Getting a degree is a big decision—whether it’s your first step into higher education or the next rung on your career ladder. For many, it’s not just about adding letters after your name. It’s about whether that credential will actually pay off in the real world. A diploma that looks good on your wall but leaves you stuck in the same job? That’s not the kind of result you’re after. 

Your degree needs to do more than check a box. It should help you prove yourself, boost your career, and open doors to new opportunities. The stakes are high—especially if you’re one of the first in your family to go to college, juggling time, money, or feeling like you’re falling behind. But the good news? Choosing the right degree doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. You just need to know what to look for. 

Here’s how to make sure your degree works as hard for your future as you do right now. 

1. Choose a Degree That Solves Real Problems 

Not all degrees are created equal. Some pad your schedule with outdated classes or unnecessary theory that doesn’t translate to actual skills on the job. The best degrees? They’re laser-focused on solving the problems businesses face today—like managing remote teams, analyzing data, or creating digital strategies. 

Degrees designed for today’s job market won’t waste your time with fluff. They’ll equip you with skills you can put into action immediately, making you an asset to employers. 

What to Look For:

• Programs that emphasize job-relevant skills like project management, data analysis, or leadership in a remote-first world. 
• Real-world learning opportunities, like assignments tied to current business challenges or capstone projects that mimic real job scenarios. 
• Degrees designed with working professionals in mind, so you can study while applying your new knowledge at your current job. 

If a program doesn’t show you how it will help you advance, it’s probably not the right ladder to climb. 

2. Focus on Career Credibility (Not Prestige) 

Here’s the truth traditional universities don’t advertise: Prestige isn’t what gets you noticed. Employers care more about what you bring to the table than where you got your degree. Spending six figures on a diploma from a “name brand” school? It doesn’t guarantee you’ll get ahead. But a degree that teaches skills with clear value to employers? That does. 

The credentials that open doors focus on outcomes—helping you prove your expertise and rise above the competition. 

How to Gauge Credibility:

• Look for schools that partner with employers or align their curriculums with industry standards. 
• Check if the program offers certifications as part of the degree—things like PMP for project management or Google certifications for digital marketing. 
• Read testimonials or success stories of graduates to see how their degrees translated into real results. 

Credibility isn’t about where you studied. It’s about what you’ve learned and how you can apply it. 

3. Find Flexible and Affordable Options 

If time and cost are holding you back, you’re not alone. Many traditional degrees assume you have unlimited resources and nothing else to juggle. But for first-generation college students or early-to-mid career professionals with families, rigid schedules or expensive tuition just aren’t feasible. 

Fortunately, modern education has shifted. Online degrees make it possible to learn on your terms, balancing affordability with flexibility. These options are designed for people who don’t have a financial safety net but still want a shot at better opportunities. 

What to Prioritize:

• Pay-as-you-go tuition plans, so you’re not drowning in debt. 
• Self-paced programs that work around your schedule—study at night, on weekends, or during lunch breaks. 
• Schools committed to lowering barriers to education, like those offering cost-efficient online programs without sacrificing quality. 

Remember, the right degree will help you move forward in your career—not hold you back with loans or rigid timelines. 

4. Go for Degrees With Modern Tools and Industry Alignment 

The career world in 2025 looks nothing like it did ten years ago. AI is transforming how businesses operate, remote and hybrid work environments dominate, and industries like healthcare or tech are constantly evolving. To stay competitive, you need a degree program built for this new reality—not a program stuck in the past. 

Choose degrees that incorporate today’s tools and prepare you for tomorrow’s challenges. Whether it’s learning how to use AI for data-driven decisions or understanding agile workflows, you want coursework that reflects the modern workplace. 

Questions to Ask:

• Does the program focus on current trends and technologies shaping my field? 
• Are professors and industry experts actively updating course material? 
• Do graduates leave with projects or portfolios to showcase skills in practice? 

Modern challenges deserve degrees designed to tackle them. 

5. Look for Degrees That Build Confidence 

If you’ve delayed pursuing a degree because you’re worried about not fitting in or feeling behind, know this—it’s never too late to learn. And the right program will do more than teach you skills. It will help you break through imposter syndrome and feel ready to take on the opportunities ahead. 

Programs designed for people like you—who may not have a typical academic background—are created to include support every step of the way. 

Confidence Builders to Seek Out:

• Academic advisors who understand the needs of working adults and first-gen students. 
• Peer networks or online communities built into the program. You’ll meet people in similar shoes who can encourage you and share tips. 
• Short-term goals within the degree, like certifications you can earn along the way. These smaller wins keep you motivated and show progress. 

Your degree isn’t about following someone else’s timeline. It’s about proving to yourself what you're capable of—and building confidence as much as a resume boost. 

Your Next Step Starts Now 

Degrees shouldn’t be just another obligation. They should be opportunities—built to work with your life, not against it. Choosing the right one unlocks new potential, proving that where you come from doesn’t limit where you can go. 

At Nexford University, that’s exactly what we offer. Flexible programs designed to help people like you—hardworking, ambitious, and ready for more—break through the barriers of cost, time, and access. 

Whether you’re climbing the career ladder or branching out into something new, your education should open doors that actually matter. The hard work you've already done? It's a foundation. The ladder you're searching for? It’s waiting, and we’ve built it with every support you’ll need to rise. 

Explore Nexford University today—and see for yourself how the right degree can deliver the outcomes you're striving for. 

You’ve got the ambition—we’ve got the path. Together, let's move up.