Does it matter if you have a bachelor's degree?

Asked by: Dr. Richmond Lubowitz IV  |  Last update: October 9, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (70 votes)

In today's competitive job market, holding a bachelor's degree is no longer just a way to stand out—it's often a requirement for career advancement and stability. In fact, the number of job postings requiring one has increased significantly, highlighting the rising importance of a bachelor's degree.

Does a bachelor's degree make a difference?

Typical earnings for bachelor's degree holders are $40,500 or 86 percent higher than those whose highest degree is a high school diploma. 87% of bachelor's degree holders report financial wellbeing, 20 percentage points higher than groups with any other level of education.

Is a bachelor's degree still valuable?

National data shows that during a lifetime, adults with a bachelor's degree have the opportunity to earn significantly more than someone with only a high school diploma. The four fastest growing fields are healthcare, government services, STEM, and education.

Is it worth it to get a bachelor's degree in it?

In Short: A Bachelor's in IT is definitely worth it for those interested in technology and innovation, with numerous opportunities and good pay. While there may be challenges, especially in subjects like math or coding, it's a rewarding field with a solid career path if you're passionate about technology.

Do employers care what your degree is in?

Surprisingly, a good number of employers say that their hiring decisions have little to do with an applicant's college background. Some are more concerned with so-called “soft skills” like the ability to work within a team, communicate effectively, and solve problems efficiently.

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20 related questions found

Do jobs actually check if you have a degree?

An employer might verify your education to determine whether you're qualified for the job. Many jobs require candidates to possess certain degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Some may also want to verify that you have specific skills or have taken certain courses.

Does a bachelor's degree matter?

In today's competitive job market, holding a bachelor's degree is no longer just a way to stand out—it's often a requirement for career advancement and stability. In fact, the number of job postings requiring one has increased significantly, highlighting the rising importance of a bachelor's degree.

Is IT hard to get a job with a Bachelor's degree?

The job market is extremely competitive, as more and more Americans attain college degrees. Furthermore, employers are requiring unrealistic professional experience for entry-level positions, making it difficult for recent graduates to compete in the job market.

What degree is actually worth IT?

The best degree for a career depends largely on individual interests, industry demand, and career goals. Fields like Computer Science, Healthcare, Engineering, and Business Management often top the list due to their high demand in the job market, strong salary potential, and broad applicability across industries.

Is IT worth IT to finish my Bachelor's degree?

Job Security and Higher Earning Potential

One study revealed that the lifetime earnings of someone who has a bachelor's degree are almost double compared to someone with only a high school diploma.

How rare is a bachelors degree?

23.5% of the U.S. Population Holds a Bachelor's Degree as Their Highest Level of Education. Recent Census Bureau findings indicate that 23.5% of the U.S. population holds a bachelor's degree as their highest level of education, marking a significant educational milestone.

How do I say I have a bachelor's degree?

Correct: I have a bachelor's degree. I have a master's degree. Incorrect: I have a Bachelor's degree. I have a masters degree.

Am I too old to get a bachelor's degree?

No matter your age, it's never too late to earn a bachelor's degree. Some institutions, such as Walden University, even offer an array of student support services that can help bolster your success.

What are the disadvantages of a bachelor's degree?

Cons of Getting a Bachelor's Degree:
  • Time Commitment: Obtaining a bachelor's degree typically requires a larger investment of time compared to an associate degree. ...
  • Financial Investment: Tuition and related expenses for a four-year program can be substantial depending on the school you decide to attend.

Is a bachelor's degree enough anymore?

In fact, the percentage of jobs requiring a college degree—bachelor's or postgraduate—was 44% in 2021, down from 51% in 2017, according to HBR (Harvard Business Review). Employers such as Google, IBM, and Tesla, are removing degree requirements from many of their roles, in a bid to pivot to skills-based hiring.

Which is the most respectable degree?

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) degrees dominate the list of collegiate programs that lead to top-paying careers. While some bachelor's degrees in the humanities and social sciences don't typically offer high salaries, they can provide a foundation for a graduate degree and a more lucrative career.

What's the hardest degree to get?

What are the hardest degree subjects? The hardest degree subjects are Aerospace Engineering, Law, Chartered Accountancy, Architecture, Chemistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, Psychology, Statistics, Nursing, Physics, Astrophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Astronomy, and Dentistry.

Which bachelor's degree is best for CEO?

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business Administration was the most popular undergraduate degrees among Fortune 100 CEOs, with 53% of CEOs identified as having obtained one of these two degrees.

Do employers check bachelor's degrees?

Generally, education background checks can go back as far as they need to search for official records. Employers can confirm a candidate's diplomas and degrees no matter when they received them. In some cases, an education background check shows GPA and honors earned.

What's the easiest bachelor's degree to get?

English, Psychology, and Liberal Arts are among the easiest online degrees to pursue. Most online degree programs require three to four years of full-time study to earn a bachelor's degree, though completion time may vary depending on individual pace and program requirements.

Can you be an architect with just a bachelor's degree?

What Degree Do You Need to be an Architect? At the minimum, you must earn a Bachelor of Architecture degree from an accredited program to be considered for a job as an architect.

Is a bachelor's harder than a master's?

Yes, a master's degree is generally considered to be more challenging and requires a higher level of academic performance than a bachelor's degree.

Is a bachelor's degree in it worth it?

Pursuing an information technology degree can be a great career path for individuals who are interested in the field. With the increasing demand for technology professionals across various industries, an IT degree can lead to stable and lucrative job opportunities.

Does having a bachelor's degree increase your salary?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, bachelor's degree holders earn 68% more than those with only a high school diploma. The earnings gap between college graduates and those without continues to widen.