A bachelor’s degree can open doors and improve your career advancement opportunities. Earning a degree demonstrates a commitment to your education and a willingness to learn and grow. Many employers offer opportunities for career advancement to employees who show potential and dedication. With a degree, you may be eligible for promotions or leadership roles that require higher levels of education.

Earning a bachelor’s degree also increases your earning potential. According to the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU) the earnings gap between college graduates and those with less education continues to widen. In 2021, median income for recent graduates reached $52,000 a year for bachelor’s degree holders aged 22–27. For high school graduates the same age, median earnings are $30,000 a year. Per the Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce, those with a college degree earn, on average, 75% more over the course of their lifetime.