According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of September 2019, bachelor’s degree-holders earned a median weekly salary of $1,248 — about 41% more than associate degree-holders ($887 per week).
The BLS also reported a 2.2% unemployment rate for bachelor’s degree-holders, compared to rates of 2.7% for associate degree-holders and 3.7% for those with only a high school diploma.
| Education Level | Unemployment Rate | Median Weekly Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral Degree | 1.1% | $1,883 |
| Professional Degree | 1.6% | $1,861 |
| Master’s Degree | 2.0% | $1,497 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 2.2% | $1,248 |
| Associate Degree | 2.7% | $887 |
| High School Diploma | 3.7% | $746 |
Source: BLS
How Do I Choose an Online Bachelor’s Degree?
Earning an online bachelor’s degree involves a substantial investment of time and money; choosing the right program requires extensive research and careful scrutiny. Before settling on a program, here are a few important criteria to consider.COLLAPSE ALLPrice
Is the program within your budget? Does the school offer scholarships and/or grants for online students? How much do bachelor’s graduates typically earn after leaving the school? Be sure to calculate all student expenses, not just tuition, to reach an accurate cost estimate.Flexibility
Asynchronous courses allow you to complete coursework without any scheduled course meetings. However, some students fare better with the structured learning of synchronous programs, which require participants to attend regularly scheduled meetings.Proximity
Some online programs include limited on-campus requirements; if you live far from campus, this can add to your overhead costs. Additionally, you may prefer to live closer to campus to take advantage of the library, gym, writing center, and other student resources.Nonprofit vs. For-Profit
In recent years, a handful of for-profit online colleges and universities have received criticism for providing lackluster or fraudulent academic programs with marginal student outcomes. In many cases, this has resulted in a large number of students with sizable debt who are unable to obtain the jobs they want.
As such, it is critical to carefully vet each school for past criticisms, controversies, and negative press. Nonprofit schools often have better overall reputations, but you should also review these institutions before making a decision.Private vs. Public
The decision between attending a private college and a public university is often heavily influenced by the overall cost. Online courses may be less expensive than on-campus courses for students attending private colleges and out-of-state students attending public universities.
