Certificate vs. Degree: Which Should You Choose?

When you’re looking to advance your career or start a completely new one, it can be challenging to know whether a certificate or a degree is the best way to achieve your goals.

In this post, we’ll explore what certificates and degrees are, how they differ, and how to choose between the two.

What’s the Difference Between a Certificate and a Degree?

Any type of education is likely to benefit your career. However, before you invest time and money into a program, it’s best to understand your options. Let’s examine the main differences between a certificate and a degree.

What Is a Certificate?

A certificate is a document awarded to those who have completed a specialized program, usually including an exam, and have proven their skills in a particular area. It may even come with a license, which is required for some occupations.

Certificate programs offer a more targeted form of education, delving deep into a specific vocation. They often incorporate hands-on experience, giving you the training you need to succeed in that field.

Pursuing a certificate is more common in skills-based professions. Here are some examples of jobs for which you might obtain a certificate:

• Electrician
• Plumber
• Nurse
• Paramedic
• Mechanic
• Construction Worker
• Paralegal

Many certificates can be earned in just a few months, and some programs even allow you to progress at your own pace rather than on a predetermined timeline. An added bonus is that obtaining a certificate is often a low-cost investment.

What Is a Degree?

A degree is an academic title awarded to students who complete a program of study at a college or university. There are several types of degrees, each varying in depth and length of study: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate. While a degree focuses on a specific subject, it generally provides a more rounded education by including courses on general topics as well.

Here are some examples of professions that typically require a degree:

• Engineer
• Doctor
• Lawyer
• Accountant
• Teacher
• Economist
• Software Developer

The time it takes to obtain a degree ranges from two to ten years, and it’s usually much more expensive than earning a certificate. The 2023 U.S. News & World Report indicates that the average college tuition cost for the 2023–2024 school year is $10,662 for public in-state colleges and a substantial $42,162 for private colleges.

Despite the longer timeline and greater expense, obtaining a degree can be extremely beneficial. Not only is it a requirement for certain fields, but it also provides more opportunities for career advancement and the potential for higher earnings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher earned approximately $700 more per week in the last quarter of 2023 than those without any degree.

Is It Better to Get a Degree or a Certificate?

Now that you understand the differences between a certificate and a degree, you may be wondering which is better. While both are viable educational options, one may be more suited to your particular situation. Consider the following factors when deciding which educational path to take:

• What are your career goals?
• What are the requirements of your chosen industry?
• How much time and money are you willing to invest?

Let’s take a closer look…

Career Goals

First, consider your desired career and what you aim to achieve both immediately and in the long term. Are you looking to acquire the basic skills to enter an industry, or are you aiming to increase your proficiency to advance to higher levels? Do you want to specialize right away, or prefer to keep your options open?

Think about your income goals as well. Generally, degrees lead to higher income over the long term. However, the ideal income level for you will depend on several factors, such as family size, location, and lifestyle.

Your personal interests also play a role. Studying a subject you don’t care about might make it more challenging to continue when you encounter roadblocks. Conversely, pursuing a career you’re passionate about will be worth a few sacrifices.

Requirements of the Industry

Once you know what your personal goals are, you need to determine what the job you’re seeking requires. Some careers have nonnegotiable educational paths, while others have specific conditions to meet. Even if a vocation doesn’t require it, a degree can still be helpful.

Additionally, you may need to consider any admissions prerequisites. If the certificate or degree program you wish to start requires the completion of a previous program, factor that into your plan.

Timeline and Investment

Investing a significant amount of time and money is essential for obtaining a quality education, and it’s crucial to ensure you have enough of both.

Be realistic about how much money you have available to invest in continuing your career. Do you need to take out loans? If so, do you have a plan for repayment?

As you decide on a program, don’t overlook work–life balance. You may be extremely committed, but there are only so many hours in a day, and working too hard can lead to burnout. Consider how many hours per week you can study while still caring for your health, family, and other obligations or interests. The amount of time available to you may determine which program you can pursue in this season of life.

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