University vs. College: Top Reasons to Choose a University Degree
Explore the endless possibilities, flexible career paths, and higher earning potential that come with a university education.
Not sure if university is right for you?
Deciding on your next step can be overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure which career path to take. But with a university degree, you don’t have to have it all figured out right away! University allows you to change your path as you go and find your passion. Plus, you can access higher salaries, careers, and professional schools that you can’t access with a college diploma.
The advantages of a university degree
1. You'll Earn More Over Time
Did you know that people with a university degree often earn more over their lifetime than those with a college diploma? (Statistics Canada, 2017, 2024) With a degree from Laurentian University, you’ll have a higher earning potential in many careers. Imagine the difference that extra earning power could make for your future.
2. You Can Keep Your Options Open
If you're not sure what you want to study or what to do as a career, a university education is perfect for you. Choosing university gives you the chance to explore different subjects to find what you love while keeping your options open for the future. And if your interests change, you can change programs without starting over.
No matter what you choose, Laurentian University has a 92.8% post-graduation employment rate (after 6 months), meaning almost all of our graduates find employment soon after finishing their studies!
3. You Can Customize Your Degree
Already know what you want to study, but can’t choose which program to take? At university, you can mix and match courses, add specializations, or even pursue double majors, minors, and certificates. This means you can learn about your multiple interests at once and build a custom and specialized degree that allows you to reach your career goals and stand out to employers.
Some unique degree combinations and their possible career outcomes include:
- Crime Scene Investigator - Forensic Science + Criminology degree
- Reporter or Editor - English Literature, Media, and Writing + Equity, Diversity and Human Rights degree
- Healthcare Manager - Nursing + Business Administration degree
4. You Can Pursue Your Passion Through Research
Are you passionate about a specific topic? University is the perfect place for you to become an expert in your chosen field. At Laurentian University, many of our undergraduate programs offer exciting research opportunities, giving you a chance to start your research journey early.
You can also continue your studies with our Master’s and PhD programs, where you can work alongside professors, access funding to support your research, and even make a name for yourself in your chosen field.
5. You’ll Gain Access to Professional Certifications and Specialized Careers
Many careers require a university degree—careers that you simply can’t get with a college diploma. From becoming an architect, nurse practitioner, Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), or licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), a university degree is often the first step. With a university education, you’ll have access to professional programs and careers that open up a world of possibilities!
Explore where a university degree can take you
Fields that typically require a university degree
Many careers require a university degree. While not always necessary, a degree can make it easier for you to advance in your career.
Some fields that may require a degree include:
- Biology and Microbiology
- Computer Programming and Information Techniology
- Environmental
- Government and public policy
- Healthcare and health promotion
- Human Resources
- Journalism
- Law enforcement and public safety
- Management
- Marketing and Graphic Design
- Public Relations & Communications
Professional Certifications and Designations
Certain careers require certifications that you can only get with a university degree. In addition, pursuing graduate studies may be necessary for practice and certification in some fields.
Some certifications that require a degree include:
- Teacher - Undergraduate degree required
- Social worker - Undergraduate degree required
- Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo., required to become a Geologist) - Undergraduate degree required
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) - Undergraduate degree required
- Kinesiologist - Undergraduate degree required
- Architect - Undergraduate + Master’s degree required
- Speech-language pathologist - Undergraduate + Master’s degree required
- Nurse practitioner - Undergraduate degree + Master’s degree required
- Psychologist - Undergraduate + Master’s degree + PhD required
Professional Schools
From law and medicine to social work and education, many high-demand jobs require a university degree to enter into professional schools and programs.
Some careers that require professional school include :
- Vet (Veterinary school)
- Lawyer (Law school)
- Medical doctor (Medical school)
- Pharmacist (Pharmacy school)
- Dentist (Dental school)
- Optometrist (Optometry school)
- Psychiatrist (Medical school)
- General surgeon (Medical school)
Careers in Research and in Academia
Start research as an undergrad, specialize with a master’s degree, and dive deeper with a PhD.
Some careers you can access in higher education include:
- Researcher
- Professor or lecturer
- Dean of a faculty (ex. Dean of the Faculty of Arts)
- Director of an academic school (ex. Director of the School of Social Sciences)
- Executive university positions (President, Provost, Vice-President)
Apply now!
Statistics Canada. (2017, November 29). Census in Brief: Does Education Pay? A Comparison of Earnings by Level of Education in Canada and Its Provinces and Territories. www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/as-sa/98-200-x/2016024/98-200-x2016024-eng.cfm.
Statistics Canada. (2024, March 22). Estimated Gross Annual Earnings of Postsecondary Graduates Working Full Time at Interview, by Province of Study, Level of Study and Gender. www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=3710003401&pickMembers%5B0%5D=1.1&pickMembers%5B1%5D=3.1&cubeTimeFrame.startYear=2000&cubeTimeFrame.endYear=2020&referencePeriods=20000101%2C20200101&request_locale=en.