If you went to college but did not complete your degree program, you are far from alone.

Less than half of those who attend college end up earning their degree, according to City Lab. A study by the Washington Post found similar numbers.

Those are not encouraging numbers for the students involved or the country as a whole. According to a report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, about 65% of jobs in 2020 will require at least some college education.

Why People Don’t Complete a Degree

The most common reason people do not complete a college degree is money. Either they have accumulated too much debt and are concerned about getting more, or they need to leave school to concentrate on full-time work to make ends meet.

According to City Lab, another issue is that some students simply are not prepared for college-level work. Some have difficulty navigating college while also working part-time or full-time to support a family.

However, those who have spent a few years in the working world have a better understanding of the advantages of a college degree and are typically more prepared for the work involved. That’s why online undergraduate and graduate adult degree programs have emerged. They allow working adults to better balance school work and advance their education.

For working adults looking for the benefits of completing a college degree, here are five of the most impactful reasons to do so.

Higher Salaries

Those who earn a bachelor’s degree make an average of $1,173 a week, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those with a two-year degree earn $836. Those with a high school diploma earn $712.

Lower Unemployment

Those with a college degree are typically more in demand those without one. In 2017, the unemployment rate for those with a high school diploma was 4.6%, while it stood at 3.45% for those with an associate degree. For those with a bachelor’s degree, it was just 2.5%.

Role Model

Many parents end up back in college because they want to model the right pathway for their children. This study from the National Center for Educational Statistics found that kids of college graduates were far more likely to become college graduates themselves.

Investment in the Future

Taken together, all the above four reasons are part of the fifth. While college requires a commitment of time and money, the numbers show that people typically have better careers if they have earned a college degree. Many come to consider it a wise investment for a better future.

These are five of the main ways you can benefit by completing your college degree. With online classes offering flexibility in how you approach coursework, there’s never been a better time to seriously consider returning to college and completing your education.