What Are the Benefits of Getting a University Degree?

Those with a bachelor’s earn an average of 40% more than those with an associate’s degree.

Getting your university degree is not all about the money.

It’s a chance for personal growth; trials and tribulations; and friendships and romance. For many young adults, college and campus life are an essential piece in their coming-of-age story.

But let’s face it: The numbers don’t lie. And the number one reason to get a degree is all about your career.

Improve Your Earning Potential

The most lauded benefit of university degrees is the one that we’ll talk about the most: your earning potential.

And it’s about much more than your starting salary at an entry-level job.

As we mentioned above, graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn more. It doesn’t stop there. The higher up the ladder of education, the greater your earning potential.

While there is a disparity between industries, this fact holds true across them. A liberal arts graduate won’t have the same earning potential as somebody with a STEM degree – but they’ll still be earning more than their peers without.

Market Yourself

All of the healthcare, government, STEM, and education sectors are populated with graduates.

Those without a degree are the exception.

Your ability to earn more comes down to your skill set, experience, and marketability. These are all university degree advantages.

Many universities offer internship partner programs to allow you to gain hands-on experience while you’re studying. And many of the skills that set you apart from the competition are learned at university.

Critical thinking, self-study, and independent research are all assets that make you more marketable. On top of that, seminars and group work improve your soft skills – your ability to negotiate and cooperate with others.

Broader Career Prospects

Above and beyond your earning potential, a university degree benefits you in terms of scope. As a successful graduate, you’ve proven your dedication to hard work.

Employers recognize this.

Even if your chosen career isn’t in the subject you studied, you’ll find that more fields are more accessible to graduates than non-graduates.

It’s not uncommon for budding students to take general courses that are centered on building a fundamental set of skills with no clear job in mind. Many students leave their majors undeclared for several semesters.

Liberal arts degrees, for instance, focus on exploring the frontiers of society. They’re a good fit for a lot of professions because they’re so broad.

They get in deep with human culture. What makes us tick, how societies evolve, and how we can improve people’s lives across the world. And they’re not limited to bachelor’s degrees – find more about a MALS degree here.

Preparation for Specific Careers

On the flip side, particularly technical career paths require certain degrees as a prerequisite. While some bachelor’s degrees are not tailored to a specific job, others are designed specifically as part of the career pipeline.

This includes any of the following fields of study:

  • Engineering
  • IT and software development
  • Healthcare
  • Law and paralegal careers
  • Business management
  • Education

A degree in software development is needed to work as a software engineer. Likewise, teaching jobs demand a prior degree in teaching.

What’s more, these sectors are constantly evolving. The requirements of the job evolve along with them. And that means there’s an ever-increasing need for qualified graduates.

Get to Know Yourself Better

Degrees aren’t all about landing a top-dollar job. University is a chance to explore who you are.

It’s a period of self-discovery.

Don’t be put off by the challenge – university is meant to be difficult. That’s why it’s such a sought-after qualification. Moreover, overcoming such a hurdle is a fantastic way to put a strong foot forwards.

Your self-esteem grows at university as you do.

Beyond the classroom, campus life is a great chance to network and form bonds. Many students form strong friendships that last a lifetime.

And with ample access to volunteering programs and college societies, new and thrilling experiences are always at your fingertips. Networking is about more than enjoyment, though:

Through campus staff and your professors, your time at college offers a second-to-none chance to network in the professional sector.

Network for the Future

Qualifications will always be important. But as the old saying goes, it’s not what you know, it’s who…

And that’s the power of networking. Job fairs, work placements, and miscellaneous career resources offered by the college give you a leg up. You can expect mentorship from teaching staff throughout your degree.

They’re there while you’re studying as your university degree guide. But they won’t kick you out the door and forget about you. Your professors will be there to offer a guiding hand after you’ve graduated, too.

Yet it’s not merely getting a job by knowing the right people. An established network makes it easier to find open positions and know who to approach.

Access to Graduate Degrees

It may seem a long way off, but a 4-year degree passes by in a flash.

If you’re looking to take it up a level, a master’s or Ph.D. will (almost) invariably demand a completed bachelor’s degree to be accepted. Even if you think you’ll never take it any further, you’ll have that option as a graduate.

MBAs – masters of business administration – are a popular option for mid-to-high-level management positions. And it’s fairly common for professionals to complete an MBA while they’re still working in order to advance their career.

Ultimately, a bachelor’s degree opens doors. It’s up to you to decide which ones to walk through.

A University Degree Will Take You Further

Getting a university degree is a milestone in your personal development and a watershed moment for your career. Overall, it’s a decision that will improve your earning potential for good.

And it doesn’t stop there. A degree will round you out in more ways than you expect – and when you finally graduate, you’ll be all the more thankful for the journey.

Check out our other articles on careers, finance, and education if you found our article helpful.