At what point in your career is a bachelor’s degree no longer a requirement?

33 Comments

1. Cyndi RosenblattJuly 23,2022 at 5:09PM UTC

   I don't know if this is as ironclad in the corporate world, but our minimum job requirements are set at a very high level and we are rarely able to budge HR when a degree is listed as a requirement. No matter how experienced someone is, HR won't pass the application to the hiring manager if they don't meet the minimum requirements for the position.

   Someone recently suggested Western Governors University (https://www.wgu.edu) and that's a good, affordable option to consider where you move at your own pace.

2. AnonymousJuly 23,2022 at 5:38PM UTC

   Your can still find a good job, please don't stop searching.

   Look, I thing you have to find jobs when they are not asking to have a profession, bc there is a lot of competition, but you can contact some recruiter and explain what are you looking for, on the other hand you can go in person to give your resume, believe me that works. Good luck!

3. KristinJuly 23,2022 at 6:16PM UTC

   I think it becomes less important to have a degree the longer you have relevant work experience instead. At nearly 40, I'd venture a guess that you've learned more than you ever would have in college. A degree can be a good jump start early on but I doubt it would get you much leverage at this stage unless it is a very specific requirement in your career (law degree to practice law, MSW to become a therapist, etc...). I will qualify my answer to say that a degree might get you a better pay rate for essentially the same job, but it's unlikely that the debt to get it will outweigh the salary increase, but I don't know your industry.

   Are employers actually asking you whether you have a degree, or just putting the requirement in the job description? Because although they don't like to admit it, these job postings are more like wish lists than actual requirements. Keep applying, but don't mention your educational qualifications or lack there of. Simply leaving education off of your resume might be a better strategy than trying to explain or justify. I wouldn't lie about it to say you have a degree, just *don't bring it up.* If it truly IS a requirement, at some stage they will ask about it. I don't think I've ever had anyone ask about my education. And a friend of mine who does not have a degree currently holds a Director level role at a tech company and is actively being recruited to a VP level role at a different company, with an ~ $200K salary. And another friend has been doing AutoCAD for decades with no degree though most job listings will say an Engineering degree is required. But he does the same work.

   All that is to say it matters less than you think at this stage in your career. Consider it a non-issue unless and until someone asks explicitly about it.

   Are there certifications available in your field (that are less onerous and expensive than a degree) that might help you feel better positioned against other applicants?

4. AnonymousJuly 23,2022 at 6:37PM UTC

   While it is true that many industries and employers require a completed degree as a qualification for positions, overall employers want to hire people who can do the work that must be done. Employers are seeking employees whose work quality meets their standards and standards set by external entities. And, employers avoid potential employees who might be considered too much of a liability (employees who won't stay on the job, etc.).

   Deemphasize that you do not have a completed bachelor's degree when you draft versions of your resume and when you complete your LinkedIn profile. Play up your skills and work accomplishments in your resume, your LinkedIn profile and in cover letters. Put numbers to those accomplishments (saved $x, increased sales by x%, and the like).

   If you want to complete your bachelor's degree, there are ways to do so without going into debt. If you are employed, investigate the terms of a tuition reimbursement benefit, if this is available to you. If in the US, state colleges and universities offer flexible programs for adult learners returning to school. There are often departments dedicated to helping returning students. Staff can provide advice about financing an education, maximizing the transfer of credits into a degree program and developing a plan to complete a degree with the absolute fewest courses to save the student money and time.

   It is natural to concentrate on age when you are soon to enter a new decade of life. But, please, please do not let focusing on your age prohibit you from reaching your career goals!

5. AnonymousJuly 23,2022 at 7:03PM UTC

   I've seen other posts like this on FGB, debating the merits of finishing a college degree.
   Much of the conversation is around the necessity of a piece of paper when it's not even relevant to your field...like you've mentioned above.

   I'm conflicted over these discussions because many people DO have a degree in their field. While I agree that experience is critical to your professional success, I feel like dismissing the degree requirements (because you don't have one) cheapen the time and commitment so many of us put into graduating.

   I share your concerns about taking on school loan debt as you enter your 40's but would strongly encourage you to look at (like another poster said) options like Western Governors University. There are countless universities out there that offer very economical degree options. I just completed my MBA for under $25k...for the very same reason! No interest in taking on $100k in school loan debt as I approach 50.

   Please reconsider being so dismissive of degree requirements, I'm just not there with this being an arbitrary employer requirement.

6. AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 1:17PM UTC

   Congratulations to you for all your hard work. I too was a straight A student and studied hard during my student years. I am 61 years old and have an AA degree, with a 3.9 gpa. My father believed girls should be secretaries and would not underwrite the remaining 2 years of my college education. I got married and worked retail jobs until I discovered my husband of 3 years had a 19 year old girlfriend. At that point, I worked 2 jobs, a full time job and a part time job and elected to enroll in a 2 year paralegal studies certificate program as I needed a decent paying job asap. I worked my butt off struggling to fit classes in between 2 jobs. After completing the program, I lucked out and landed a job in broadcasting, where I spent 25+ years. A few years ago, as my industry began to have to reinvent itself to stay alive, the show I produced was cut and the entire staff was let go. Television has become a young person’s game and the opportunities for those my age have dwindled. I moved into corporate communications, which I love but I am currently looking to move to a new company and the lack of a bachelor’s degree has been a huge issue, preventing me from getting some ideal jobs I am otherwise immensely qualified for. I apologize for the length of my response but I hope you will understand the other side of your argument. I too worked hard to get where I am today. In hindsight, that 2 year paralegal certificate would have been better traded for a bachelor’s degree. I was desperately trying to stay above water at the time. I would wager my struggles were equal to the hard work you put into your degree. As such, shouldn’t we both be considered for the same job based on the merits of our background and experience? The argument that you worked hard for your degree is yes, valid, but those without a degree are asking for equal consideration for the skills and experience they bring to the table. It doesn’t diminish your hard work but it does ask that you value mine. I don’t believe that’s wrong. Do you?

7. Dcre1977July 25,2022 at 11:23AM UTC

   I believe you are thinking you have more experience than the people with the degree and those with a degree had no struggles. When in reality you are competing with people with the same amount of experience and struggles plus a degree.

8. AnonymousJuly 26,2022 at 1:11AM UTC

   Not at all. I am simply responding to the argument that not requiring a degree discounts the hard work and struggles someone put in to earn that degree. Of course it doesn’t. But requiring a degree, does discount the hard work and effort someone has put in through life experiences. It is always the employer’s loss when they put a degree above experience. Their shortsightedness means they lose out on some amazing and talented, as well as hard working candidates. Fortunately more and more employers are starting to recognize this and let experience replace the years of education. And of course as a job candidate I want to go where I am most valued.

9. Dcre1977July 26,2022 at 7:45PM UTC

   It's not putting experience above degrees if your competition has the same amount of experience as you plus a degree.

   You are free to go to an employer who does not care about a degree, but you are limiting yourself. Most employers pay for you to get a degree for a reason.

10. AnonymousJuly 23,2022 at 10:54PM UTC

    I think that you are at a point in your career, where a college degree may tip the balance, all things being equal between you and another applicant.

    It may be time to start taking classes, related to your business that will make you more competitive. It will be a talking point during interviews, how you are taking a current class, and how that has improved your skills and knowledge in X, Y.

11. AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 2:35AM UTC

    I'm 65 and it is still a requirement for my roles.

12. AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 7:28AM UTC

    Things have become quite degree driven over the years.
    While there's a lot of conversation about this subject, you still have employers looking for candidates with degrees. I also see some who recognize the value in having someone with the experience. They see the benefit of that person being able to come in and hit the ground running versus having to train someone.

    I couldn't promote with my employer at the time. I felt by going to school, I'd be able to advance but it didn't. I'm 58 years old finishing my degree by December. I obtained my AS through community college and finished with no debt. I currently pay out of pocket and when finished, will have zero debt. If your job does reimbursement, take them up on it. With were I am now, having my education has helped in terms of roles and pay.

13. AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 4:27PM UTC

    The hit the ground running is not true - no one no matter how brilliant can sit in a brand new role and know instinctively what the culture is like; how the company nuances are nor how they run their show. Im in IT with three degrees and certificates and STILL need ramp up time as I see each company does “things” so differently.

14. AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 12:18PM UTC

    I’m 50 and this does still come up for me. I disagree with the poster saying how hard they worked to get their degrees and hiring someone without a degree diminishes their hard work. While you were working hard to get your degree, I was working hard learning and gaining experience. I personally do not think college degrees for non-specialized roles should be a minimum requirement.

15. AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 4:24PM UTC

    Agreed but on the job training should be mandatory and more comprehensive

16. Kate NolinJuly 24,2022 at 12:37PM UTC

    An industry license or certification for the type of work you want to do may be best way to obtain the work you like.
    To figure out what the best options are for certs or licenses, look at job ads for the type of work you want to do. Some certifications can be credited toward a degree.

17. Mara Jevera FulmerJuly 24,2022 at 2:40PM UTC

    There are some ways to get a degree with minimal debt even if you’re only taking one or two courses at a time. Depending on how many credits you already have, there are college programs that will take up to 75% as transfer credits towards a customized degree program. I work at a community college and discovered this when researching for my husband. He’d dropped out of a degree program in the 90s that is no longer available to finish. I found a state university that would transfer the majority of his credits and then help him customize the last 30 credits towards his area of interest. Much of those last credits could be tied to independent or work-place projects.

    Not sure what region you’re in but here’s my caveat - try and stay away from the private for-profit institutions who make big promises with big tuition bills.

    I suggest visiting your local community college transfer center to see what area institutions are offering. And, check to see if you qualify for some state programs - in my state we have Michigan Reconnect that will pay for all or most of tuition towards an associates or bachelors degree.

    As to the issue of whether a degree is important or not, it really doesn’t matter. It is being used as a form of measurement and that’s why many employers list it. But - Imagine how far you could go if you could apply your experience to what you learn in college. The combination can be formidable!

18. AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 5:55PM UTC

    You can go to a community college to finish up your degree. Unfortunately, you are applying online, that is used to weed out alot of candidates. Now alot of places are looking for Masters degrees for folks pursuing mgt. The only other scenarios where a degree might not be necessary are in cases where a leader has seen you perform to a level where he or she does not care what your background credentials are in. They see the value in your and are laser focused on giving you the next step up. But those things typically come once in a blue moon or through strategic networking. So if you have no plans to get your degree anytime soon. Step up your networking.

19. Lisa CarlucciJuly 24,2022 at 7:46PM UTC

    It seems as if more jobs are requiring a degree no matter what the major or concentration and even if the skills set needed for the job are gained more by on-the-job training than academia. Often, when someone thinks of getting a degree, the person thinks of spending 2 or 4 years of running to class after a day of work. Things have changed. There are online courses which allow you to study anywhere. There are also alternative ways to earn credit. Some universities allow you do complete portfolios where you earn credit for work completed on the job, through volunteering, or personal study. There are OPI exams which gave you credit for knowing a language. You can do oral or written or both. There are also DANTES and CLEP exams. These allow you to do a computerized test. If you receive the score needed to pass, you earn the 3 or 6 credits. For all of these, you need to check that the university you are attending/or want to attend allows you use these types of alternative credit earning modes. Wishing you continued success in your career.

20. AnonymousJuly 25,2022 at 9:29AM UTC

    If you want to earn the big bucks and bonuses and have flexibility then you must at least have a B S.

    If earning a degree is not something you really want but are still looking for the same $ and perks, then I would figure out a way to build your own business so your earning power is in your hands.

21. Dcre1977July 25,2022 at 11:28AM UTC

    When interviewing people with or without degrees it isn't a tradeoff at your age group. A person in your age group that has around the same years experience plus a degree has a leg up unless you can demonstrate significant success in your previous roles.

    You are falling for propaganda when you think education is just a piece of paper.

22. AnonymousJuly 25,2022 at 1:22PM UTC

    I don’t have a degree and begrudgingly finished my AA when I realized that I was only 3 classes from getting that piece of paper recently.
    I also am 39. I think I make what people consider decent money (current salary is $150k).

    I’ve applied for jobs that require a mba and gotten them because the hiring manager was willing to take the risk to interview a “non-traditional” candidate. But you are better off tapping into your network to bypass the recruiters and machines that make sure you meet the listed minimal requirements.

    I do regret not getting a Bachlors because it would be easier to get promoted and get new jobs, but I’ve been lucky in being able to move forward regardless. You have to be willing to promote yourself agressively when applying. Contact the hiring manager to make sure they get your cover letter listing why you are great for the position. See if you know anyone at the company you are applying to to see if you can get an informational meeting with someone in the department you want to work in. It’s not easy without that piece of paper, and there are additional hoops because of it.

23. AnonymousJuly 25,2022 at 1:55PM UTC

    It makes things so much harder if you don't have a degree. It's a way to weed you out if you don't have one.

24. AnonymousJuly 25,2022 at 2:40PM UTC

    I didn't go to college until I was 45 (am 48 now and about to enter my senior year). I just left it off my resume, and I designed it in a way that my work experience and skills took up so much space there was no "room" for my education on that single page.

    Sometimes that might still get you weeded out but I found that subconsciously, people registered "one-page resume with lots of experience and skills" more than "where is her degree."

    I did get a couple of jobs even without the degree requirement simply BECAUSE my resume showed I'd basically helped CREATE the industry, but eventually I did hit the end of a road and it was clear that a degree would actually really make a difference, so here I am.

25. Teena JonesJuly 25,2022 at 4:39PM UTC

    Look for jobs which will take either experience or a BA. Highlight your strengthens to that particular position. And the market is very fickle. One year it prefers experience and the next year it prefers the degree. Having both is a strengthen but not always a win win situation either. Keep applying if you have the right skill set and your linked In page or Indeed Resume speaks to those strengths you can expect a call. Keep your options open and remember you still have a lot of career time to grow.

26. AnonymousJuly 25,2022 at 7:50PM UTC

    I make $200K and am pretty sure they would not have hired me if I didn't have my degrees and certifications. But do I use that degree? I don't think so.

    I think a degree is necessary when you're looking at a certain level if employment.

27. AnonymousJuly 28,2022 at 1:05AM UTC

    I also make six figures but do not have a degree, there are companies that recognize talent regardless of degree status

28. AnonymousJuly 26,2022 at 7:45PM UTC

    It really depends on what kind of jobs you are applying for and what level.

    Many here are encouraging you to get that degree, but I'm not sure they realize that there are some jobs that absolutely do NOT need a degree but are still putting that as a requirement.
    A lot of HR departments are putting down a wishlist as requirements. Its why you see entry level jobs demanding 5 years of experience. Its not that they actually do require that, but that is their wish list.
    Now if you are applying for professional level jobs, then it does become harder to get by without it.

    HR companies also seem to be out of touch with today's job market. What was true for Gen X is not the same as Millennials. Boomers were able to get in without the degree then demanded it from others. Gen X was guaranteed a shot at the table with a degree but you could still get in by working your way up. Millennials are required to have degrees and paid the most proportionally for it. Gen Y seems to be figuring out that college is currently not worth it outside a few fields and are changing the game. Unfortunately the hiring managers are mostly Boomers/Gen X and in those mindsets.

    My mother was in a similar position as you. She started putting on applications that she had a degree even though she was a few credits shy. She would go into interviews and the majority of the time, her education never came up. If it did, she was honest about being a few credits shy and explained that she put down a degree on her application so she could get an interview and explain in person. She also had references from former bosses that said how capable she was.
    As tech increased, she continued to put down a college degree just so she could get past the algorithms. In interviews she often discovered that some hiring managers didn't even know that the college degree was a requirement, or if they did, they used that qualification because they felt that brought in people who were capable and dependable - skills my mother was able to prove otherwise.
    Feel free to lie to the algorithms but be honest in person and able to back up your skills.

29. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 27,2022 at 2:34AM UTC

    Sometimes there's no point where a 4 year degree is no longer a requirement.
    Sometimes it depends on the position, the industry or the company. Some companies have a Company Policy that you must have a 4 year degree. There may be no getting around it.

    I have noticed in the last year or so more job descriptions saying "Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required."

    Here are some recent articles:

    A 4-Year Degree Isn’t Quite the Job Requirement It Used to Be

    https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/08/business/hiring-without-college-degree.html

    Major Companies That Don't Require a College Degree

    https://blog.cheapism.com/companies-that-dont-require-a-degree/

    20 Examples of Employers Dropping College Degree Requirements [and Why]

    https://blog.ongig.com/job-descriptions/no-degree-requirements/

    You don't necessarily have to go deep in debt to get a Bachelor's degree. You already have some college - those credits may be transferable. You can probably do basic, required courses at a local community college which should be affordable and then transfer. Just stay away from "for profit" institutions because well, they're in it to make money.

    You can apply anyway to positions requiring a degree - they might see your background and want to speak with you based on your experience. What can they say? No? If you don't apply, it's already a no.

    I wouldn't let getting rejected for a position you haven't even interviewed for get to you. Not being chosen as a candidate isn't personal.

    A job search these days in a marathon, not a sprint and it's a numbers game - all you need is just that one right company to say yes.

    Please let me know if you have any questions. GOOD LUCK!

30. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 27,2022 at 2:40AM UTC

    I just read the anonymous advice below encouraging you to lie on your resume.
    Please do not do this - at any company I have ever worked for it would be an automatic disqualification as a candidate.

    I cannot imagine, during an interview, saying "I lied on my resume".

    As a recruiter, if I was interviewing someone and they told me that, I would immediately end the interview and tell them "I do not advance liars to the next step in our interview process."

31. AnonymousJuly 27,2022 at 3:40PM UTC

    I don't have a degree, I'm at management level and am involved with the hiring for my department and have final say. I am GenX. There are a lot of us out there, don't let other people fool you into believing otherwise. I include the years I attended university, but I never mention whether I graduated or not because it doesn't matter. What does matter? The 20 years of experience in my industry. The fact that I have continued my education through whatever certifications and conferences and non-university classes I can find that fit into my schedule. I never stop trying to get better and be better on my own time and dime. It is far cheaper than finishing my degree, and my experience is worth more on my resume. My advice? Have someone different review your resume, there may be some awesome things about you that you are leaving off. Or you may inadvertently be highlighting your weaknesses. That degree matters more to you at this point than anyone else, don't let it strip away your self-confidence.

32. AnonymousJuly 29,2022 at 6:41PM UTC

    I think there are positions, even a number of ones in technical fields like IT and some aspects of healthcare, that are better served by certifications that do not take as long as formal degrees. That is always an option.

    Just a general comment to the idea of "using your degree" - I may not use every day the technical information imparted to me through my studies 25+ years ago. Actually if I did, it probably would not be the best for my professional career and my employer as that info could be very out of date depending on the topic. However, I would say that the critical thinking, idea development/ articulation, and problem solving skills that I gained were priceless and I use them everyday. The exposure to new and diverse ways of thinking, communicating, and approaching life that upper level education affords someone can be priceless if embraced by the user.

33. AnonymousSeptember 2,2023 at 4:40PM UTC
    I agree that it's possible to find options that won't require that, but I think you can consider getting a proper degree if you have actual problems with that. Moreover, there are services like https://phdify.com that can help you go through that without any problems and headaches, so it's worth thinking about.