What do you think a bachelor's degree is worth today?

Xpress Staff|May 16, 2011

With the cost of higher education steadily increasing, SF State students reassess the worth of a bachelor’s degree in today’s competitive job market.
Devian Reyes
SF State student Devian Reyes, 19, says a BA is worth what you make it. Photo by Gregory Moreno.

Devian Reyes, a 19-year-old sophomore studying studio painting and drawing says that the worth of a bachelor’s degree depends on the individual.

“A BA is worth what that person makes it,” said Reyes. “I doesn’t matter what the BA is in, it’s the skill set that the individual takes with it and applies to what they do.”

Tristan Medina
SF State student Tristan Medina, 20, says a BA is almost the same as a high school diploma. Photo by Gregory Moreno.

Tristan Medina, a 20-year-old junior and Asian American studies major thinks that students need to do something unique to increase the declining value of a bachelor’s degree.

“I’d rank it higher than a high school diploma,” said Medina. “But nowadays it’s the same thing. You got to step up or (get) a BA in something amazing.”

Colton Long
SF State student Colton Long, 22, thinks a BA is still important to have. Photo by Gregory Moreno.

Colton Long, a 22-year-old senior studying sculpture and painting, thinks that a bachelor’s degree is still important and relevant for students to pursue.

“I feel it’s a really good thing for everyone to have now,” said Long. “It gives you the opportunity to go to school for something else. Any degree can be a positive thing to have.”

Pamela Bustamante
SF State student Pamela Bustamante, 22, thinks that a BA is now the bare minimum requirement for getting a job. Photo by Gregory Moreno.

Pamela Bustamante, a 22-year-old senior majoring in psychology and philosophy, says that even though a bachelor’s degree will help students entering the job market, it has become the most basic requirement for success.

“I’m just going about getting a BA because I want to do it,” said Bustamante. “It’s valuable and makes you more appealing when applying for jobs. Now it’s the bare minimum. A lot of older people are in college because they went into the work force and got laid off, and now they are back in school.”