Is College Worth It? The Short Answer Is Yes

That same report also shows a connection between higher education and lower unemployment rates. In 2023, the jobless rate for bachelor’s degree holders was 2.2 percent, just over half that of high school graduates (3.9 percent).

For many positions, including higher-paying ones, having a degree is a minimum requirement, since it is generally associated with more highly qualified candidates who possess the skills and attributes employers seek.

Robert Blackwell graduated from UMGC in 2016 with a BS in information systems management, and in 2018 earned an MS in cybersecurity management and policy at UMGC. He recalls his motivation for going back to school.

“I was up for a promotion to be a senior manager,” said Blackwell. “But the knock on me was that I didn't have a college degree, and I wasn't prepared. So, when I was told ‘no,’ instead of making excuses or doing other negative things, I buckled down and got it done. Moving forward, I will make sure that I never again put myself in a position to not be prepared.”

Benefits of Being Educated: Personal Growth & Confidence

Along with the career-specific knowledge and relevant competencies you gain by earning a degree or certificate in a particular discipline, advancing your education can often bring out your best in other ways. The “soft skills” you learn to get you through your coursework, like reliability, adaptability, and communication, as well as strategic skills of collaboration, time-management, and problem solving, can significantly improve your employment prospects and earnings potential.

As the BLS report states, "Each level of education you complete may help you develop more skills, give you access to higher paying occupations, and signal that you’re able to follow through on important tasks, such as planning ahead and meeting deadlines, that employers value."

Even beyond the knowledge and skillsets you can attain, the very process of completing your degree often builds character in ways that may be less obvious. The mere fact of achieving a long-term, challenging goal is indicative of personal growth, patience, and persistence. Overcoming the obstacles and getting to that finish line can instill a level of confidence and a sense of purpose that you may not have had at the outset.

“Earning my degree helped me professionally in different ways,” said Blackwell. “First, it gave me confidence and a sense of belonging in the workplace. And it's scary at first. I'm not going to lie—I was terrified. But it helped me to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Our Dedicated Support Staff: Empowering, Supporting, Challenging

At UMGC, we are invested in your success. We know that the rest of your life doesn't come to a halt when you choose to pursue higher education, and we know how intimidating it can be to go back to school. That’s why everything we do at UMGC is designed to ensure you have what you need to achieve—and become—all that you envision.

Our friendly, knowledgeable staff of advisors, including admissions advisors, success coaches, and military education coordinators, are available to help you plot out your academic path and keep you on it through graduation and beyond.

UMGC success coach Tasha Stephens knows the concerns of students embarking or continuing on their educational journey—and that it’s never too late to begin.

“’Empower, support, and challenge’ is the mantra I have always stood on" Stephens explains. “It starts with providing students the information and resources they need to move forward. And when it seems overwhelming, as it sometimes can, I try to encourage them to take their time, put one foot in front of the other, perhaps take one course and see how they feel, then add more classes that may be of interest to them. And I remind them, ‘It's not when you start; it's how you finish.’”

Affordable Education: Meeting, Managing, & Reducing Education Costs