a high school diploma. When 11.6 million jobs were created following the Great Recession, 8.4 million went to those holding a bachelor’s degree, while only 3.1 million went to those with an associate's degree and 80,000 to those holding a high school diploma.

3. Consider Salary Increase

According to the Pew Research Center, those with a college degree often earn more than their peers without a degree, and the chances of experiencing unemployment and homelessness drop when holding a degree. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn about $1,543 a week, as opposed to those who don’t have a bachelor’s degree, who earn anywhere from $738-1,099 a week. The estimated unemployment rate for those with a bachelor’s degree is much lower as well, at 2.5% compared to the 4.2% rate for those with just a high school diploma.

4. Consider Increased Satisfaction

Apart from earning higher salaries and having greater job options and security, four-year college graduates often report higher levels of self-satisfaction when evaluating their employment. A 2023 study done by CollegeBoard found that four-year college graduates reported the highest levels of satisfaction in their job when compared to others with varying degrees of education.

5. Consider Career Advancement

Having a four-year degree is also incredibly important for those considering making a career change. Frequently, when hiring, companies don’t require an undergraduate degree in the specific field, so long as you have related experience and can demonstrate that you possess the necessary skills.

If you are looking to change careers or job positions, an undergraduate degree is extremely valuable because it serves as a stepping stone into that new industry. Without a four-year degree (no matter the discipline), it is often harder to make a big career change.

Do the numbers convince you?

Each one of these factors demonstrates, in part, the value of earning a four-year undergraduate degree. There is not just one area in which graduates of a four-year degree program excel, but the data shows that these candidates possess the necessary skills and education to advance in the workforce — and thrive personally.

The faculty at Neumann University who teach the courses in our degree completion programs are experts with real-world training and field experience, many of whom are still working in their specific industries. Professors nurture students and help them to grow and thrive by cultivating an environment of questioning, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving — all of which develop the talents needed for a successful career. 

To learn more about finishing your bachelor's degree, request more information today!

Explore our guide — What Is A Degree Completion Program: A Guide to Going Back to College as an Adult