A university degree is valuable

Its value can be measured by the benefits it brings to the graduate, to the local community, to the economy and to government.

In fact, a university degree has never been more valuable. Recent trends illustrate that having one is more likely to get you a job. Between 2004 and 2009, employment of bachelor’s graduates rose by 22% and by 28% for those with a graduate degree. Employment for college and CEGEP graduates rose by 16%, followed by small increases of 4% for high school graduates and 2% for trade-school graduates. (Labour Force Survey, Statistics Canada). Read the full AUCC story.

"Looking at the big picture, the case for grad school seems indisputable: in 2009, the median salary of master’s recipients was nearly 25 percent more than that of colleagues with only a bachelor’s, according to a report released in May by Dr. Carnevale that analyzed never-before-gathered Census Bureau data on compensation by major and degree level." The New York Times Read the full story.

A university degree builds a career

Studying expands knowledge, nurtures critical thinking, and inspires new ideas and creativity.

A university degree contributes to:

• Marketable, adaptable career skills
• Greater opportunities for advancement
• Fewer periods of unemployment
• Greater income over career – on average $1.3 million more than high school graduates.

University graduates, Census data confirm, see their income increase more rapidly and consistently throughout their careers. For example, in 1980, the earnings advantage for male bachelor’s graduates was 37%. By 2005, the earnings advantage had grown to 50%. Census data show a much smaller premium for college or trade school graduates – approximately 7% in 1980 and about 15% in 2005. (Boudarbat, Lemieux, Riddell 2010)

A C.D. Howe Institute report finds that by investing in an undergraduate degree, female students will see an annual return of 14 cents per dollar, compared to 12 cents per dollar for male students.

"The average student makes more than three times what he paid getting an education..."

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development estimates that the average Canadian man with a college or university education makes more than three times what he put into getting such an education, both in terms of direct costs and lost wages. For the average woman, the gain is more than double the cost. The value to society was similarly pegged at roughly double the government’s investment. Read the Globe and Mail article.

Earn while you learn. Our programs combine online learning at a distance, with face-to-face residencies so students can further their education and continue to work. More about our online programs.