Understanding the value of a degree, certificate and microcredential
Some experiences reveal their value only once you’re immersed in them — like making a baby laugh, sharing a heart-to-heart with a friend or volunteering for a cause that’s important to you.
But earning a credential from a university, like a degree, certificate or microcredential, should be a clear investment from the start.
At Oregon State University, we’re committed to making sure you apply and enroll in classes with confidence, knowing in advance about the many possible benefits.
Before we skip ahead to the facts and figures, let’s consider the importance of decision-making criteria as you choose which type of credential you want to pursue.
A few things to ask yourself:
- What outcome am I seeking? Is it a specific skill or two, or is it a whole new set of competencies?
- In my current work, would earning this credential create new opportunities for me?
- In the industry I’m looking to enter, would this credential set me apart from other job candidates?
- How much time and money am I willing to invest in long-term outcomes?
After all, the World Economic Forum has shared that 50% of the global workforce may need reskilling as soon as 2025. That means knowing which skills you want to gain or sharpen — especially as our world is shaped by artificial intelligence and shifting demand — is essential for making your credential work for you.
So, is higher education worth it? Let’s break down what you can expect as a return on your investment in an education from Oregon State, whether you’re earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree, certificate or microcredential online.
A case for degrees
Whether you’re just starting out on your academic journey, picking up where you left off or looking to further your career, bachelor’s and master’s degrees provide the depth, specialization and versatility that employers set store by. Consider the ins and outs of each type of degree below.
This graph highlights the findings from a 2024 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Check out the impact that earning a degree makes on median annual earnings.
Bachelor’s degrees
A bachelor’s degree is often the first credential that comes to mind when considering pursuing higher education. That’s because they’re well-established and valued by employers. With centuries of history, bachelor’s degrees have become a trusted standard, providing students with a comprehensive education that integrates emerging technologies, foundational knowledge and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Another benefit of the bachelor’s degree’s ubiquitousness is the amount of available hard data on career outcomes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor’s degree earners stand to make about $1 million more in their career than those with a high school diploma. Additionally, a recent study highlights that decent-paying job opportunities in the U.S. are expected to grow by about 15 million by 2031, with two-thirds of them requiring at least a bachelor’s degree. A significant 84% of office jobs and 90% of jobs in STEM fields are expected to include a bachelor’s requirement.
Explore online OSU bachelor’s degrees »
Master’s degrees
For those seeking to position themselves for leadership roles, deepen their expertise or pivot to a new field, a master’s degree can be a wise investment. This type of program provides a more focused advanced education, tailored to specific career goals. Master’s degrees regularly combine theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world applications.
Those who earn a master’s degree can expect enhanced earning potential. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, master’s degree grads earn, on average, 20% more than those with a bachelor’s degree. Moreover, positions in fields like healthcare, education, engineering and business frequently list a master’s degree as a preferred or required credential for higher-level positions.
If you’re looking to deepen your knowledge on a topic area without the commitment of a full master’s degree, graduate certificates are commonly used for gaining expertise or preparing for a career pivot. And often, credits earned in a graduate certificate can be applied to a related masters’ program, offering you a seamless pathway to a graduate degree.
Explore online graduate degrees from Oregon State »
A case for middle skills pathways
Middle skills pathways like certificates and microcredentials can offer a midway point for those looking to transition careers, enter the workforce, enhance their degree’s worth or formalize existing knowledge. These educational pathways, often called skills-based credentials, are a shorter-term, lower-cost solution to education needs.
According to a recent report, those who had at least some college credits under their belt made an average of $4,000 a year more than those with a high school diploma. Of the new jobs mentioned above, about 20% are set to require middle skills of some sort.
Certificates
Certificates have been around for much longer than microcredentials. This option typically offers more benefits to those who are just starting out in their careers. Some workers received an average salary increase of $5,000 more annually after earning their certificates.
For those who pursue certificates as a standalone option, certificates are a great way to stand out in entry-level positions, roles in an industry that doesn’t have degree requirements or for exploratory purposes. And when earned in tandem with a bachelor’s degree or after graduation, certificates can help sharpen skills in a specialized field or aid in acquiring a leadership role.
As discussed at the beginning of this article, it’s essential to lean on your goals to inform your program choices. If you’re on the fence about whether or not a certificate would benefit you, consider reaching out to someone who holds the type of position you’re interested in for an informational interview to find out more.
Explore Oregon State’s online undergraduate certificates »
Microcredentials
If you’re not familiar with what a microcredential is, you can learn the ins and outs in our guide to microcredentials. Here are the basics: They’re a series of courses (usually three or four) that are laser-focused on a specific topic. They are among the newest style of skills-based learning pathways offered by universities, professional organizations and even corporations. And they’re an answer to the need for highly specialized skills in fields like health care, world languages, engineering, entrepreneurship and more.
Because these offerings are so new, exact data is hard to come by, but here’s what we know so far:
- Most microcredentials are informed by industry need, making the skills gained highly employable and in-demand. So much so that many employers want to invest in the reskilling and upskilling of their employees. That means you may be able to earn a microcredential on your employer’s dime.
- Since microcredentials from institutions like Oregon State are designed to stack together, you can add new skills quickly and do it more affordably.
- Earning a microcredential from a reputable institution like OSU makes a difference to employers. In fact, many employers are focusing on skills-based hiring, making nondegree options more valuable to students.
- The digital badge you earn with a microcredential is a great way to share with your network or potential employers that you have the skills they need and that you’re committed to continuing your education. In fact, a recent study reinforces this recommendation, finding that sharing credentials can have positive impacts on employment prospects.
Explore OSU’s microcredential options »
Key takeaways
No matter which type of credential you decide to pursue, educating yourself is worth the investment. Once you decide on your goals and explore your options, we’ll support you as you make the choice that’s right for you and your career.
Ready to get started?
