Best College Advice for 18-Year-Olds Choosing a Degree (Guide)

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the hundreds of college majors available today, the fastest solution is to look past the name of the major and focus on the degree type. By understanding the difference between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS), you can immediately narrow your options based on how you prefer to learn. This simple shift in focus helps you choose a degree that matches your strengths and career goals without getting lost in endless lists of subjects.

What is the best bachelor’s degree for your future?

A bachelor’s degree is a four-year undergraduate credential that serves as the foundation for your professional life and future education. Choosing the right one involves matching your personal interests with the specific curriculum structure of a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or a specialized professional degree.

When I was 18, I sat in my high school counselor’s office staring at a thick book of college majors. I thought that picking “Psychology” was the only decision I had to make. I didn’t realize that my university offered both a BA and a BS in that same subject. I wish I had known then that these two paths lead to very different daily experiences in the classroom.

A Bachelor of Arts typically requires more credits in humanities, social sciences, and foreign languages. It offers a high level of flexibility, which is perfect if you want to double major or add a minor. On the other hand, a Bachelor of Science is more “prescriptive.” This means more of your classes are chosen for you, focusing heavily on math, lab sciences, and technical skills.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly 2 million bachelor’s degrees are awarded annually in the United States. While the subject you study matters, the framework of the degree determines your “Flexibility Score.” This is a term I use to describe how much room you have in your schedule to explore other interests.

• Bachelor of Arts (BA): High flexibility, broad focus, emphasis on communication and theory.
• Bachelor of Science (BS): Moderate flexibility, narrow focus, emphasis on technical and quantitative skills.
• Specialized Degrees (BFA, BSN, BSW): Low flexibility, professional focus, designed for immediate entry into a specific field.

How do you choose a bachelor’s degree between a BA and a BS?

The choice between a BA and a BS depends on whether you prefer a broad education or a deep technical dive. A Bachelor of Arts usually emphasizes critical thinking and cultural awareness through a wide range of subjects, while a Bachelor of Science focuses on the specific technical tools and data-driven methods used in a particular field.

I once mentored a student named Sarah who was torn between a BA and a BS in Environmental Studies. She loved the outdoors but struggled with advanced calculus. By looking at the degree requirements, we saw the BS required three semesters of high-level math and physics. The BA focused more on environmental policy, ethics, and writing. Sarah chose the BA, which allowed her to excel in her strengths while still working in the field she loved.

To help you decide, consider these three metrics that define most bachelor’s programs:

1. General Education Requirements: These are the “core” classes everyone must take. In a BA, these often include more foreign language and literature. In a BS, these usually lean toward statistics and natural sciences.
2. Major Credit Hours: A typical degree requires 120 total credits. In a BA, your major might only take up 30 to 36 credits. In a BS, the major requirements can jump to 50 or 60 credits.
3. Elective Space: This is the “free space” in your schedule. BA students often have 30 or more credits of free electives. BS students might have fewer than 15.

Why should you consider specialized bachelor’s degree options?

Specialized degrees are designed for students who have a very clear career goal and want to start professional training immediately. These degrees, such as the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Nursing (BSN), replace many general elective classes with intensive, hands-on training in a specific craft or profession.

If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I would emphasize that specialized degrees are like a “fast track.” They are wonderful if you are 100% sure about your path, but they can be harder to change later. For example, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) student may spend 60% to 70% of their time in a studio. This leaves very little room to take a business or history class on the side.

Common specialized degrees include:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): For visual or performing arts.
• Bachelor of Nursing (BSN): Preparation for the RN license and clinical practice.
• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): Direct entry into social service roles.
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng): Highly technical training for engineering licensure.

These programs often have a higher “Major Concentration” rate. While a standard BA might require 10 classes in your major, a BFA might require 20. This is important to know because it affects your four-year graduation rate. If you fall behind in a specialized sequence, it can be harder to catch up because classes are often only offered once a year.

How do you build a flexible foundation for your degree?

Building a flexible foundation means choosing a degree structure that allows you to pivot if your interests change during your freshman or sophomore year. This involves selecting a pathway that maximizes your “transferable credits” and keeps your options open for minors or double majors.

One of the biggest mistakes I see students make is “over-specializing” too early. Data from the Department of Education suggests that about 30% of undergraduates change their major at least once. If you start in a very rigid BS program and decide to switch to a BA in your junior year, you might find that your technical credits don’t count toward your new degree. This can add an extra year (and more cost) to your college journey.

To build a flexible foundation, I recommend the “Rule of 60.” By the time you reach 60 credits (usually the end of your sophomore year), you should aim to have:

• Completed all your General Education (Gen Ed) requirements.
• Taken introductory courses in at least two different fields.
• Maintained a GPA that keeps you eligible for various programs.

This strategy is especially helpful for transfer students. If you are starting at a community college, focusing on a “General Associate of Arts” often provides the most flexibility when you move to a four-year university. It ensures that your credits meet the broad requirements of almost any bachelor’s degree.

What tools can help you in choosing a bachelor’s degree?

Several digital tools and platforms provide verified data to help you compare degree outcomes, costs, and requirements. Using these resources allows you to make decisions based on facts rather than marketing brochures or peer pressure.

When I mentor students today, I point them toward three specific resources that didn’t exist when I was in school. These tools help you see the “Return on Investment” (ROI) of different pathways.

1. College Scorecard: This is a U.S. Department of Education tool. It shows you the median salary of graduates from specific majors at specific schools. It also lists the average student debt.
2. BigFuture by College Board: This platform helps you filter colleges by major, location, and “Net Price.” It is excellent for high school seniors who are just starting their search.
3. O*NET OnLine: This tool links college majors to real-world careers. It shows you what skills are needed and if a specific degree (like a BA vs. BS) is preferred by employers in that field.

Using these tools, you can find actionable metrics. For instance, you can see that the four-year graduation rate at a specific school might be 45%, while the six-year rate is 60%. This helps you plan your finances and expectations realistically.

How do you align your degree choice with future goals?

Aligning your degree choice with your future goals involves looking at the entry requirements for the jobs or graduate programs you want to pursue. This step ensures that the foundation you build today will support the “house” you want to build tomorrow.

I often tell my students to “work backward.” If you want to go to medical school, you don’t necessarily need a BS in Biology, but you do need to complete specific “pre-med” science courses. You could actually get a BA in Spanish—which might make you a more unique candidate—as long as you use your electives to take the required sciences.

Consider these common goal alignments:

• Goal: Law School. A BA in Philosophy, History, or Political Science is excellent. These degrees focus on the reading and writing skills tested on the LSAT.
• Goal: Data Science. A BS in Mathematics or Computer Science is usually required. You need the deep quantitative training that a BA might not provide.
• Goal: Entrepreneurship. A BA in a subject you are passionate about, paired with a Minor in Business, offers a great balance of subject expertise and practical skills.

What are the common mistakes to avoid in the first two years?

The first two years of college are the most critical for degree completion, yet they are often where students make the most avoidable errors. Avoiding these mistakes can save you thousands of dollars and months of time.

One common mistake is “hiding” from difficult subjects. If you know you want a BS but are afraid of chemistry, putting it off until your senior year is a recipe for stress. Most degrees have “prerequisites,” which are classes you must take before you can move to the next level. If you miss a prerequisite early on, you can get “locked out” of higher-level classes, delaying your graduation.

Another mistake is ignoring your Academic Advisor. These professionals are your best resource for understanding the “hidden” rules of your degree. I recommend meeting with an advisor at least once a semester. Ask them for a “Degree Audit,” which is a checklist showing exactly what you have finished and what you have left.

• Mistake: Taking only “easy” classes freshman year. Result: A very difficult junior and senior year.
• Mistake: Not checking if credits transfer. Result: Losing months of work when switching schools.
• Mistake: Declaring a major too late. Result: Missing out on major-specific scholarships or internships.

How to create your personalized degree action plan?

A personalized action plan is a step-by-step roadmap that moves you from “undecided” to “graduating.” It breaks down the four-year journey into manageable tasks that you can tackle one semester at a time.

If I were 18 again, I would follow this simple timeline to ensure I picked the right bachelor’s degree:

Phase 1: Exploration (Freshman Year) * Take 15 credits per semester to stay on track for a four-year graduation. * Use your electives to “test drive” two different majors. * Use the College Scorecard to research the earning potential of those majors.

Phase 2: Declaration (Sophomore Year) * Compare the BA and BS requirements for your chosen subject. * Meet with an advisor to see how many of your finished credits apply to the major. * Officially declare your major by the end of the second semester.

Phase 3: Optimization (Junior Year) * Look for internship opportunities that require your specific degree type. * Decide if you have enough elective space to add a minor that complements your major. * Check your “Degree Audit” to ensure you are meeting all “upper-division” credit requirements (usually 300-400 level classes).

Phase 4: Completion (Senior Year) * Apply for graduation early (usually one semester before you finish). * Finalize your portfolio or “capstone project,” which is common in many bachelor’s programs. * Connect your degree type (BA or BS) to your resume, highlighting the specific skills (like research or communication) you gained.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s Degrees

Is a BS better than a BA for getting a job? Neither degree is inherently “better.” A BS is often preferred for technical roles like engineering or lab research because it proves you have specific quantitative training. A BA is highly valued in fields like marketing, law, and management, where critical thinking and communication are the primary skills needed. Employers usually care more about your skills and experience than the specific letters of your degree.

Can I switch from a BA to a BS later? Yes, you can switch, but it is easier to do so early in your college career. Since a BS usually has more specific science and math requirements, switching from a BA to a BS in your junior year might mean you have to take several foundational classes you missed. This can extend your time to graduation. Always consult your academic advisor before making a switch.

How many credits do I need for a bachelor’s degree? Most bachelor’s degrees in the United States require a minimum of 120 semester credits. This usually breaks down to 15 credits per semester over eight semesters (four years). Some specialized programs, like Architecture or Engineering, may require up to 128 or 150 credits, which can sometimes take five years to complete.

What is a “minor” and should I get one? A minor is a secondary area of study that usually requires 15 to 21 credits. It is a great way to add a second skill set to your degree. For example, a Biology major might minor in Spanish to work in healthcare with diverse populations. If you have extra elective space in your BA or BS, a minor is a low-risk way to make your resume stand out.

Do I have to choose my degree type immediately? No, most colleges allow you to enter as “Undecided” or “Undeclared.” In fact, your first year is often filled with General Education classes that apply to almost any degree. However, it is wise to choose your degree type by the end of your sophomore year to ensure you graduate on time.

What is the difference between a major and a degree? The degree is the broad category (like Bachelor of Science), while the major is the specific subject you study (like Biology). You would say, “I have a Bachelor of Science in Biology.” The degree type tells people about the style of your education, while the major tells them about the content.

Are online bachelor’s degrees viewed differently by employers? Most modern employers do not distinguish between an online and an on-campus degree, as long as the institution is “regionally accredited.” In fact, your diploma usually won’t even say the degree was earned online. What matters most is the reputation of the school and the skills you can demonstrate during the interview process.

What is the average four-year graduation rate? According to the NCES, the four-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time undergraduates is approximately 45%. Many students take five or six years to finish due to major changes, transferring schools, or working while in college. Choosing a clear degree path early is the best way to stay in that 45% group and save on tuition costs.

Can I go to medical school with a Bachelor of Arts? Yes, you absolutely can. Medical schools do not require a specific major or degree type. They only require that you complete specific “pre-requisite” courses like Organic Chemistry and Physics. Many BA students successfully enter medical school by using their elective credits to fulfill these science requirements.

What if my school only offers a BA in the subject I want? If your school only offers one version of a major, don’t worry. This usually means their curriculum is designed to be a hybrid that covers both theoretical and practical elements. In this case, focus on choosing elective classes that align with your career goals to “customize” your education.

(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.)