Reentry Student Challenges in Bachelor’s Degrees (Guide 2026)

Choosing the right degree early in your journey offers a hidden benefit that many students overlook: the power of momentum. When you understand the structure of your degree from day one, you avoid the “credit trap” where switching majors late leads to extra years of tuition. This clarity allows you to build a foundation that supports both your first job and your long-term career changes.

Understanding Bachelor’s Degree Options

A bachelor’s degree is a four-year undergraduate program that usually requires 120 college credits to complete. These degrees are divided into different types, such as the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS). Each type has a specific focus on either broad liberal arts or technical skills, which shapes your daily class schedule.

When you start looking at colleges, you will see hundreds of majors. However, almost all of them fall into a few basic categories. Understanding these categories is the first step in reducing overwhelm.

• Bachelor of Arts (BA): These degrees focus on the humanities, social sciences, and arts. They offer more elective space, making them great for students who want to minor in another subject or study abroad.
• Bachelor of Science (BS): These degrees are more specialized. They focus heavily on math, science, and technical skills. They usually have more “required” classes and fewer “electives.”
• Specialized Degrees: These include the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Engineering (BSE). These are very focused and often have strict paths you must follow from your first semester.

Choosing a bachelor’s degree is not just about picking a job title. It is about picking a learning style. If you love variety and writing, a BA might be your home. If you prefer deep dives into data and labs, a BS often provides the structure you need.

What I Learned From Being a Reentry Student

A reentry student is an adult who returns to college after a break of five years or more. My own journey as a reentry student taught me that the challenges of college are often more about mindset and logistics than the actual homework. These lessons are vital for younger students because they highlight the “invisible” parts of earning a degree.

When I stepped back into the classroom after a long gap, I felt like an outsider. I had to balance a full-time job with my studies. This experience showed me that your degree choice must fit your actual life, not just your dream life. If you pick a degree with a very heavy lab schedule but you need to work part-time, you might face the same burnout I did.

Overcoming the Psychological Hurdle of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is the constant fear that you are not as capable as your peers or that you do not belong in a certain program. As a reentry student, I felt this every time I sat next to 18-year-olds who seemed to understand the material faster than I did. This feeling can stop you from asking for help or choosing a challenging major.

I learned that everyone feels this way at some point. For high school students, this often happens when they look at a “Bachelor of Science” in a hard field like Physics. They worry they aren’t “smart enough” for the BS. I tell my mentees that the degree is a path for learning, not a test you have to pass before you start. Confidence comes from doing the work, not from knowing everything on day one.

Navigating Modern Learning Technologies

Modern college degrees rely heavily on Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle. For me, returning to school meant moving from paper and pens to digital portals and online discussion boards. This logistical shift was one of my biggest hurdles, as I had to learn the “how” of school before I could learn the “what.”

Younger students often have the tech skills, but they struggle with the organization these systems require. Every bachelor’s degree path now requires you to be your own project manager. You must track deadlines, upload files correctly, and engage in digital spaces. Mastering these tools early is just as important as picking the right major.

Choosing a Bachelor’s Degree: BA vs. BS Structure

The difference between a BA and a BS is mostly about how your 120 credits are distributed. A BA usually gives you more room to explore different subjects, while a BS focuses your energy on your specific field. Knowing this helps you decide which “best bachelor’s degree” fits your personal goals and learning preferences.

Below is a comparison of how these degrees typically look over four years:

Building on this, the “flexibility score” of a degree is a metric I use to help students. A BA often has a high flexibility score because you can use your elective credits to take classes in different departments. A BS has a lower flexibility score because the classes must be taken in a specific order. If you miss one class in a BS sequence, it could delay your graduation by a full year.

How to Select the Best Bachelor’s Degree Foundation

Selecting your degree foundation requires looking at three things: your interests, your career goals, and the specific requirements of the college. You should start by looking at the “Major Map” or “Degree Audit” for the programs you are considering. This document lists every class you need to take to graduate.

• Step 1: Check the Math Requirements. Many students choose a BA over a BS simply because the BS requires more advanced calculus. Be honest about your comfort level with math.
• Step 2: Look at the Elective Space. If you want to study a second subject, look for a degree that has at least 15-20 credits of “General Electives.”
• Step 3: Research the Department’s Graduation Rate. According to NCES data, some departments have much higher four-year graduation rates than others. This often points to better advising and support.
• Step 4: Use a Net Price Calculator. Different degree paths can sometimes have different costs due to lab fees or specialized equipment.

Interestingly, your “major” is only about 30% to 50% of your total degree. The rest is made up of general education classes and electives. This means that even if you pick a “specialized” degree, you will still spend a lot of time learning about history, writing, and social science.

Measuring Success: Graduation Rates and ROI

Success in a bachelor’s program is measured by your ability to finish on time and the value of the degree after you leave. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) notes that the average four-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time students is around 41%. Choosing a degree that fits your strengths can help you stay in the 41% who finish on time.

• Four-Year Graduation Rate: The percentage of students who finish in 8 semesters.
• Six-Year Graduation Rate: The standard metric used by the government to track “success.”
• Early-Career Salary: The average pay for someone with your degree 0-5 years after graduation.
• Transfer Success Rate: How easily your credits move if you switch schools.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that workers with a bachelor’s degree earn significantly more over their lifetime than those with only a high school diploma. However, the “Return on Investment” (ROI) varies. A BS in Computer Science often has a higher immediate ROI than a BA in Philosophy. But the BA may offer better long-term flexibility for moving into management or law.

Essential Tools for Your Degree Search

To make an informed choice, you need the right data. There are several free tools designed to help students and parents navigate the hundreds of bachelor’s degree options available today. These tools provide verified data on costs, graduation rates, and career outcomes.

Action Plan for High Schoolers and Freshmen

If you are 16 to 22, your goal is to build a foundation that gives you options. You do not need to have your whole life figured out, but you do need to pick a starting point that doesn’t box you in.

• For High Schoolers: Focus on taking a variety of AP or Dual Enrollment classes. This helps you test out of general education requirements early, giving you more flexibility later.
• For College Freshmen: Meet with your advisor in the first two months. Ask them about the “hidden” requirements of your major, like internships or senior projects.
• For Transfer Students: Get an official “Transfer Credit Evaluation” before you commit to a new school. Ensure your hard-earned credits will count toward your new bachelor’s degree options.
• For Parents: Encourage your student to look at the “Degree Map.” Help them understand that a BA is not “lesser” than a BS; it is simply structured differently for different goals.

Choosing a degree is a major decision, but it is one you are fully capable of making. By looking at the structure, the metrics, and your own learning style, you can find a pathway that leads to success. My journey as a reentry student taught me that it is never too late to get it right, but starting with clarity makes the road much smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Bachelor of Science (BS) better than a Bachelor of Arts (BA)? Neither degree is “better” in a general sense. A BS is often preferred for technical, medical, or scientific careers because it includes more specialized lab and math work. A BA is often preferred for careers in communications, law, or the arts because it emphasizes critical thinking and provides more room for a broad education. Your choice should depend on the career field you want to enter and your preferred style of learning.

Can I get into medical school with a Bachelor of Arts? Yes, you can. Medical schools do not require a specific degree type, but they do require specific “pre-med” courses like organic chemistry and biology. Many students choose a BA in a subject they love and use their elective credits to take the required science classes. This can actually make your application stand out because it shows you have a well-rounded background.

How many credits do I need for a bachelor’s degree? Most bachelor’s degrees in the United States require 120 semester credits. If your school uses a quarter system, you will typically need 180 credits. These credits are usually split into three parts: General Education (about 40-60 credits), the Major (about 30-60 credits), and Electives (the remaining credits).

What is the average time it takes to graduate? While these are called “four-year degrees,” the national average shows many students take five or six years to finish. This often happens because students switch majors late or have trouble getting into required classes. To finish in four years, you generally need to complete 15 credits per semester (30 per year).

What are “General Education” requirements? General Education, or “Gen Ed,” are classes that every student at a college must take, regardless of their major. These usually include English composition, basic math, history, and social sciences. They are designed to give you a broad base of knowledge and to help you develop skills like writing and logical reasoning that apply to any job.

Can I switch from a BA to a BS later? Yes, you can usually switch, but it may impact your graduation date. If you switch from a BA to a BS, you may find that you need to take several more math or science classes that weren’t required for your BA. This is why it is helpful to look at the requirements for both types of degrees during your freshman year.

Does my degree type affect my salary? In the short term, yes. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that technical and “STEM” degrees (often BS degrees) tend to have higher starting salaries. However, in the long term, the gap often narrows. Many leadership and management positions value the communication and analytical skills emphasized in BA programs.

What is a “minor” and do I need one? A minor is a secondary area of study that requires fewer credits than a major (usually 18-24 credits). You do not “need” a minor to graduate, but it is a great way to use your elective credits to gain a second skill. For example, a Business major might minor in a foreign language to help them work in international trade.

How do I know if a degree is “accredited”? Accreditation is a process where an outside agency checks the quality of a college’s programs. You should always look for “Regionally Accredited” institutions. You can check a school’s status on the U.S. Department of Education’s website. If a school is not accredited, your degree may not be recognized by employers or other colleges.

What should I do if I am overwhelmed by all the options? Start by narrowing your choices down to three broad areas of interest. Look at the “Degree Maps” for those three areas at a school you like. Often, you will see that the first year of classes is very similar for many different majors. This gives you time to explore without falling behind. Talking to an academic advisor early is the best way to clear up confusion.

(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.)