Understanding the hierarchy of college degrees is essential for planning your educational journey. The higher education system offers four primary levels of degrees, each serving different career goals and requiring varying investments of time and resources.

Associate Degree: A two-year foundation

Associate degrees provide a faster route to employment with programs typically lasting two years for full-time students [1]. These degrees require approximately 60 credit hours to complete [2] and are primarily offered at community colleges, technical schools, and some universities. Students pursuing associate degrees generally choose between several types, including Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) [2].

Notably, associate degree holders  compared to $809 for those with only a high school diploma earn a median weekly income of $963[3]. This represents about a 20% higher annual income than high school graduates [3]. Furthermore, these degrees often serve as stepping stones, with many students transferring their credits toward bachelor's programs [3].

Bachelor's Degree: The standard for most careers

Bachelor's degrees form the backbone of higher education, typically requiring four years of full-time study and approximately 120 credit hours [2]. These comprehensive programs include general education courses, electives, and specialized classes in your chosen major [3].

The investment in a bachelor's degree yields significant returns. Indeed, individuals with this credential  than those with just a high school diploma earn over 60% more annually[3]. The unemployment rate for bachelor's degree holders was also significantly lower at 3.5% compared to 6.2% for those with only a high school education [3]. Throughout their careers, bachelor's degree recipients can expect median lifetime earnings of nearly $2.8 million [3].

Master's Degree: Specialization and advancement

Master's programs build upon bachelor's degrees, offering specialized knowledge and skills. These advanced degrees generally require 30-60 credit hours [2] and take about 1-2 years to complete [3]. Students pursuing master's education should first consider whether an advanced degree aligns with their career objectives [3].

The financial benefits are substantial—master's degree holders have average lifetime earnings of $3.2 million [3], with weekly earnings of $1,737 compared to $1,493 for those with bachelor's degrees [4]. By 2032, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11.3% increase in jobs requiring master's degrees [5], making these credentials increasingly valuable.

Doctorate and Professional Degrees: The highest level

Doctoral degrees represent the pinnacle of academic achievement. These rigorous programs take between 3-7 years to complete after earning a bachelor's degree [3]. Doctoral students typically engage in advanced coursework, comprehensive examinations, and original research culminating in a dissertation [3].

Professional degrees such as the Juris Doctor (JD) for lawyers and Doctor of Medicine (MD) for physicians prepare students for specific licensed careers. Lawyers with JD degrees earn a median salary of $145,760, with employment projected to grow 8% between 2022 and 2032 [5].

The financial rewards of these advanced credentials are substantial. Professional degree holders have lifetime earnings exceeding $4.7 million [3], while doctoral degree recipients average $4 million in lifetime earnings [3]. This translates to median weekly earnings of $1,909 for doctoral graduates [3].

"Of those 24, fewer than half secure a college-level job within a year of graduation—bringing our estimate to just about 12 out of 100 Americans reaching what most would recognize as a strong, degree-connected job outcome from their higher ed experience." — EAB Briefing Team, EAB, education strategy and research firm

The debate around the value of higher education continues, yet the data overwhelmingly supports one conclusion: **college degrees** remain a powerful economic asset. As the job market evolves, educational credentials serve as increasingly vital tools for career development. Let's examine why earning a degree remains a worthwhile investment. Higher lifetime earnings vs. high school diploma.

The financial advantage of college degrees remains substantial in 2025. Bachelor's degree holders earn a median income that's  than those with only a high school diploma 86% higher[6]. This translates to approximately $1.20 million more in lifetime earnings [6]. Recent graduates with bachelor's degrees (ages 22-27) earn about $60,000 annually, whereas their peers with high school diplomas average just $36,000 [6].

Current data shows bachelor's degree holders earning median weekly incomes of $1,533 compared to $946 for high school graduates [7]. Over a lifetime, this disparity grows even more dramatic—bachelor's degree recipients can expect  versus $1.60 million for those with only high school education median lifetime earnings of $2.80 million[8]. Even bachelor's degree holders in the lowest quarter of wage distribution earn more than 75% of workers without high school diplomas [9].

Lower unemployment rates among degree holders

Job security represents another crucial advantage for degree holders. Bachelor's degree recipients are half as likely to be unemployed as those with only high school credentials [6]. As of 2025, the unemployment rate for individuals with bachelor's degrees hovers around 2.5%, whereas high school graduates face rates between 4.0-4.5% [10].

This pattern of protection extends through economic downturns. During the COVID-19 recession, those without college experience faced an 18% unemployment rate, compared to just 10% for bachelor's degree holders [9]. Throughout 2023, the unemployment rate for bachelor's degree holders was merely 2.2%, versus 3.9% for those with only high school education [11]. Consequently, individuals without degrees are three times more likely to live in poverty [3].

Access to more career opportunities

The job market increasingly demands higher education credentials. Over the past decade, all net job growth has gone to workers with bachelor's or graduate degrees [6]. Between 2021 and 2031, the economy will generate approximately 18.5 million job openings annually, with 12.5 million requiring at least some college education [8].

Most compelling evidence of this trend includes:

• • College graduates access 57% more job opportunities than non-graduates [3]

• • By 2031, 72% of jobs will require postsecondary education or training [8]

• • Of 11.6 million jobs created since 2010, 95% (over 8.4 million) went to bachelor's degree holders [3]

The U.S. Department of Education projects that by 2027, 70% of jobs will require education beyond high school [3], making college credentials almost essential for competitive employment.

Credentialing in regulated professions

For many specialized fields, college degrees serve as mandatory gateways. Most licensed professions require some formal postsecondary education or training as a prerequisite for entry [12]. Given that professional licensure is typically regulated at the state level, having recognized educational credentials provides mobility across different jurisdictions [12].

Professional credentials validate specialized knowledge and skills, particularly in fields where standard degrees might not exist [13]. These credentials recognize individuals as experts in their domains and lend credibility when professional actions are questioned, such as during administrative hearings [13]. For regulated careers in healthcare, education, and government services, appropriate degrees and credentials remain non-negotiable requirements for employment and advancement [3].

Image Source: Visual Capitalist

"People working in engineering make an average salary of $100,000 a year." — CPA Practice Advisor Editorial Team, CPA Practice Advisor, professional publication for accountants

When selecting among **college majors**, the financial return on investment (ROI) varies dramatically. The choice you make can impact your earnings by millions of dollars over your lifetime.Best college degrees by salary potential

Engineering and computer science consistently dominate the salary charts.  Computer engineering graduates earn median starting salaries of $80,000[14], with mid-career earnings exceeding $115,000 [15]. Engineering majors overall report early-career salaries above $70,000 [14], growing to six-figure incomes by mid-career.

The highest ROI belongs to:

• • Business finance (1,842% lifetime ROI) [2]

• • Computer and information sciences (1,753% ROI) [2]

• • Computer engineering (1,744% ROI) [2]

• • Economics (1,708% ROI) [2]

Computer science graduates can expect lifetime earnings of approximately $9.63 million [2], while STEM majors overall earn about twice as much as high school graduates throughout their careers [16].

Majors with strong job growth projections

Beyond immediate earnings, job growth prospects vary substantially across fields.  Information security positions are projected to grow by 33% between 2023-2033[17], making cybersecurity an excellent choice. Meanwhile, computer and information research scientist roles will expand by 26% [17].

Healthcare remains stable, with nursing unemployment at just 1.4% [18] and physical therapy jobs growing 14% through 2033 [17]. Business management occupations expect 8% growth [17], especially in specialized areas like logistics (19% growth) [17].

Degrees with lower ROI: What to consider

Not all college degrees yield strong financial returns. Education majors face the lowest lifetime ROI at -55.43% [2], essentially losing $149,407 in potential earnings. Liberal arts (-42.78%) and family/consumer science (-38.95%) [2] similarly struggle to justify their costs.

Foreign language majors report the lowest median salary at $40,000 for recent graduates [14], while early childhood education workers earn median mid-career salaries of just $49,000 [14].

How to balance passion and practicality

Ultimately, choosing a major requires finding what career development experts call the "success formula" — the intersection of your skills, interests, and viable career opportunities [4]. This approach helps create a career that's both financially sustainable and personally fulfilling.

Practical strategies include researching industry trends, gaining hands-on experience through internships, remaining flexible about interdisciplinary fields, and committing to continuous learning [4]. For instance, someone passionate about art might consider graphic design, combining creativity with stronger job prospects [4].

Remember that many professionals end up in careers different from their college major [19]. The key is developing transferable skills that remain valuable across multiple industries as market conditions evolve.

The landscape of higher education has evolved beyond traditional classrooms. Online college degrees now offer viable alternatives for those seeking credentials without campus constraints.

Growth of online college degrees

 from 2019-2023 Online enrollment surged by 35%[20], with 53% of U.S. students taking at least one online course in 2022-23, compared to 35% in 2018-19 [21]. Currently, primarily online institutions saw enrollments rise 3.8% in spring 2024 [20]. Private, nonprofit institutions reported the most significant increase in online enrollments—9.9% in spring 2024 [20].

Hybrid and accelerated programs

Accelerated programs enable students to earn bachelor's degrees in three years instead of four [22]. Many feature five- to eight-week courses operating year-round without traditional semester breaks [23]. Hybrid models blend online convenience with face-to-face engagement through approaches like "flipped classrooms" or "station rotation" [5].

Accreditation and employer perception

Remarkably,  87.4% of employers have hired graduates with online degrees[1], with 100% paying them the same starting salaries as traditional graduates [1]. Approximately 61% of HR leaders believe online learning equals or exceeds traditional methods in quality [21].

Cost savings and accessibility

Online degrees typically cost less due to:

• • Lower overhead for institutions

• • No expenses for student housing or commuting

• • Reduced expenditure on physical textbooks [24]

This flexibility appeals particularly to non-traditional students managing full-time jobs or family responsibilities [23].here 

Choosing the optimal college degree requires thoughtful consideration of multiple factors. Finding your educational path is a personal journey that deserves careful planning.

Assess your interests and strengths

First, reflect on what genuinely excites you. Create a list of activities you love doing both inside and outside the classroom [25]. Evaluating your strengths and weaknesses helps identify suitable academic paths—if public speaking challenges you, certain communication-heavy majors might require additional consideration [25]. Your passion for specific subjects indicates potential majors that will sustain your motivation throughout your studies [26].

Research job market trends

Prior to committing to a field, explore how various college majors connect to career fields. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers field of degree pages linking to occupational profiles, highlighting employment data for workers with specific degrees [27]. Investigate projected growth rates—information security positions are  expected to grow 33% between 2023-2033[6].

Use career assessments and tools

Career assessments provide valuable insights into your interests, personality, and skills. The Interest Assessment identifies preferences and matches them to careers, while the Skills Matcher aligns your abilities with appropriate vocations [8]. Moreover, personality inventories like the Myers-Briggs can reveal communication styles relevant to workplace settings [9]. Remember that assessments offer possibilities rather than definitive answers [28].

Talk to advisors and professionals

Career advisors examine three key factors: your experience, goals/interests, and values [29]. They administer assessments exploring your preferred work environment and help determine major decisions [30]. Equally important is connecting with professionals in fields that interest you through informational interviews, which provide nuanced insights rarely found in online research [28].

Consider double majors or minors

Double majoring expands your knowledge breadth, potentially increasing earning potential [6]. However, this path requires evaluating course workloads and ensuring passion for both subjects [31]. Alternatively, a minor requires fewer credits while still allowing specialization in a secondary field [32]. This option works well if enhancing your primary degree with niche expertise better serves your goals [6].

[1] - https://www.naceweb.org/talent-acquisition/candidate-selection/employers-see-online-degrees-as-comparable-to-in-person-degrees

[2] - https://educationdata.org/college-degree-roi

[3] - https://bachelors-completion.northeastern.edu/knowledge-hub/is-a-bachelors-degree-worth-it/

[4] - https://www.kyros.ai/blog/balancing-passion-practicality-navigating-college-majors-179

[5] - https://eimpartnerships.com/articles/what-is-a-hybrid-accelerated-program-everything-you-need-to-know

[6] - https://collegesofdistinction.com/advice/double-major-vs-minor/

[7] - https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/median-weekly-earnings-946-for-workers-with-high-school-diploma-1533-for-bachelors-degree.htm

[8] - https://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Assessments/what-is-assessment.aspx

[9] - https://www.southwesterncc.edu/career-services/career-and-self-assessment-tools

[10] - https://www.bls.gov/charts/employment-situation/unemployment-rates-for-persons-25-years-and-older-by-educational-attainment.htm

[11] - https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/career/bachelors-degree-jobs

[12] - https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/professional-licensure

[13] - https://www.naralicensing.org/assets/docs/SharedResources/role of professional credentials in the regulatory profession.pdf

[14] - https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/16/highest-paying-college-majors.html

[15] - https://www.bestcolleges.com/research/highest-paying-college-majors/

[16] - https://www.hamiltonproject.org/data/career-earnings-by-college-major/

[17] - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/majors-in-demand

[18] - https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/16/college-majors-with-the-best-and-worst-employment-prospects.html

[19] - https://goingmerry.com/blog/highest-paying-college-majors/

[20] - https://www.bestcolleges.com/news/online-college-drives-spring-enrollment-growth/

[21] - https://onlineprograms.uic.edu/news-stories/are-online-degrees-respected-by-employers/

[22] - https://admission.asu.edu/academics/accelerated-programs

[23] - https://www.coursera.org/articles/accelerated-bachelors-degree

[24] - https://online.champlain.edu/blog/cost-of-online-education-vs-traditional-education

[25] - https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/find-your-fit/choosing-right-major-for-you

[26] - https://www.act.org/content/act/en/students-and-parents/college-planning-resources/choosing-a-college/how-to-choose-a-major.html

[27] - https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2021/article/field-of-degree-and-careers.htm

[28] - https://careerservices.upenn.edu/blog/2024/03/19/484551/

[29] - https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/why-you-need-a-career-advisor.html

[30] - https://www.suu.edu/blog/2023/11/how-career-advising-can-help-college-students.html

[31] - https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/double-major

[32] -https://bestcolleges.com/blog/is-double-majoring-worth-it/