Being a working parent is often overwhelming. While holding a full-time job and making sure the children are fed, homework is done and the house is clean, the notion of having time for anything else can seem like a far-fetched reality.
As a professional, you have the extra challenge of making sure your skills are up-to-date so you can advance in your career. One of the best ways to stay competitive in the job market is to earn a college degree — especially if you have not completed your bachelor’s degree. If you already have credit from previous collegiate studies, the online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in University Studies program from Lamar University can be an ideal option for completing your degree quickly and conveniently.
Will Completing My Bachelor’s Increase My Income Potential?
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2022, working Americans ages 25 and older who earned a bachelor’s degree made an average of $30,108 more each year than those with just a high school diploma, which would equate to roughly $1.2 million more in earnings over the course of 40 working years. People with college degrees also tend to keep their jobs during recessions and have a substantially lower unemployment rate than people who only have a high school diploma.
Advantages of Earning a Bachelor’s Degree Online
Although the benefits of a college degree are well known, committing the time and money to go back to school can seem daunting. Fortunately, online degree programs eliminate many of the barriers for working parents to further their education. Here are some of the advantages to an online degree:
- You can keep working while you pursue your degree. With online education, you can take classes and complete coursework on your schedule, meaning that you will not have to worry about making ends meet while you go back to school. Considering the opportunity costs — such as loss of full-time wages — associated with attending an on-campus program, the ability to keep working while earning your bachelor’s online adds up to real savings.
- You do not have to worry about the time and expense of commuting to class. You can complete online classes from the comfort of your own home or at another location that is convenient for you, as long as you have an internet connection.
- You can choose a degree program that best meets your needs, without worrying about where it is located. With online education, you can take classes from schools across the nation.
- You can gain transferable skills and experience with today’s digital platforms and communications. Gaining literacy with current digital tools is essential for advancing into high-paying, modern careers following the digital transformation spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are a working parent without a college degree, consider the benefits of online education. You may find that the time and expense involved is more than offset by increases in future earning potential and better job prospects.
Learn more about the Lamar University online B.S. in University Studies.
