How Adult Admissions Trends Affect Bachelor’s Degree Choices (Guide)

The choice you make today about your undergraduate degree will echo through your entire professional life. I have spent 14 years watching students walk through the doors of higher education, and I have seen a massive shift in how universities view “readiness.” By looking at how colleges now treat adult learners returning to school, we can find a clearer map for you, the student just starting out. Understanding these changes helps you choose a path that is not only right for right now, but stays right for decades.

What is the Best Bachelor’s Degree for Your Future?

Choosing the best bachelor’s degree involves matching your personal interests with a program’s structure and career outcomes. It is a foundational decision that determines your core curriculum, the depth of your research, and the type of skills you will master before entering the workforce or graduate school.

When I first started as an advisor, many students felt they had to pick a major that locked them into one career forever. I once mentored a student named Sarah who felt “trapped” by a biology major because she feared she could never work in business. What I learned from watching adult admissions is that the “best” degree is actually the one that offers the most flexibility. Today, colleges are moving toward a holistic view. This means they care more about the total person than just a single test score.

For you, this means your degree choice should be a balance. You want a major you enjoy, but you also need a foundation that allows you to pivot. If you look at data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), you will see that about 30 percent of undergraduates change their major at least once. This is why understanding the “why” behind your degree is more important than just picking a title that sounds good.

• A Bachelor of Arts (BA) often focuses on broad knowledge and critical thinking.
• A Bachelor of Science (BS) usually dives deep into technical and mathematical skills.
• Specialized degrees, like a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), focus on intense professional practice.

How Adult Admissions Trends Impact Your Degree Choice

The way colleges evaluate older students has changed, and these shifts offer a preview of what matters most in your own application and degree planning. Modern admissions now emphasize holistic reviews, which look at your life experiences, and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), which rewards real-world knowledge.

Interestingly, the rise of “test-optional” pathways for adults has started to influence traditional admissions too. This shift suggests that colleges are looking for “professional clarity.” When I work with 18-year-olds, I encourage them to look at their degree like an adult applicant would. Ask yourself: “What skills am I building that a company would pay for?”

One of the biggest lessons from the adult side of the house is the value of Credit for Prior Learning. While you might not have ten years of work experience yet, you can use this concept to your advantage by seeking out internships or certifications that earn you credit. This reduces your time-to-graduation and lowers your costs.

Understanding Holistic Review and Test-Optional Paths

A holistic review is a process where admissions officers look at your entire background, including essays and extracurriculars, rather than just your GPA. This approach helps students who might not have perfect scores but have high potential and a clear sense of purpose.

In my experience, students who understand this “holistic” mindset early on tend to be more successful. They don’t just study for the grade; they build a story. If you are choosing a bachelor’s degree, think about how your choice fits into your personal story. Are you the scientist who loves to write? Or the artist who understands data? This clarity is what makes an application stand out in the modern landscape.

Comparing Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Options

The primary difference between a BA and a BS lies in the curriculum’s focus and the distribution of elective credits. A BA typically requires more social science and humanities courses, while a BS requires more math and science-heavy lab work within the major.

I often see freshmen get overwhelmed by these two labels. To make it simple, think of a BA as a “wide” degree and a BS as a “deep” degree. A BA allows you more room to take a minor or explore different subjects. A BS is often more rigid because you have to take many specific technical courses.

Below is a table that breaks down the typical credit structure for these degree types:

Building on this, you should consider your long-term goals. If you want to go to medical school, a BS might cover more of your prerequisites. However, if you want to work in international relations, a BA with a foreign language requirement might be the better tool.

Key Metrics for Choosing a Bachelor’s Degree

Metrics are the data points, such as graduation rates and credit requirements, that help you measure the value and efficiency of a degree program. These numbers provide a factual basis for comparing different colleges and majors to ensure you finish your degree on time.

When I analyze degree pathways, I look at the “four-year graduation rate.” According to the College Board, the average four-year graduation rate at public universities is around 33-40 percent. This is a shocking number for many parents. To avoid being part of the group that takes six years to finish, you must understand your credit requirements from day one.

• Total Credits Required: Most bachelor’s degrees require 120 credit hours.
• Major Requirements: These usually take up 30 to 60 of those credits.
• General Education: These are the “core” classes everyone takes, usually 40 to 60 credits.
• Flexibility Score: This is how easily you can add a minor without adding a fifth year of school.

Actionable Steps for Declaring Your Major

Declaring your major is the formal process of telling your university which specific field of study you will follow to earn your degree. This step usually happens between your freshman and sophomore years and involves meeting with an academic advisor to map out your remaining courses.

I recommend a “discovery phase” for every freshman. Don’t feel pressured to declare the second you step on campus. Instead, use your first two semesters to take classes that satisfy general education requirements while also testing out different subjects.

1. Use the College Scorecard: This tool from the Department of Education shows you the average salary of graduates from specific majors at specific schools.
2. Take a Career Aptitude Test: Tools like BigFuture by College Board can help you see which majors match your personality.
3. Meet with an Advisor: Ask them for a “degree audit” to see exactly which classes you need to graduate.
4. Check Transfer Success Rates: If you are at a community college, make sure your credits will count toward the specific BA or BS you want at a four-year school.

Building a Flexible Foundation for Long-Term Success

A flexible degree foundation is a strategy where you choose a major or a set of courses that allows you to change careers easily in the future. This approach focuses on “transferable skills” like communication, data analysis, and problem-solving that are valuable in any industry.

As I mentioned earlier, adult learners often return to school because their first degree was too narrow. You can avoid this by “stacking” your skills. For example, if you choose a BS in Computer Science, consider a minor in Psychology. This makes you a better software designer because you understand how humans think.

Interestingly, many employers today care more about your “foundational ROI” (Return on Investment). This isn’t just about your starting salary. It is about how long your skills will stay relevant. A degree that teaches you how to learn is often more valuable than one that only teaches you how to use a specific piece of software that might be gone in five years.

• Focus on “soft skills” like leadership and writing.
• Look for programs that offer internships for credit.
• Keep your GPA above a 3.0 to keep graduate school options open.
• Avoid “niche” majors that only exist at one or two colleges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Early Years

Many 16 to 22-year-olds fall into the same traps when picking a degree. One major mistake is choosing a major based only on what a parent wants or what a “top ten” list says is the highest-paying job. While salary is important, if you hate the coursework, your chances of graduating on time drop significantly.

Another mistake is ignoring the “net price” of the degree. Use a net price calculator to see what you will actually pay. A degree is an investment, and you don’t want to take on $100,000 in debt for a career that starts at $40,000.

Finally, don’t ignore the “structure” of the degree. Some BS programs have so many requirements that you cannot study abroad or take a fun elective. If those experiences are important to you, a BA might be the better fit.

• Don’t wait until senior year to check your graduation requirements.
• Don’t assume all “Business” degrees are the same; look at the specific concentration.
• Don’t forget to check if your major is “impacted,” meaning it is harder to get into because too many students want it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s Degrees

What is the main difference between a BA and a BS? A Bachelor of Arts (BA) focuses on a broad liberal arts education, often requiring foreign language and diverse humanities courses. A Bachelor of Science (BS) is more specialized and focuses on technical, scientific, or mathematical skills with more credits required within the major itself.

Can I get a job in science with a Bachelor of Arts? Yes. Many students earn a BA in a science field, like Biology or Chemistry. This allows them to gain scientific knowledge while also taking more courses in communication or social science, which can be very helpful for careers in public health or science policy.

How many credits do I need to graduate with a bachelor’s degree? Most bachelor’s degree programs in the United States require a minimum of 120 credit hours. This usually breaks down to about 40 classes, assuming each class is worth three credits. Some specialized programs, like Engineering, may require up to 130 or 140 credits.

Is a BS degree “better” than a BA degree? Neither is inherently better. A BS is often preferred for technical roles like engineering or data science. A BA is often preferred for roles that require strong writing, cultural awareness, and critical thinking, such as marketing, law, or education.

When should I officially declare my major? Most colleges require you to declare by the end of your sophomore year. However, if you are pursuing a BS in a field like Nursing or Engineering, you may need to declare earlier to stay on track with the strict course sequences.

What is a “minor” and should I have one? A minor is a secondary area of study that requires fewer credits than a major (usually 18-24 credits). It is a great way to add a specialized skill to your degree, like a Business major with a Spanish minor, which can make you more competitive in the job market.

How do I know if my credits will transfer? You should use a tool like Transferology or check your target university’s “transfer equivalency guide.” Always speak with an admissions counselor at the school you want to move to before you make any final decisions.

What does “holistic admissions” mean for me? It means that colleges look at more than just your grades. They want to see your leadership, your volunteer work, and your personal story. This is important when choosing a major because it encourages you to be a well-rounded student rather than just a test-taker.

What are the graduation rates for most bachelor’s programs? On average, about 60-64 percent of students finish their degree within six years. To finish in four years, you generally need to take 15 credits per semester and stay in close contact with your academic advisor.

Should I choose a specialized degree like a BFA or BSN? Choose a specialized degree like a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) only if you are 100 percent sure about your career path. These degrees are very focused and offer less flexibility to change majors later without losing credits.

How can I find out the ROI of my degree? You can use the “College Scorecard” provided by the U.S. government. It allows you to search for your college and major to see the median debt and the median earnings of students one year after they graduate.

What is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)? CPL is a system where colleges give you credit for knowledge you gained outside the classroom. This can include AP exams from high school, military training, or professional certifications. Using CPL can save you thousands of dollars and months of time.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Matthew Ellison. Visit our Meet the Team page to learn more about the author and their expertise.)