What is a Bachelor's Degree?
Among the types of college degrees, a bachelor's degree is one of the most common. It is a 4-year program of study in one particular subject that prepares students to pursue careers or further study in that subject. For example, a bachelor's degree in biology prepares students to pursue a career in the field of biology or enter an advanced biology program. Bachelor's degrees have several common names, such as undergraduate, baccalaureate, college, and 4-year degree. Students spend a significant amount of time taking general education courses to gain strong foundational knowledge that will prepare them for later study. The rest of the time is spent taking subject-specific courses that teach them the skills and knowledge they need to enter a career or graduate program.
Why Earn a Bachelor's Degree?
Making the decision to earn a bachelor's degree is unique to each individual who considers it. However, there are some helpful statistics that may demonstrate the value of earning one. First is accessibility. Many universities now offer their degree programs partially and/or fully online. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), more than 2.3 million undergraduate students completed their studies entirely online in the fall of 2018. That's about 14% of all undergraduate students that year. Additionally, nearly 3.4 million undergraduate students took at least one online course during the same year.
A bachelor's degree can significantly improve your chances of employment. The NCES states that the employment rates of 25-34 year-olds was 87% for those who held a bachelor's degree or higher in 2019.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree?
Although bachelor's programs are known as 4-year degrees, it doesn't always take that many years to earn a bachelor's. Many students finish sooner or even later than 4 years. That's just the average time it takes if you're studying full-time without any major changes or breaks. What is perhaps more important is the number of credits required. Bachelor's programs require a total number of credits, usually around 120, in order to graduate. Each academic year is divided into semesters or quarters, where students take a certain number of courses that add up to a specific number of credits. Students usually either study full-time or part-time. Either option is fine as long as they earn the required amount of credits.
What is an Accelerated Bachelor's Degree?
An accelerated bachelor's degree is a path of study designed for students to earn one or more degrees in a shorter amount of time than average. Accelerated degrees can mean different things depending on the schools they're offered at. Some schools have 4+1 accelerated degrees, meaning a student earns a bachelor's and a master's degree in just 5 years. Other schools have accelerated bachelor's degrees where it takes just 3 years to earn the degree, or they build upon previous experience or college credits to earn the degree at a faster pace. The last option is more common with online schools.
The type of accelerated program and what it entails varies by school and degree type. For example, an accelerated nursing BSN program is when a student with a bachelor's degree in an area not related to nursing can earn a nursing degree in less than 2 years. The coursework in accelerated programs may be the same as in traditional programs, but it is more intensive so that it can be completed at a faster pace. An accelerated program may be a good fit for those who have the time to solely focus on a degree and want to earn it as fast as possible.
What is a Degree Completion Program?
A degree completion program is designed for working adults who have completed some parts of a bachelor's degree, but not all, and want to go back to school and finish. Degree completion programs also accommodate those who've earned an associate degree. Degree completion works with virtually any major, and most schools with these programs have generous credit transfer policies, with up to 90 credits being accepted at some schools. Degree completion programs are offered on campus and online but may be more suitable for online learners due to the commonality of degree completion students working jobs and leading busy lives.
How Much Does a Bachelor's Degree Cost?
The total cost of a bachelor's degree depends on several factors that include:
- Public or private school
- In-state or out-of-state tuition
- Student stays on-campus
- Student stays off-campus with family
- Student stays off-campus without family
The NCES has data on total program cost based on various factors as listed below.
| Public, In-State University 2018-2019 Total Cost of Attendance | Private, Non-Profit University 2018-2019 Total Cost of Attendance | |
|---|---|---|
| On-Campus | $24,869 | $51,874 |
| Off-Campus, with Family | $14,589 | $41,100 |
| Off-Campus, without Family | $24,925 | $51,728 |
Financial Aid & Scholarship Resources for a Bachelor's Degree
Some of the burden of paying for college can be eased by applying for financial aid. There are several types of financial aid available to college students, such as scholarships, loans, grants, work-study programs, and prize money. Federal financial aid, offered through The U.S. Department of Education, includes loans, grants, and work-study programs, which is when a student with financial need works a job on or near campus and receives aid in exchange. You can apply for federal aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are certain criteria for receiving federal aid, including good academic standing, enrollment in a postsecondary institution, and a valid social security number.
Financial aid is also available through the college you're attending. For example, the University of Cincinnati offers several scholarships through its Student Financial Aid Office, including the Cincinnatus Scholarship Program for incoming freshmen of all majors who show the most academic promise and the Darwin T. Turner Scholarship for incoming freshmen from underrepresented groups. Both scholarships range from $1,500 to full tuition and can be renewed each year.
Scholarships are widely available from independent organizations. These can be national, state, or local, and may have more or fewer criteria than federal aid. Criteria can include degree level, major, location, religion, and ethnic or racial background, among other criteria. The Springfield Council of Jewish Women Scholarship Funds awards students from all races, genders, and religions, but they must be located in Springfield and surrounding areas and demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, and community involvement.
Is a Bachelor's Degree Worth It?
If you see yourself working a job that requires a bachelor's degree, or you want to work in a career that requires graduate study, then a bachelor's degree may be worth it. The NCES' report on employment rates for college graduates stated that the employment rate for 25-34 year-olds who only had a high school diploma was 74% for 2019, compared to 87% for those who held a bachelor's degree or higher. The total employment rate for all education levels was 79%, making the rate for degree holders significantly higher.
Depending on your career interests, a dual bachelor's degree may even be worth it. A dual bachelor's degree is when a student earns 2 separate degrees at the same time. This results in a longer course of study and may increase tuition, but one gains more knowledge and skills. It is completely up to the individual to decide what to do with them, but they can lead to more job opportunities and career advancement.
Even if just one bachelor's degree is earned, college graduates usually earn a higher salary than high school graduates. Using the BLS' 2019 statistics for salaries by education level, those with a bachelor's degree made $502 more per week than those with a high school diploma. They also made $362 more than those with an associate degree. While the cost of a bachelor's degree can be high, financial aid, scholarships, and living situation can decrease the cost. Overall, the worth of a bachelor's degree is up to your specific needs, goals, and abilities.
How Much Do Bachelor's Degree Holders Make?
The average salary with a bachelor's degree tends to be higher than other types of undergraduate degrees. The BLS states in a 2019 report on salaries and unemployment rates that salary increases, while unemployment decreases, the higher education an individual has.
| Education Level | Median Weekly Wages | Unemployment Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| High School Diploma | $746 | 3.7 |
| Associate Degree | $887 | 2.7 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $1,248 | 2.2 |
| Master's Degree | $1,497 | 2.0 |
| Professional Degree | $1,861 | 1.6 |
| Doctoral Degree | $1,883 | 1.1 |
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's Degree?
Graduates of bachelor's degree programs can apply for master's or other graduate degree programs or they can pursue an entry-level position in a chosen career. There are a number of careers that require a bachelor's degree. Many of them are projected to be in high demand as well. According to the BLS, the top 3 occupations with the most openings from 2019-2029 are general operations managers, registered nurses, and software developers. Combined, these three occupations are projected to have 511,700 job openings over the next decade.
Additional careers that graduates can enter with a bachelor's degree include:
- Electrical engineering
- Computer science
- Operations research
- Accounting
- Education (primary or secondary teacher)
- Project management
What are the Types of Bachelor's Degrees?
There are three main types of bachelor's degrees; Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Each type of degree has a curriculum that is geared more toward the arts or sciences. A BA degree has more liberal arts, humanities, and social science courses, while a BS has more math and physical and life sciences courses. Most degree programs will fall under one category. Some degree programs, such as psychology, can be offered as a BA and a BS. BFA programs focus on building artistic skills.
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts degrees are primarily based in the liberal arts and develop students' skills in communication, critical thinking, writing, speaking, and language. Students may take more classes that explore culture, history, and diversity. The curriculum is a bit broader than other types of bachelor's degrees, so students are well-versed in a variety of subjects and can transfer their credits easier or take more electives. The general education requirements include more courses than other types of degrees, particularly in liberal arts, but students still take enough subject-specific courses. Bachelor of Arts majors can include art history, English, anthropology, music, political science, psychology, and journalism.
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science degrees tend to be a bit more specific than other types of degrees. Students may have fewer elective options and spend more time taking courses that are specific to their major or are generally related to math, science, and technology. General education and some liberal arts courses are still required, just not as many. Many science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects are Bachelor of Science degrees. Depending on a student's major, time spent in the laboratory or in a field placement may be emphasized, and students may work on building technical skills. There is a lot you can do with a BS degree. Bachelor of Science majors can include math, nursing, computer programming, biology, and physics.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees are majors that include the visual, written, and performing arts such as studio art, creative writing, and theatre. Many BFA majors are also available as BA majors. However, BFA programs are more intensive and require more credits that count toward the degree focus. This is because students spend more time building skills in BFA programs than they do in BA programs. Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees are sometimes known as pre-professional degrees, where they prepare students for immediate entry into a career as an artistic professional or to apply to a graduate fine arts program.
What are the Most Popular Majors?
There are several majors to choose from in a bachelor's degree program. The NCES regularly publishes information on education statistics and includes reports on the most popular majors students choose in a given year, including the most common bachelor's degrees. The most recent report from the NCES was done in 2019 and gathered data on the most popular degrees that baccalaureate graduates were granted for the 2016-2017 academic year. They include:
How to Choose a Bachelor's Degree Program
Choosing a bachelor's degree program is one of the most important decisions you can make. It may feel overwhelming or stressful, but there are plenty of resources to help you make your decision. If you're having trouble deciding, a good first step is to check out the NCES College Navigator tool. It lets you search for programs using a number of criteria such as tuition, location, majors offered, private vs. public, and if distance learning is available. It also provides helpful statistics such as graduation and retention rates.
Choosing the right school and program relies on a number of factors that are unique to you. When weighing the pros and cons, consider your personal goals, abilities, and situation. For example, if you can't or don't want to live on campus, or you have a busy schedule, maybe an online program would be the best fit. Or, if a school offers several majors or concentrations in the same subject, consider what interests you and what your professional goals are. For example, if you're interested in majoring in psychology and a school offers concentrations in general, forensic, counseling, or other areas of psychology, think about which concentration, if any, would most benefit you.
Any additional questions you may have about classes, school events and activities, and other related topics, can usually be answered by contacting an advisor from the school. Lastly, if you're wondering how successful graduates from a certain school or program are, many schools have student testimonials on their website as well as an alumni association with contact info. Consider getting in contact with an alumnus to ask any questions about their experience in school and life after graduation.
Applying to a Bachelor's Program
Applying to a bachelor's program is a pretty straightforward process. Incoming freshman students will need most or all of the following materials:
- Official high school transcripts
- GED or equivalent test scores, if high school diploma isn't received
- SAT and/or ACT test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay or statement
The above materials cover most general admissions requirements, but some degree programs will have specific requirements of their own in addition to the general ones. Degrees in subjects such as biology, art, theatre, nursing, and music, among others, may be more selective with their admissions process because these programs tend to require more skill and specific knowledge. For example, a nursing program will require more science courses and a higher GPA for admission because of how intensive the program is. Programs such as art, music, and theatre will require portfolios or auditions in order to demonstrate the skills needed to be in the program.
Other factors taken into consideration when applying for a bachelor's program can include GPA, class rank, and the strength and performance in your school's curriculum. How many courses a student has taken in a certain subject may also be considered, such as 4 credits of English or 2 credits of a foreign language. These factors depend on each school.
