After all, the World Economic Forum has shared that 50% of the global workforce may need reskilling<\/a> as soon as 2025. That means knowing which skills you want to gain or sharpen \u2014 especially as our world is shaped by artificial intelligence and shifting demand \u2014\u00a0is essential for making your credential work for you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n So, is higher education worth it? Let\u2019s break down what you can expect as a return on your investment in an education from Oregon State, whether you\u2019re earning a bachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s degree, certificate or microcredential online.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Whether you\u2019re just starting out on your academic journey, picking up where you left off or looking to further your career, bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees provide the depth, specialization and versatility that employers set store by. Consider the ins and outs of each type of degree below.<\/p>\r\n This graph highlights the findings from a 2025 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Check out the impact that earning a degree makes on median annual earnings.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A bachelor\u2019s degree is often the first credential that comes to mind when considering pursuing higher education. That\u2019s because they\u2019re well-established and valued by employers. With centuries of history<\/a>, bachelor\u2019s degrees have become a trusted standard, providing students with a comprehensive education that integrates emerging technologies, foundational knowledge and interdisciplinary perspectives.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Another benefit of the bachelor\u2019s degree\u2019s ubiquitousness is the amount of available hard data on career outcomes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor\u2019s degree earners stand to make about $1 million more in their career than those with a high school diploma. Additionally, a recent study<\/a> 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\u2019s degree. A significant 84% of office jobs and 90% of jobs in STEM fields are expected to include a bachelor\u2019s requirement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Explore online OSU bachelor\u2019s degrees \u00bb<\/em><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For those seeking to position themselves for leadership roles, deepen their expertise or pivot to a new field, a master\u2019s degree can be a wise investment. This type of program provides a more focused advanced education, tailored to specific career goals. Master\u2019s degrees regularly combine theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world applications.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Those who earn a master\u2019s degree can expect enhanced earning potential. According to the National Center for Education Statistics<\/a>, master\u2019s degree grads earn, on average, 20% more than those with a bachelor\u2019s degree. Moreover, positions in fields like healthcare, education, engineering and business frequently list a master\u2019s degree as a preferred or required credential for higher-level positions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you\u2019re looking to deepen your knowledge on a topic area without the commitment of a full master\u2019s degree, graduate certificates<\/a> 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\u2019 program, offering you a seamless pathway to a graduate degree.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Explore online graduate degrees from Oregon State \u00bb<\/em><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Middle skills pathways like certificates and microcredentials can offer a midway point for those looking to transition careers, enter the workforce, enhance their degree\u2019s worth or formalize existing knowledge. These educational pathways, often called skills-based credentials, are a shorter-term, lower-cost solution to education needs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n According to a recent report, those who had at least some<\/em> college credits under their belt made an average of $4,000 a year more<\/a> than those with a high school diploma. Of the new jobs mentioned above, about 20% are set to require middle skills of some sort<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 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<\/a> after earning their certificates.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 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\u2019t have degree requirements or for exploratory purposes. And when earned in tandem with a bachelor\u2019s degree or after graduation, certificates can help sharpen skills in a specialized field or aid in acquiring a leadership role.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n As discussed at the beginning of this article, it\u2019s essential to lean on your goals to inform your program choices. If you\u2019re on the fence about whether or not a certificate would benefit you, consider reaching out to someone who holds the type of position you\u2019re interested in for an informational interview<\/a> to find out more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Explore Oregon State\u2019s online undergraduate certificates \u00bb<\/em><\/a><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you\u2019re not familiar with what a microcredential is, you can learn the ins and outs in our guide to microcredentials<\/a>. Here are the basics: They\u2019re 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\u2019re an answer to the need for highly specialized skills in fields like health care, world languages, engineering, entrepreneurship and more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Because these offerings are so new, exact<\/em> data is hard to come by, but here\u2019s what we know so far:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nA case for degrees<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Bachelor\u2019s degrees<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Master\u2019s degrees<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A case for middle skills pathways<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Certificates<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Microcredentials<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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