This time last year, we were all experiencing the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Little did we know how much our lives would change—from the way we shop, to our children’s education, to how we work and much more. And now that businesses, schools and workplaces are reopening, we fortunately find ourselves approaching normalcy, and for some, a new normal. Many lessons have been learned during the pandemic, with one being how important it is to ensure we take steps to secure our financial and professional futures.
In 2020, many Americans took advantage of opportunities to advance their education in order to be better prepared for future economic downturns and potential health crises—and this year is no different. Enrollment is on the rise in many disciplines, and there continue to be several reasons why now is a great time to invest in education. Below, we offer six things to consider as you reflect upon your own academic goals.
- You will be able to capitalize on affordability. College tuition continues to remain stable and affordable. At Tiffin University, the cost of our MBA program has remained stable for the last seven years. Additionally, interest rates are still low, which makes this an opportune time to utilize Federal Student Aid. Student loans go into repayment six months after graduation, which means you can invest in your education now and pay later. And, when the time comes to make payments, loan companies typically offer multiple options for repayment based on your employment status and income level.
- You will be prepared for whatever the future brings. From the pandemic to politics, the future has felt a little uncertain this past year. However, one thing has remained true—we continue to have the power to control our own destiny. When a recession strikes, employees who lack college credentials often lose their jobs first. Not only can that job loss prove devastating in the short-term, it can potentially disrupt your entire career path. In periods where unemployment is high, limited jobs seldom go to those with gaps in their resume or minimal education experience. In fact, during The Great Recession of 2008, just 4.3 percent of college graduates were unemployed, compared to 9.4 percent of those with high school diplomas only. With this in mind, it is important to take steps now to secure your future—before it is too late.
- You will increase your marketability. The job market has changed over the past year. Companies have transformed the way they do business due to the pandemic—from innovation to accessibility to new products, many have completely reshaped their business models. It is vital to ensure you stay ahead of the curve by understanding what is happening in the job market right now. When you earn a degree at Tiffin University, not only will you become proficient in the discipline you choose, you will also advance your technical, writing and presentation skills. Our courses are taught by professors with real-world experience. That means you will increase your knowledge about the things that are relevant to your discipline now. You will be able to take that knowledge and transfer it to your workplace immediately or speak to it in future job interviews. Additionally, we recommend adding your degree with an anticipated graduation date to your resume right away. Not only will your degree make you more marketable in the future, but it could help you land a new position right now.
- You will increase your lifelong earning potential. A degree can offer immediate salary gains, and those gains will add up over time. You may experience tens or even hundreds of thousands in additional earnings over the course of your career by completing a degree. According to a study completed by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, a bachelor’s degree alone can help graduates earn, on average, 84 percent more over their lifetime than those who only achieve a high school diploma.
- You will lead by example. Whether it is your children, nieces and nephews, parents or siblings, earning your degree will set a positive example for your family. If you have kids, consider completing your degree to give them a boost in life. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the children of parents with college degrees are more likely to earn a degree themselves. The domino effect of just one person completing a college education can positively impact future generations—be that domino.
- You will experience a deep sense of personal satisfaction. If nothing else, earning your degree is worth it for the satisfaction of setting and accomplishing a huge goal. Few achievements compare to the personal pride of graduating from college. Your degree will represent years of hard work and determination, and no matter what happens in your personal life or career, you will always know that you can do anything you put your mind to and that is worth more than a fancy piece of paper.
As we close, we are reminded of these wise words spoken by Benjamin Franklin over 200 years ago, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” You have all the power to secure your future, and we encourage you to think about your goals and what steps you need to take to make them a reality. If completing your degree is part of that plan, our admissions team is here to help you explore upcoming start opportunities at Tiffin University.