Quick Highlights:
- Bachelor’s degrees are essential for entry into many professional careers and are a prerequisite for graduate studies.
- A bachelor’s degree typically involves 120 semester credits or around 40 courses completed over four years.
- Programs include a mix of general education and major-specific courses.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that someone with a bachelor’s degree typically earns $597 more each week than someone with just a high school diploma.
You might be wondering, “What is a bachelors degree?” Bachelor’s degrees are the most common degrees sought by college-bound students. They are also known as a baccalaureate degree. These undergraduate degrees are available in a variety of fields. Bachelor’s degrees are typically earned in four years of full-time study.
Graduates who earn their baccalaureate degree can move directly into a career or attend graduate school and earn a master’s degree or doctorate. In either case, bachelor’s degrees are the key that unlocks the door to a world of career options and development.
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An Introduction to the Bachelor Degree

A bachelor’s degree is an academic degree. In this program, students are usually expected to complete 120 semester credits. This is roughly 40 college courses. Students typically take about four years to complete their undergraduate degree.
A bachelors degree is considered the most traditional college level degree. It includes general education or liberal arts courses in areas such as:
- social sciences
- natural sciences
- computer science
- business administration
- liberal arts
- history
- math
- English
General education courses help students build a strong academic foundation and develop critical thinking skills. A bachelor’s degree also includes required credit hours in your major area of study. In most cases, only 30 to 36 credits are in your major.
This degree program serves as a prerequisite for entry into most professional careers. It is critical for anyone looking for career advancement. In jobs like teaching and engineering you cannot enter the field without at least a bachelor’s degree.
You also need a bachelor’s degree to enter a graduate program. Master’s and doctoral graduate degrees usually require at least a bachelor’s degree.
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How Important Is a Bachelor Degree?

In today’s career field, having a bachelor’s degree is nearly a necessity to land a solid job with any possibility for advancement. Here are also some other benefits that a bachelor’s degree offers.
Improved Employment Opportunities
In many career paths, a BA or BS degree is a minimum requirement. This degree shows potential employers that you are committed to your field. It also shows a base level of relevant knowledge.
This degree is a valuable credential that can help you qualify for a wide range of positions. Some of the most common bachelor’s degrees are in areas like:
- business management
- health sciences
- healthcare management
- information systems
Most In-Demand Jobs for Bachelor’s Degree Holders in 2024
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a significant number of openings each year for jobs that typically require a baccalaureate degree through 2030. The most common job openings for those with a bachelor’s are in the following sectors:
General and Operations Managers: This role involves overseeing business operations, making it essential in various industries.
- Annual Openings: Approximately 320,800.
- Median Salary: $101,280.
Registered Nurses: Nurses play a critical role in healthcare, with no formal experience required to enter the field.
- Annual Openings: About 194,500.
- Median Salary: $86,070.
Accountants and Auditors: This profession is crucial for financial oversight and compliance within organizations.
- Annual Openings: Approximately 130,800.
- Median Salary: $79,880.
Software Developers: As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled developers remains strong.
- Annual Openings: Around 125,100.
- Median Salary: $132,270.
Business Operations Specialists: These specialists help improve and manage operations across various sectors.
- Annual Openings: About 107,400.
- Median Salary: $79,590.
Management Analysts: Analysts focus on improving organizational efficiency and strategy.
- Annual Openings: Around 95,700.
- Median Salary: $99,410.
Elementary School Teachers (Except Special Education): This role is vital for early education and development.
- Annual Openings: About 93,200.
- Median Salary: $63,680.
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists: Analysts in this field help businesses understand market trends and consumer needs.
- Annual Openings: Approximately 88,500.
- Median Salary: $74,680.
Human Resources Specialists: HR specialists are essential for managing recruitment and employee relations
- Annual Openings: About 86,200.
- Median Salary: $67,650.
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Graduate School Possibility
If you are interested in advancing your studies, you will most likely need a baccalaureate degree to be accepted into a graduate degree program. This includes things like a master’s degree and also professional degree programs like med school or law school. You’ll also need your bachelor’s degree as a steppingstone to a doctoral degree.
Higher Pay
Not only does a bachelor’s degree help you qualify for more jobs, it also helps you secure a higher rate of pay when you nab that job.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a person with a baccalaureate degree makes $598 more per week than those with only a high school diploma.
Earnings Difference
The difference in weekly earnings between someone with a bachelor’s degree and someone without is:
$1,432 (Bachelor’s) – $835 (High School Diploma) = $597
On average, individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn about $597 more per week than those without a degree. This translates to about $31,084 more annually, assuming full-time employment throughout the year.
This earning differential highlights the financial benefits of obtaining a bachelor’s degree. This is because graduates with a bachelor’s often enjoy better job opportunities, job stability, and higher earning potential over a lifetime.
Lower Unemployment
As of September 2024, the unemployment rates for individuals with different educational attainments highlight a significant disparity.
According to the BLS and FRED, those holding a bachelor’s degree, the unemployment rate stands at 2.8%. This low rate reflects the strong job market for degree holders, particularly in fields that require higher education.
In contrast, individuals without a bachelor’s degree face higher unemployment rates. For example, the unemployment rate for those with only a high school diploma is about 4.9% Furthermore, those with some college education but no degree have an unemployment rate of 4.1%. These stark examples show that the prospects of employment scale linearly with the amount of college education one receives.
So the trend is clear: there are economic advantages of obtaining a bachelor’s degree, not only in terms of higher average earnings but also significantly lower unemployment risk compared to individuals with less education.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degrees Are Available?

The possibilities for bachelor’s degrees and their particular fields of study are nearly endless, but most fall under three common degree types. These are:
Bachelor of Arts (BA Degree)
What is a Bachelors of Arts degree? A Bachelor of Arts is typically considered more general than some other degree options. It generally requires that a student has fewer concentration courses and more general study courses.
A BA degree is designed for those with an interest in the liberal arts who desire the opportunity to customize their educational path to meet their career goals. The most common majors awarded with a Bachelor of Arts upon graduation include:
- English
- art
- communications
- social sciences
Bachelor of Science (BS Degree)
What is a Bachelor of Science degree? BS degrees are less exploratory and more content specific. The BS degree is more focused on the field of your major and may even be considered more career focused. BS degrees feature coursework that focuses on logic and quantitative skills. For example, degrees in the medical field are often Bachelor of Science degrees. Popular Bachelor of Science degrees include:
- business
- economics
- biology
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA Degree)
What is a bachelor’s degree of fine arts? A Bachelor of Fine Arts is a popular professional degree. Individuals pursuing BFA degrees are typically those interested in entering the creative arts. Students pursuing a BFA often aspire to have a career in visual or performing arts.
What Is Required to Earn a Bachelor Degree?
The particular course load required for your degree will depend on the college you attend. It will also depend on your selected major and the type of degree.
Most bachelor’s degree programs need roughly 30 to 36 credits within your major. This means that more than half of the coursework is focused on general education courses. There general education courses don’t have to be taken at a big university. Community colleges offer many of these general education courses.
In addition, some bachelor degrees require students to complete an internship or practicum to provide hands-on experience in their field.
What’s the Difference Between a Bachelor’s Degree and an Associate Degree?

Many students entering higher education weigh the possibility of pursuing a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree. It’s important to understand the key differences between bachelor and associate degrees to choose the best fit for you.
At a very basic level, a bachelor’s degree is a four year degree program while associate degrees are typically a two-year option offered by junior colleges (also called community colleges.) Obviously, you will receive more experience and learn more content during a bachelor’s degree program. The end goals of these degrees are generally different as well.
A bachelor’s degree program is designed to provide a student with a well-balanced education and the skills necessary to pursue a specific career field. Bachelor degrees prepare students for professional jobs such as those in middle management. They require both general and specific coursework.
An associate’s degree from a community college more often prepares graduates for entry-level careers with the necessary skills and knowledge required for their selected field. Community colleges award the associate degree to help students make a seamless transition to a four year school. Associate’s degrees meet the general education requirements for a more advanced degree.
Common career goals accessible through an associate’s degree include entry-level positions in:
- information technology
- mechanical engineering
- computer science
- criminal justice
Who Should Seek a Bachelor Degree?

Deciding whether an college degree is right for you is not always easy. There are a few considerations that can simplify the decision for you. A bachelor’s degree obviously presents more opportunities for individuals willing and able to put the added time and effort into a four-year degree.
You should consider a bachelor’s degree program if you:
- Plan to pursue a career for which an undergraduate degree is required
- Have already earned 60+ semester college credits
- Already hold at least one associate’s degree
- Know for sure your career requires you to attend graduate school
How Will I Earn a Bachelor’s Degree?

Most colleges and universities require similar prerequisites for their bachelor’s degree programs. Some of the more common prerequisites for a bachelor’s degree program include:
- A high school diploma or GED
- A minimum high school GPA
- A minimum required SAT or ACT score
- An application essay
- Recommendations from teachers
High school students will need to make sure they take the appropriate standardized test to meet the admission requirements of their selected school.
Additionally, many colleges look for students to have taken certain courses prior to application. Often, students must have completed the following high school course work:
- 3 science credits
- 2 foreign language credits
- 3 math credits
- 4 English credits
- 3 history or government credits
- 1 art credit
Can I Earn My Degree Online?
Yes, you can! Not everyone can take time off work or away from family to complete an on-campus program. An online bachelor’s degree (also called a distance learning degree) is a great option for adult learners or students who just can’t come to campus for class. Online programs are available in a variety of majors. The most common bachelor’s degrees offered online include:
- Education
- Business administration
- Liberal arts
- Computer engineering
Online colleges usually have more flexible admission policies. They may have multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing students to begin their degree when it is most convenient.
There are plenty of accredited institutions that offer online degrees. Online bachelor’s degrees can make a college education more accessible for students. While a traditional bachelor’s degree takes four to five years to complete, an online degree can save time. It can also save money. You can even earn your graduate degree online!
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of a bachelor’s degree depends on many different factors including:
- public or private school
- in-state or out-of-state
- financial aid awarded
- length of time to complete
A college education isn’t cheap. And there can be HUGE differences in cost based on which type of college or university you attend.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in 2024 involves a range of costs that can vary significantly based on the type of institution (public or private) and the residency status of the student. Here’s a breakdown of what these expenses look like:
Tuition Costs
- Public Four-Year In-State Colleges: The average annual tuition is approximately $11,610. Over four years, this totals around $46,440 College Board Research.
- Public Four-Year Out-of-State Colleges: For out-of-state students, the average annual tuition rises to about $30,780, leading to a total of $123,120 for four years.
- Private Nonprofit Four-Year Colleges: These institutions charge significantly more, with an average tuition of $43,350 annually, summing up to $173,400 over four years.
Total Cost of Attendance
The total cost of attendance includes not just tuition and fees but also additional expenses such as room and board, books, and other supplies:
- Public Four-Year In-State: Total average cost, including living expenses, is about $28,330 per year, or $113,320 for four years.
- Public Four-Year Out-of-State: The total cost reaches approximately $44,870 annually, totaling $179,480 for four years.
- Private Nonprofit Four-Year: The total cost can average around $60,090 per year, amounting to $240,360 over four years.
Additional Costs
Students should also consider additional expenses:
- Books and Supplies: Estimated at about $1,250 to $1,470 annually (College Guide).
- Transportation: Costs vary but average around $1,290 to $1,930.
- Room and Board: Depending on whether students live on-campus or off-campus, this can range from $9,970 to about $14,650 annually .
Financial Aid
It’s important to note that many students receive financial aid, including scholarships and grants, which can substantially reduce the net cost of attendance. For example, the average net tuition for public four-year institutions is estimated to drop to about $2,480 after financial aid is applied
Bottom Line
It’s no wonder that college students often report a high amount of financial stress. The total costs associated with earning a bachelor’s degree in 2024 can range from about $113,320 to over $240,360, depending on the institution and residency status. Even the most affordable bachelor’s degrees will be accompanied by living expenses and fees that are often no anticipated.
We recommend considering all your available options for assistance. Review financial aid options, grants, and scholarships to ensure that your college experience isn’t burdoned by undue financial stress.
How Will I Afford My Degree?
Now that we’ve answered the question, “What is a bachelor’s degree?” We can help you figure out how to afford one!
You will need to apply for federal student aid before you begin your degree. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required by most institutions of higher education. This form will help you apply for federal grants, work-study, and student loans.
Your school will also use the FAFSA to determine how much you (or your family) are expected to put forth toward the cost of your education. The form is easy to complete and is a critical piece of funding your education.
Private loans are another way to finance your education. These tend to be costly and require students to pay back the amount borrowed (plus interest).
There are also grants and scholarships available from a variety of sources including:
- organizations
- businesses
- colleges and universities
- foundations
- charities
You will want to thoroughly research each scholarship opportunity to determine if you qualify. Some scholarships awards are for a few hundred dollars while others provide a full-ride including travel expenses! Scholarships and grants are a great choice for students since they don’t have to be paid back.
Related Resource: What Is The Difference Between A BS and BA Degree?
Is a Bachelor’s Degree Right for Me?

Making the decision to pursue a college education is a very personal one for most students. It is important to understand, though, that this degree can create multiple opportunities for you, not only as you enter the career field but also as you look to advance in it.
Likewise, by simply having an undergraduate degree, you’ll be able to increase your:
- rate of pay
- access to career opportunities
- reduce your risk of unemployment
- gain more credibility during the hiring process
Of course, in order to achieve a bachelor’s degree you’ll need to apply to and get into colleges that are a good fit for you.
That’s where services like College Rank can help. Here, you’ll find curated college rankings sorted by degree program, subject matter, and more. You can even locate lists of online bachelor’s degree programs.
To learn more about the various undergraduate programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, don’t miss these important rankings:
- 10 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Healthcare Administration
- 20 Best Online Bachelor’s In Nursing Degree Programs
- 20 Best Bachelor’s in Psychology
- 25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Services
- 35 Best Bachelor’s in Education and Teaching
- How Many Credits is a Master’s Degree and How Do I Earn One?
- The 20 Best Performing Arts Degree Programs