Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Re-enroll and Finish Your Degree
More than 40 percent of students who begin their post-secondary degree at a two-year or four-year university have yet to finish it (National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, December 2020). Some people believe it’s more practical to forgo a traditional college education in favor of beginning a career early and starting to bring in a salary. For others, it’s a matter of simply losing steam or “life” getting in the way. If you began a degree you still need to finish, here’s some great news to consider: evidence confirms that going back to school to finish your bachelor’s degree has vast financial, career and personal benefits. So, now that you’ve had time to regroup, consider why it’s time to recommit to finishing your degree. You’ll be so glad you did!
Why Re-enroll in College?
1. Financial Benefits of Finishing Your Degree
A common roadblock to re-enrolling in a university is fear that the financial reward will not be significant. However, reports confirm that individuals with college degrees consistently earn more than those with only a high school education or some college.
Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth found that students who return to college and finish a bachelor’s degree earn on average $4,294 more immediately after graduation and experience an average extra income growth of $1,121 per year (Gaulke, 2022). The study also showed that completing a bachelor’s degree “leads to a significant increase in employment of 9.8 percentage points and a significant increase in real (2014) annual income of $5,392” (Gaulke, 2022).
Similarly, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics compares the salaries of American citizens who are 25 and older and earning a full-time wage. On average, Americans with a high school diploma make $40,600 per year. Those with a few years of college but no degree earn an average of $45,600 per year. And bachelor’s degree holders enjoy a significant increase, earning an average income of $67,860 per year. This means individuals who re-enroll in college to complete their bachelor’s degree could earn an average of over $20,000 more per year – that adds up to $1,000,000 over 50 years.
Earnings naturally vary depending on a student’s chosen field. For example, if you major in engineering, you’ll make markedly more than if you’re in elementary education. But, even in a lower-paying career, individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree have an educational advantage that is often rewarded with pay raises, opportunities to rise in rank, and increase job stability. Within many careers like teaching and nursing, a bachelor’s degree is often a prerequisite to a pay raise, granted because graduate employees are considered valued workers with diverse skills.
So overall, no matter what field you choose, re-enrolling to complete a bachelor’s degree has significant financial benefits that could improve your annual salary.
2. Career Benefits of Finishing Your Degree
Another benefit of completing a bachelor’s degree is the opportunity to obtain a steady career with advancement and versatile possibilities. Gaining a bachelor’s degree allows individuals to pursue jobs unavailable to people who have only finished a few years of college. Job applications often list a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite to applying. A degree also assures the likelihood of promotions. For example, if you obtained a bachelor’s degree in communications, you would have more knowledge and opportunity at an advertising agency to gain clients and secure leadership positions than another employee who only took a few semesters of college.
In addition to promotions, individuals with bachelor’s degrees show that they are diligent and motivated, positioning them for new, flexible career options. Often, employers don’t focus on the particular subject studied but the fact that an individual studied at all. Why? Because they know that most universities train people to communicate with excellence, collaborate well with others, think analytically, balance busy schedules, prioritize projects accordingly, and research a variety of subjects. Overall, the self-discipline exerted to finish a degree helps shape people into professional individuals who are highly contributing members of society.
Because university study equips people with so many valued skills, graduates often have the privilege of job flexibility. Earning a bachelor’s degree allows people to establish successful careers in several different fields because they have the tools to succeed in various jobs. This is why individuals often land in occupations not specific to their degree.
Why Re-enroll at Regent University?
From a financial and career perspective, re-enrolling to earn a bachelor’s degree is tremendously beneficial. You’ll gain even more benefits by re-enrolling at Regent University: affordability, flexibility, and degree programs that integrate academic excellence with Christ-centered purpose.
3. Regent’s Affordable Degree Programs
Paying for school is a big commitment. Regent offers one of the most affordable undergraduate tuition rates in the country while also providing an excellent education to help advance your career. Regent is one of the most affordable private universities in Virginia, with a yearly tuition rate that is approximately $25,000 less than other private institutions, according to the latest tuition statistics from U.S. News & World Report, 2022. Regent also supplies a vast amount of scholarship and financial aid opportunities to help you manage costs and make your education more affordable.
For undergraduate students, Regent also offers generous transfer credits, free transcript request services, rolling admissions decisions, and credits for Prior Learning Assessment, CLEP, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, American Council of Education, DANTES, and Dual Enrollment.
4. Regent’s Flexible Degree Programs
One of the questions we hear most often from prospective students considering finishing their degree is, “Will I be able to manage school with work and all my other responsibilities?” The answer is Yes! At Regent, you can customize various course options to fit your life best.
Regent offers both in-person and online classes and shorter eight-week sessions with up to eight start dates throughout the year. You can also study asynchronously in most classes. This means you complete each week’s assignments and deadlines on your time rather than being locked into set classroom times. This variety of choices allows Regent students the flexibility to create an academic schedule that fits their lifestyle and provides quality coursework to bolster their careers.
5. Regent’s Purpose-Driven Programs
In addition to providing you with an affordable and flexible degree program, Regent ensures that a biblical worldview guides your coursework. As one of the fastest-growing Christian universities in the nation, Regent strives to demonstrate how Christ influences all aspects of a student’s life, including their professional work life. Our faith-based curriculum provides holistic education for mind, body, and spirit. Upon graduation, you can advance your career with your bachelor’s degree and a top-ranked Christian education so that you can make an impact in your chosen field.
At Regent, you’ll also enjoy full access to a network of resources to support your academic journey. This network of care includes student success coaches, academic advisors, financial aid specialists, career services, faculty mentorship opportunities, and access to the Center for Student Happiness.
Overall, re-enrolling to earn your bachelor’s degree is an excellent decision! It can help boost your financial, employment and career opportunities. Re-enrolling at Regent University grants you even more benefits, including achieving an affordable, flexible and purpose-driven degree.
Finish your degree strong. Explore Regent University’s 150+ programs at regent.edu/programs.
References
Gaulke, A. P. (2022). Returns to bachelor’s degree completion among stopouts. Economics of Education Review, 86, 102218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econedurev.2021.102218
All other financial information was sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Written by Jordan Lance – Student Writer