While you've been thinking about going back to school "someday," the job market has been moving without you. The career opportunities you see online? Most now have "bachelor's degree required" in the first line. The salary increase you've been waiting for? Companies are saving it for college graduates. That promotion you deserved? It went to someone with a degree.
You're not just missing out on future opportunities: you're losing money right now. The income gap between high school and college graduates has grown to over $30,000 per year, and it continues to widen.
However, the good news is that it’s not too late to catch up.
Keep reading to find out how you can turn things around and finish your degree.
Why Your Degree Matters More Than Ever
The world changed while you were away from school, and not having a degree has become more expensive than ever. What used to be "preferred" on job listings is now "required." What used to open doors based on experience alone now demands that degree as the price of admission.
The Job Market Reality Check:
Jobs that once were filled based on skills and experience (management positions, sales roles, and even some skilled trades) now list "bachelor's degree required" as the first line of the job posting. It's not that employers don't value other aspects; it's that HR systems filter applications without degrees before a human ever sees your résumé.
The median income gap between high school and college graduates has widened to over $30,000 per year. That's not just a number; that's a new car payment, a family vacation, your child's college fund, or the emergency savings that give you peace of mind. Throughout a career, that gap compounds to more than $1.2 million in additional lifetime earnings.
Invest in Yourself: The Lasting Benefits of a Degree
Earning a degree can influence how you're perceived in professional settings. It often serves as a signal of commitment and expertise, which may help open doors to new networks, opportunities, and professional conversations. Having a degree can increase your chances of being considered for strategic discussions or leadership roles that may not always be extended to those without formal credentials.
Job security is another hidden benefit. During economic downturns, positions requiring degrees are typically the last to be eliminated. When companies restructure, college graduates are more likely to be retained or offered severance packages. Your degree becomes a form of career insurance in an uncertain economy.
A recent BLS report on how education affects employment shows that people with a bachelor's degree or higher enjoy the highest employment rates, the strongest labor force participation, and the lowest unemployment rates. In contrast, those without a high school diploma are less likely to be employed and face significantly higher unemployment.
Overall, higher education greatly improves the chances of finding and keeping a job.
The Promotion Ceiling
If you already have a job, perhaps you’ve noticed that promotions often go to people with degrees, even when you have more experience. Many companies have formal policies that require a bachelor's degree for management positions. You might be the best performer on your team, but company policy won't let you advance without that diploma.
Every year you wait to complete your degree is another year of limited advancement opportunities and restricted income growth.
How to Get Back on Track
Despite this landscape, going back to college to finish what you started might be easier than you think. Those credits you earned? They're still there. The knowledge you gained? It's still with you.
With your progress in mind, WSU created the Shocker Comeback Program specifically for students who stepped away and are ready to continue their academic journey. You won’t start over; you’ll be picking up where you left off with the support, resources, and financial assistance designed to help you succeed.
Explore: Proven Pathways to Complete Your Degree on Your Terms
What Make the Shocker Comeback Program Different?
This isn't your typical "come back to school" program. We've designed every piece of support around one simple truth: your success is our mission.
A Success Team by Your Side
- A dedicated advisor who knows your name and your story.
- A career coach who sees your potential.
- A financial aid advisor who guides you through financial aid and scholarship processes.
- A retention specialist who celebrates every milestone with you.
Real Financial Relief
- Up to $1,000 Shocker Comeback Scholarship waiting for you
- Personalized financial wellness coaching through Shocker Financial Wellness
- Additional scholarship opportunities you didn't know existed
Smart Path to Graduation
- Proactively earn your associate's degree while working toward your bachelor's degree
- Flexible scheduling that fits your real life
Never Go It Alone
- Monthly check-ins that keep you motivated
- Support when you need it most
- Connect with other comeback students who get it
Take Action Right Now
August 11, 2025: Enroll by this date to secure your spot and qualify for the Shocker Comeback Scholarship for Fall 2025.
September 15, 2025: Stay enrolled through this date to receive your scholarship, up to $1,000 in financial support.
To receive the full $1,000 Shocker Comeback Scholarship, you must enroll in at least six credit hours — that’s usually just two classes! If you enroll in fewer than six credit hours, you may still qualify for a prorated scholarship.
*This opportunity is available to students whose last semester of enrollment at WSU was in Fall 2024 or earlier.
Ready to continue your professional journey? Contact the Shocker Comeback Representative today and turn your "someday" into "this fall.”