Academic factors contributing to bachelor of arts degree value include differences in career potential among those who pursue different majors. Students with the same major course of study and a different minor course of study, or with a different focus in elective courses, may realize significantly different values. Variations in grade point average and relative desirability to an employer or an advanced degree program are also factors.
Student participation in extracurricular, activities including athletics, student government or working on the production of a stage play, can increase the value of a bachelor of arts degree to an employer or advanced degree program. Gaining work experience before graduating can also factor, as can desirable qualities like initiative, participation in work-study programs or having written material accepted for publication.
How do you define value? Bachelor of arts degrees offer a range of built-in values, such as providing the foundation to pursue more advanced study in a discipline like medicine or enter a field that offers a competitive salary. The diverse range of studies required to obtain a bachelor of arts degree also promote developing research, analytical, organizational, critical thinking and communications skills, all of which have value in the workplace.
A bachelor of arts can provide opportunity for entry into a range of enjoyable or challenging careers with attractive salaries. According to MSN, the lifetime payoff of a bachelor's degree is $388,588 on average over someone with only a high school degree. Earning a bachelor's degree also compares favorably with someone with an associate's degree, which has a $116,550 average lifetime payoff over holding a high school diploma.