Bachelor's Degree Pathway

Explore Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor's Degree Overview

This pathway includes education institutions granting bachelor's degrees and graduate degrees. A bachelor's degree is an academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a specific course of study. It is typically the first level of higher education and is considered a foundational qualification for many careers in all industries. One way to begin working toward a bachelor's degree is to complete a required number of classes at a community college, where the cost of classes is lower than in a bachelor's degree program. Students can then apply to transfer to a bachelor's degree program. A bachelor's degree program usually lasts four to six years, although the duration can vary depending on the school, specific field of study, and number of classes taken per semester. While the availability of online courses has expanded, it is most common for students to live on campus or within commuting distance of their program to attend in-person classes. High school students have the option of participating in dual enrollment college courses to experience higher education, and save time and money in the pursuit of a bachelor's degree. Bachelor's degree programs may require students to complete internships or final research projects, which enhance the students' learning and prepare them for the demands of their future careers. Lastly, bachelor's degree programs typically offer students extensive career support services including job search assistance, resume and cover letter review, career counseling, networking opportunities, and access to internships and job postings. Access to individualized career support services may be impacted by the size of the institution's student body.

Bachelor's Degree

This short video gives an overview of what this pathway is all about.

Specifics

Cost

Up to $340,000

Typical Format

In-Person Only

Typical Length

4-5+ years

Time Commitments

Full-Time, Part-Time

Typical Schedule

Scheduled

Payment Options

Payment due at enrollment

Possible Outcomes

Degree

Financial Aid Options

Federal financial aid, institution or other private grants, or private student loans

Best For You If...

You are

Interested in a variety of careers or a specific career that requires a bachelor's degree.
Pursuing a college education right after completing high school, or after earning an associate's degree.
Looking for some support to find employment.

You are able to

Organize your time and fulfill commitments independently.
Devote significant homework and study time.
Begin & participate in classes during the typical academic calendar (fall-spring)

You like

Listening to lectures online
Attending class or work in person
Conducting research and writing papers
Learning a concept and then completing problem sets
Academic group projects
Discussion groups with peers
Reading on your own and then completing an online assessment
Watching videos through a self paced course and completing assignments
Exams

Enrollment Information

Enrollment in bachelor's degree programs follows an academic year cycle, which usually spans 9 to 10 months. The academic year typically starts in late summer or early fall and ends in spring or early summer. It is most commonly divided into two semesters or three quarters. An application and an application fee are required. Most schools also require interviews, essays, and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). Acceptance rates vary, with some schools admitting roughly 65% of applicants, and some admitting as few as 5% of applicants.

Application Type

Selective Application

Entry Qualifications

High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED or HiSET) Academic Assessment

Academic Record

High School GPA of 3.0+

Compare Pathways

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Compare Pathways

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Career Options

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Information Security Analyst

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Administer anesthesia and monitor vital signs to ensure safe patient recovery during medical procedures.

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Computer Hardware Engineer

Design and innovate computer hardware to advance technology and improve system performance.

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