--- title: It's Never Too Late to Go Back to School — the Value of a College Degree description: Even if you’ve been working for a long time, you can still go back to college. Read on to find out how getting a degree can help your career. image: https://learn.msmu.edu/hubfs/Janelle%20Richard%203%20(1).jpg --- [![Logo MSMU](https://learn.msmu.edu/hubfs/MSMU%20Brand/Logos/Logo%20MSMU.svg "Logo MSMU")](https://www.msmu.edu/) - [Support the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/give-to-the-mount/) - [myMSMU](https://mountsaintmarysuniversi.sharepoint.com/sites/MYMSMU) - [Meet the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/) - [Degrees & Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/program-finder/) - [Admission & Aid](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/) [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27) [Request Info](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/request-info/?utm_source=ddexplore) Menu - [Support the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/give-to-the-mount/) - [myMSMU](https://mountsaintmarysuniversi.sharepoint.com/sites/MYMSMU) - [Meet the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/) - [Degrees & Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/program-finder/) - [Admission & Aid](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/) [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27) [![Request Info](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/303c726c-442b-4c71-8e6f-4ba68f8cffdb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/303c726c-442b-4c71-8e6f-4ba68f8cffdb) Search [Home](https://www.google.com/) / [Home](https://www.google.com/) / [Home](https://www.google.com/) #### Resources for professionals exploring their education options. Unstoppable Stories WHAT **2 Hour Online Sessions** null [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/5ab1e461-5b50-4458-9af7-a90fb2cee609.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/5ab1e461-5b50-4458-9af7-a90fb2cee609) [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/5ab1e461-5b50-4458-9af7-a90fb2cee609.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/5ab1e461-5b50-4458-9af7-a90fb2cee609) # It's Never Too Late to Go Back to School — the Value of a College Degree ![](https://learn.msmu.edu/hubfs/Janelle%20Richard%203%20(1).jpg) If you’ve been out of school for a while, you might feel like it’s too late to go back and get a degree — but it’s not.   There are so many reasons why people either put off earning a college degree or have to take a break from school — family obligations, financial reasons and bad timing are just a few. If you’ve made the difficult choice to put off obtaining a four-year degree, then you should know that you’re not alone. **Learn more about getting a bachelor’s degree as an adult student with our resource:** [Everything You Need to Know About](https://explore.msmu.edu/access-the-guide-for-adult-learners)****[**Going to College as an Adult**](https://explore.msmu.edu/access-the-guide-for-adult-learners) We’ve outlined some of the best reasons to pursue a bachelor’s degree, so read on to explore why you should invest in a college degree.    ## What's the value of a Bachelor's Degree? There are several benefits to earning a college degree, both personally and professionally. Whether you’re looking to jumpstart your career, gain confidence or just take some time to study a topic you’re passionate about, a degree gives you the chance to invest in your future.  Below, we’ve outlined the value of a college degree and how it will positively impact your professional and personal life. ### Those with a college degree often earn higher salaries. The education wage gap is real. In addition to job security, those with bachelor's degrees tend to make higher salaries than those without bachelor's degrees.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that those with bachelor's degrees [make an average of $1,334 a week](https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm), compared to the salary of those without a degree, which is $899 a week. While the difference in salaries may not seem overly significant week-to-week, it compounds over the years.  The Social Security Administration found that [those with a bachelor’s degree earned between $630,00-$900,00 more than those with just a high school diploma over their careers](https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/research-summaries/education-earnings.html#:~:text=Men%20with%20bachelor's%20degrees%20earn,earnings%20than%20high%20school%20graduates.). With this in mind, you can start reaping the financial benefits if you obtain a college degree sooner rather than later. ### A college degree will help you in your career advancement goals. Whether you’re looking for a career change or a promotion at work, a bachelor’s degree can help you reach your goals.  A bachelor’s degree gives you [more ground to stand on when trying to earn a promotion or seeking to make a career change](https://www.careerglider.com/blog/will-a-degree-help-me-get-a-promotion-or-raise/#:~:text=Whilst%20it%20really%20does%20depend,how%20a%20company%20can%20work.).  Proving that you have what it takes to get a degree can give you a leg up on proving your value and potential to your employer. ### Getting a college degree will increase your personal satisfaction and confidence. Proving to yourself that you can graduate college is a significant benefit all on its own.  Besides [being a buoy for your self-esteem](https://yescollege.com/post/college-degree-roi/), the success you experience with accomplishing your academic goals is a feeling you can look back on in your next challenge, giving you the confidence to try new things. ### Flexible ways to earn your degree You might think it’s too late to go back to school or that there is only one type of way to pursue your bachelor’s degree. Thankfully, there are many ways to finish school as an adult learner. The higher education field is paying attention to the thousands of adults returning to college every single year, and they’ve adapted to meet the needs of those new students. Cutting-edge academic institutions are providing flexible degree completion and adult undergraduate programs, both implemented to help adult learners thrive in their pursuit of a degree.    ## Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles: celebrated adult undergraduate programs At Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles, we recognize the value that obtaining a college degree can add to your life, but we also know that it can be hard to fit school into your busy schedule.  That’s why we offer diverse and excellent adult undergraduate programs in flexible formats: offering classes on weekends, evenings and online.  We want to work with you to help you make the most of your future. See how our expert faculty teach you best practices in your field of interest and how they invest their knowledge in your thriving.  Ascend to new heights at the Mount. If you want to know more, [request more information](https://admissions.msmu.edu/register/?id=db10cc41-51dd-4125-a168-9dd1ae93bc4c), or [schedule an appointment](https://www.msmu.edu/weoc/about-the-program/schedule-an-appointment/) with one of our experts.  If you’re ready to start your path to a degree today, [apply now](https://www.msmu.edu/admission/apply/).   | ![1513416\_MSMU WEO eBook Cover\_1\_113022-1](https://learn.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/1513416_MSMU%20WEO%20eBook%20Cover_1_113022-1.jpg?width=378&height=567&name=1513416_MSMU%20WEO%20eBook%20Cover_1_113022-1.jpg) You have the opportunity to jumpstart your career with an adult undergraduate program. Learn more about getting your degree with our resource: Everything You Need to Know About Going to College as an Adult [![Download the Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/992fd388-4f58-4af7-b64a-ae8175ce6ba0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/992fd388-4f58-4af7-b64a-ae8175ce6ba0) | | --- | ## Popular Posts ### TOPICS - [Admissions (7)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/admissions) - [Adult Learners (8)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/adult-learners) - [Creative Writing (4)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/creative-writing) - [Education (9)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/education) - [Film (8)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/film) - [Graduate (9)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/graduate) - [Healthcare Admin (4)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/healthcare-admin) - [Humanities (2)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/humanities) - [MBA (8)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/mba) - [MFA (1)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/mfa) - [MFA in Creative Writing (2)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/mfa-in-creative-writing) - [Nursing (2)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/nursing) - [Professional Certifications (5)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/professional-certifications) - [Psychology (11)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/psychology) - [Religious Studies (3)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/religious-studies) - [Transfer Students (3)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/transfer-students) - [Writing (1)](https://learn.msmu.edu/tag/writing) See all ![How to Create a Writing Portfolio: Stand Out in Your Application](https://learn.msmu.edu/hubfs/AdobeStock_610557297-min.jpeg) ### [How to Create a Writing Portfolio: Stand Out in Your Application](https://learn.msmu.edu/how-to-create-a-writing-portfolio-stand-out-in-your-application) ![Filmmaker vs. Director: Understanding the Distinctions](https://learn.msmu.edu/hubfs/AdobeStock_235313882-1.jpeg) ### [Filmmaker vs. Director: Understanding the Distinctions](https://learn.msmu.edu/filmmaker-vs.-director-understanding-the-distinctions) ![Is an MFA in Film Worth It? 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