The Hidden Benefits of Earning a College Degree
Many of the benefits of earning your bachelor’s degree are fairly obvious. Completing your bachelor’s degree may improve your earning potential in your current position or make you eligible for advancement within your organization. College graduates typically experience lower unemployment rates. So, if you are considering changing careers or looking for more job opportunities, an undergraduate degree is an important asset on your resume.
Beyond the obvious financial advantages, here are some reasons why it’s a great idea to earn your degree at any age.
Live happier and healthier
Research has drawn a correlation between education level and living longer, as well as indicating that individuals with a college degree tend to be healthier and happier. Whether this is related to higher income, better access to healthcare, or simply the result of more education, isn’t exactly clear. Nevertheless, earning your bachelor’s degree will open new opportunities for you both personally and professionally.
Role model for the young people in your life
Completing your undergraduate degree sets a good example for the young people in your life. By going back to school, you not only demonstrate the value of higher education, you also provide a firsthand example of how perseverance and hard work pay off.
Build stronger bonds with your children
For parents, the thought of trying to find time to attend class, study, and complete assignments can be incredibly intimidating. Instead, turn the challenge into an opportunity to build your relationship with your children. Study side-by-side during homework time and plan breaks together. With older children, you can share study strategies and cheer each other on. And while it’s important to maintain the parent-child relationship, when your children are college students themselves, you may find more opportunities to connect and build a grown-up friendship with them.
Take control of your future
Parents often put their own dreams on hold when they have children, choosing under-employment or staying at home. If you’re approaching the empty nest phase of parenthood, it’s your turn. Earning your bachelor’s degree is the first step toward defining your future and building a rewarding career.
Learn wherever you are
Online classes make it easier than ever to find the right program for your interests and educational goals, wherever you are. With distance learning, you can earn your undergraduate degree from virtually anywhere in the world. Plus, online courses generally offer the flexibility needed to accommodate family and work obligations.
What’s Next
We invite you to explore UTEP’s 100% online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs and see what it will take to make that next step into your personal and professional growth. If you are interested in learning more about our team and how we can support you on your way up, reach out. An enrollment counselor will contact you directly.