Is a College Degree Worth It?
Explore the real financial, career and personal returns of earning your degree — and how online learning puts your goals within reach.
What the Data Shows About the Value of a College Education
LIFETIME EARNINGS INCREASE
LOWER UNEMPLOYMENT RATES
HIGHER CAREER MOBILITY
“As a competitive Paralympic athlete and coach, I’m building my knowledge and skills in the MS — Nutrition program to bring the whole package of health and wellness education to all athletes — non-disabled and those who have visual impairments or other disabilities.”
Markeith Price ’27, M.S. Nutrition
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“Earning my Public Health degree at JWU Online expanded my ability to think beyond the individual patient and focus on the health of entire communities. Persevering through the tough times while I was working, caring for four kids and navigating challenging courses was worth it to get my degree.”
Reyna Salcedo ’25, B.S. Public Health
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“Completing my bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management has helped me get hired in an industry I love. I’m practicing and perfecting what I learned at JWU in the finance and accounting classes, as I manage my own budget at the Club. As I prove myself in this position, I look forward to more doors opening and to feeling excited about the opportunities that life brings.”
Michael Yates ’23, B.S. Culinary Arts and Food Service Management
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“Being in the program has been a wonderful experience and definitely worth the time and cost. I chose JWU Online for my degree after looking at different options, in part because a co-worker raved about the program and what you get for the money. As I complete the business studies undergraduate degree, I think the value cost-wise for what I am getting out of the program is tremendous.”
Jeffrey Adams ‘24, B.S. Business Studies
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“I am so glad that I chose Johnson & Wales University Online to complete my degree. I leave JWU prepared with the knowledge and skills to be successful in graduate school and in a computer science career. I highly recommend this program to other prospective computer science students.”
Kathleen Campell ’25, B.S. Computer Science
READ MORE STUDENT STORIES Why Should You Go to College?
Your education creates options — and options are valuable.
At JWU Online, we understand who our students are — and who they’re becoming. Many juggle work, family, military service or a major career shift. What unites them is a shared goal: a degree that expands their earning potential, opens new doors and builds long-term career security.
A college degree doesn’t just increase your salary in the short term
It expands what’s possible over a lifetime. Higher education graduates consistently experience:
Salary growth over time as credentials compound and expertise deepens
Expanded job opportunities in industries that require or strongly prefer degrees
Higher job security during market shifts and economic downturns
Access to roles requiring formal credentials, from specialized technical roles to regulated professions
Leadership pathways—manager, director, VP—that almost always require a bachelor’s or master’s degree
If you’re thinking about your career ROI now is the time to explore JWU Online’s career-ready programs to find the one that aligns with your current lifestyle to achieve your life goals.
Whether you’re a parent, veteran or first-generation college student, we know you care about:
Cost & Affordability
Competitive tuition, financial aid opportunities and employer partnership benefits make earning your degree more accessible.
Time to Completion
With accelerated pacing, you can earn your degree faster and enter higher-paying roles sooner.
Transfer credits
Bring previous credits or military experience with you to save time and money.
Career Outcomes
What your future could look like
Source: BLS.gov (as of August 2025)
TOP ROLES INCLUDE:
TOP ROLES INCLUDE:
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Have questions about cost, time or choosing the right program?
Our advisors are here to help you evaluate your goals and build a personalized plan.