Key Takeaways
- If you have some college credits or an associate’s degree, an adult degree completion program allows you to finish your bachelor’s without starting from scratch.
- Returning to college as an adult while employed allows you to apply what you learn in real-time to advance at work.
- Holistically evaluate the value of a college education in terms of financial, professional, and personal ROI.
- Calvin University offers two flexible, faith-focused bachelor’s degree completion programs for adult learners balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.
- The BA in Human Services program is designed for adults drawn to service-oriented, people-focused careers.
- The BA in Applied Leadership program is designed for adults focused on leadership, management, and organizational impact.
If you have college credits but haven’t finished your degree, you’re not alone, and you’re not behind. Many adults pause their education because life gets busy with work, family, financial responsibilities, or changing priorities.
The thought of returning to college as an adult while working can understandably feel overwhelming. But the truth is, bachelor’s degree completion programs are specifically designed for busy adult realities, setting you up for success from day one. Read on to discover the financial, professional, and personal benefits that make a college degree worth it for working adults.
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In This Blog:
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What Is an Adult Degree Completion Program?
A degree completion program is an accelerated, flexible program designed for busy working adults who may have some college credits or an associate’s degree but have not yet completed their bachelor’s degree.
With a degree completion program, adult learners can build on the work they’ve already completed rather than starting from scratch to earn a four-year undergraduate degree.
The Benefits of Going to College While Working
Returning to college as an adult while working is a significant time commitment, so it can be helpful to reframe your fuller schedule as a short-term challenge that can unlock long-term career growth. For starters, it’s a win-win for you and your employer. What you learn in your bachelor’s degree completion program can be applied in real-time at work to strengthen team communication, decision-making skills, and organizational impact.
What’s more, the expertise you’ll gain will make you more qualified for leadership roles at your company, increasing your earning potential. If your goal is to pivot to a new company or industry, your experience balancing work and college signals to potential employers that you’re passionate about the field, self-motivated to set ambitious goals, and disciplined enough to follow through.
Plus, your employer might offer a tuition reimbursement program, making a degree completion program more accessible.
Evaluating a College Education’s Investment Value
So, is a bachelor's degree worth it? It’s a fair question, considering that cost is often the biggest concern and one of the most important factors to evaluate.
While bachelor’s degree salaries vary by field, on average, workers with a bachelor’s degree tend to earn 37% more annually than those without a degree. Zooming out to see the bigger picture, a bachelor’s degree adds an average of $1 million or more in lifetime earnings compared to a high school diploma. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for bachelor’s degree holders is lower, indicating greater job security.
In addition to higher earning potential, consider the professional and personal benefits of a bachelor’s degree:
- Credibility: Completing a degree signals perseverance and skills to employers and your network.
- Increased confidence: Gaining specialized knowledge and credibility can empower you to take on leadership roles.
- Fulfillment: Furthering your education allows you to explore your strengths, grow, and find a deeper purpose.
- Deeper impact: Finishing your degree gives you the opportunity to use your learning to give back and make a difference in your community.
Invest in Yourself with a Faith-Focused Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program
If you’re wondering if you should go back to college, know that it’s never too late to invest in your future. You know you were made for more, and Calvin University can help you transform your ambition into action. We offer two bachelor’s degree completion options:
If you have approximately 60 credits or more you're ready to begin a degree completion program. Our team is ready to help you create a customized plan based on your prior learning and career goals. Both pathways follow a hybrid format, consisting of one weekly evening class on campus and asynchronous online courses during the summer.
At Calvin, faith informs ethical leadership, service, and respect for each individual’s calling and potential. By furthering your education, you can find deeper purpose in your own life and positively impact the community around you. To learn more, download our free guide: Finish What You Started: A Guide to Bachelor’s Degree Completion.
