Is Taking a Break From College Worth It? Insights & Tips (Guide)

The pursuit of a college education is a timeless journey of self-discovery and professional preparation. For decades, students have navigated the transition from high school to higher education, seeking a path that balances their passions with the practical needs of the workforce. While the tools we use have changed, the fundamental question remains: how do you build a degree that serves your future self?

In my 14 years as an undergraduate degree specialist, I have worked with thousands of students. Some were high school seniors feeling the weight of a hundred different brochures. Others were college sophomores who felt stuck in a major that didn’t fit. Interestingly, the most profound insights often come from those who took a step back. I remember a student named Sarah who paused her studies after her freshman year. When she returned, her perspective had shifted. She no longer saw her degree as a checklist of classes, but as a foundation she could design. This “returner’s mindset” is something every student can use, whether they have taken a break or are just starting out.

Understanding Bachelor’s Degree Foundations

A bachelor’s degree foundation is the underlying structure of your undergraduate program, determining the balance between broad exploration and technical depth. It serves as the framework for your academic requirements and influences your flexibility to add minors or change majors later.

Choosing a bachelor’s degree often starts with a choice between three main paths: the Bachelor of Arts (BA), the Bachelor of Science (BS), and specialized professional degrees. In my experience, students often pick based on prestige or what their friends are doing. However, the best bachelor’s degree is the one that aligns with your learning style and long-term goals.

• The degree type dictates your “General Education” or “Core” requirements.
• It influences how many elective credits you have available for exploration.
• It sets the tone for your senior year, focusing on either a broad capstone or a technical project.

Building on this, I often tell my mentees that your degree is like a house. The foundation (BA or BS) determines how many rooms (minors or concentrations) you can add later without the whole structure becoming too heavy.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) Pathway

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) is a degree focused on a broad liberal arts education, emphasizing critical thinking, communication, and flexibility across various subjects. It is designed to provide a well-rounded perspective, often requiring foreign language credits and a diverse range of humanities courses.

When I was an undergraduate, I saw many students shy away from the BA because they thought it was less “rigorous” than a BS. This is a common myth. In reality, a BA is about breadth. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the BA remains the most popular degree type for social sciences and humanities.

• Flexibility: BA programs typically have more elective space. This makes them ideal for students who want to double major or add multiple minors.
• Skill Set: The focus is on “soft skills” like writing, analysis, and cultural competency, which are highly valued by employers in management and communications.
• Credit Structure: Usually, about 30 to 45 credits are dedicated to the major, leaving significant room for other interests.

As a result, a BA is often the best choice for students who have diverse interests or are considering law school or graduate programs in the humanities.

The Bachelor of Science (BS) Pathway

A Bachelor of Science (BS) is a degree centered on technical, scientific, or mathematical mastery, often requiring more credits within the major and fewer electives. It is designed for deep dives into specific methodologies and quantitative analysis.

Choosing a bachelor’s degree in the STEM fields almost always leads to a BS. Building on this, the BS is structured to ensure you have the technical proficiency required for roles in engineering, data science, or healthcare.

• Depth over Breadth: You will spend more time in labs and advanced mathematics courses.
• Major Requirements: A BS might require 60 to 75 credits within the major field.
• Career Alignment: This degree is often preferred for entry-level technical roles where specific certifications or skills are checked immediately.

Interestingly, many schools now offer both a BA and a BS in the same subject, such as Psychology or Economics. The BS version will focus more on statistics and research methods, while the BA might focus on social behavior and theory.

Specialized and Professional Degrees

Specialized degrees are focused programs like a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) designed to prepare students for specific licensure or technical careers immediately. These programs have very rigid structures with little room for outside electives.

For students who know exactly what they want to do—like becoming a nurse or a professional illustrator—specialized degrees are excellent. However, they come with a “flexibility cost.” If you decide to change your major halfway through, many of your specialized credits might not transfer to a different program.

• BFA (Fine Arts): High focus on studio time and portfolio building.
• BSN (Nursing): Clinical rotations and preparation for the NCLEX exam.
• B.Eng (Engineering): Accreditation-heavy curriculum focused on professional practice.

As a mentor, I advise caution here. If you are 18 and unsure about your long-term career, a more general BA or BS might be a safer starting point.

Comparing Degree Foundations at a Glance

To help you visualize the differences, I have compiled a comparison of the typical structures for these degree types. These figures are based on standard 120-credit hour requirements found at most four-year institutions.

Lessons from the “Return”: Why Structure Matters

When students return to college after a break, they often realize that their initial choice was based on a lack of information. I once worked with a transfer student who had spent two years in a specialized Engineering program. When they returned, they realized they actually wanted to work in tech sales. Because their previous credits were so specialized, they had to start almost from scratch.

This taught me—and the students I guide—that the “why” behind your degree structure is just as important as the “what.” If you value the ability to pivot, a BA or a flexible BS is your best friend. If you value a direct pipeline to a specific job, the specialized degree is your best tool.

• Reflect on your learning style: Do you like knowing a little about many things, or everything about one thing?
• Check the “flexibility score”: Look at the degree map. How many “free electives” are listed?
• Consider the 4-year graduation rate: Specialized degrees often have higher “on-time” graduation rates because the path is so narrow, but they are harder to finish if you fall behind.

How to Choose the Best Bachelor’s Degree for You

Selecting the right pathway requires a mix of self-assessment and data-driven research. You don’t have to have your whole life figured out, but you should know which foundation supports your current interests.

Step 1: Use Major Exploration Platforms

Tools like “BigFuture” by the College Board or the “College Scorecard” provide data on which degrees lead to which career outcomes. Use these to see the median earnings for BA vs. BS graduates in your field of interest.

Step 2: Analyze the Degree Map

Every college provides a “degree map” or “academic checklist.” This is a semester-by-semester guide of what you need to take. * Download the maps for both the BA and BS in your interest area. * Highlight the classes that actually excite you. * Count the number of “General Electives.”

Step 3: Consult with an Academic Advisor

Before you declare, ask an advisor: “How many students in this major successfully add a minor?” or “If I change my mind in two years, which of these credits will count toward a different degree?”

Practical Tips for High School and Early College Students

For those of you between the ages of 16 and 22, the pressure to choose “correctly” can be overwhelming. Here are some best practices I’ve gathered from years of watching students succeed.

• Don’t rush the declaration: Most colleges don’t require you to officially declare a major until the end of your sophomore year. Use that time to take one class in a BA field and one in a BS field.
• Avoid the “Prestige Trap”: A BS is not “better” than a BA. A BA from a top-tier school in a field like Economics can lead to the same high-paying jobs as a BS.
• Watch for “Credit Creep”: Some majors keep adding requirements, making it impossible to graduate in four years. Check the total credit requirement; if it’s over 128, you might be looking at extra semesters.
• Talk to Parents early: If your parents are helping pay for college, they might have a bias toward certain degree types. Show them the data on how a flexible BA can lead to diverse career opportunities.

Tools and Resources for Degree Planning

Navigating bachelor’s degree options is easier when you use the right technology. Here are five resources every student should use:

1. College Scorecard (U.S. Dept. of Education): Best for comparing graduation rates and post-grad salaries by specific major and degree type.
2. BigFuture (College Board): Great for high school students to filter colleges by available degree foundations.
3. O*NET OnLine: A tool by the Department of Labor that links specific degree types to daily job tasks and required skills.
4. Academic Advising Checklists: Always found on your university’s “Registrar” or “Advising” website.
5. AI Major Matchers: Modern tools like “Steppingblocks” use data to suggest majors based on your personality and career goals.

Success Metrics: What the Data Says

When choosing your path, it helps to look at the numbers. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NCES show some interesting trends regarding degree foundations.

• Time-to-Graduation: Students in BA programs are 15% more likely to graduate within four years compared to those in highly technical BS or specialized programs, largely due to credit flexibility.
• Transfer Success: Students with a broad BA foundation often lose fewer credits when transferring schools than those in specialized “lock-step” programs.
• Salary Differences: While BS graduates in engineering and computer science often have higher starting salaries, BA graduates in fields like liberal arts often see a steeper salary growth “curve” as they move into management roles.
• Double Major Rate: Approximately 25% of BA students successfully complete a double major, compared to only 10% of BS students.

Building Your Personalized Action Plan

Now that you understand the foundations, it is time to take action. Your undergraduate journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and the first few miles are about setting a sustainable pace.

1. Identify your “Core” interest: What subject could you read about for three hours without getting bored?
2. Pick your foundation: If you want to explore, choose a BA. If you want to specialize, choose a BS.
3. Map the “What-If” scenario: Use your school’s degree audit tool to see what happens if you switch from a BS to a BA.
4. Set a “Check-In” date: Every semester, ask yourself: “Is this degree structure still giving me the flexibility I need?”

Taking a break or even just slowing down to think about these options is not a sign of failure. As I learned from my students who returned, it is often the smartest move you can make. It allows you to move from a “default” education to an “intentional” one. By choosing the right bachelor’s degree foundation now, you are not just picking classes; you are designing your future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main difference between a BA and a BS? The primary difference lies in the breadth versus depth of the curriculum. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) typically focuses on the humanities, social sciences, and a broad liberal arts foundation, often requiring foreign language study and more elective courses. A Bachelor of Science (BS) focuses on technical, scientific, or mathematical mastery, with a higher number of credits required within the major and fewer general electives.

Will getting a BA instead of a BS hurt my job prospects? No, it depends entirely on the career field. For roles in communications, marketing, sales, or social services, a BA is often preferred for its emphasis on “soft skills.” For technical roles like civil engineering or clinical lab work, a BS is usually required. Many employers value the critical thinking and writing skills associated with a BA just as much as the technical skills of a BS.

Can I switch from a BS to a BA later in college? Yes, switching from a BS to a BA is often easier than the reverse. Because a BA typically has more elective space, the technical credits you earned in a BS program can often be “repurposed” as general electives. However, switching from a BA to a BS may require you to take several foundational math or science courses that you missed in your first two years.

What are specialized degrees like a BFA or BSN? These are “professional” degrees. A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is highly focused on a specific career path. They have very rigid course sequences and fewer electives. They are excellent for direct entry into a profession but offer the least flexibility if you decide to change your major.

How do I know if a major is “flexible”? Look at the degree requirement sheet provided by the college. Count the number of “Free Electives” or “General Electives.” A flexible major will have 15 to 30 credits (5 to 10 classes) that you can take in any subject. A rigid major will have 0 to 6 elective credits.

Do grad schools care if I have a BA or a BS? Most graduate programs, including Law and Medical school, care more about your GPA, specific prerequisite courses, and entrance exam scores (like the LSAT or MCAT) than the specific degree type. However, for a PhD in a hard science like Physics, a BS is generally expected.

Is a Bachelor of Arts “easier” than a Bachelor of Science? This is a common misconception. While a BS may have more difficult math requirements, a BA often involves significantly more reading, research, and long-form writing. The “difficulty” depends on your personal strengths; a student who excels at math might find a BA in Philosophy much harder than a BS in Chemistry.

How many credits are usually required for a bachelor’s degree? The standard requirement for most bachelor’s degrees in the United States is 120 credit hours. This typically translates to 40 three-credit courses. Some specialized programs, especially in engineering or architecture, may require up to 140 or 150 credits, which can extend the time to graduation beyond four years.

What is a “double major” and which degree type supports it best? A double major is when you complete the requirements for two different majors within the same degree. Because a Bachelor of Arts (BA) has more elective credits, it is much easier to fit a second major into a four-year timeline. In a BS or specialized program, double majoring often requires taking extra summer classes or staying for a fifth year.

Should I choose my degree based on my future salary? While salary is important, it shouldn’t be the only factor. Data from the College Scorecard shows that while STEM BS degrees often start with higher pay, BA graduates in fields like history or English often catch up in mid-career earnings as they move into leadership and management roles. Focus on a foundation that you will actually enjoy finishing.

(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.)