If you have been procrastinating over the years and have yet to earn your college degree, you may want to consider taking the plunge in 2009.  Here are five good reasons that may get you thinking…..

1. Get a Job:  In a bad economy the job market is tighter.  Those individuals with the best credentials will generally be the ones who land the jobs, or keep their jobs while others are laid off.  Credentials include a college degree, or higher degree such as an MBA degree or Master’s degree, certificate programs and other on-going training to keep up with industry advances and improve your skills.  All of these may be earned through distance learning online programs.
2. Earn More:  With a degree in hand, you will have many more career opportunities leading to increased income.  Many research studies have proven that college degree holders earn more on average than those who do not possess a degree.  In addition, those with advanced degrees such as a Master’s or Ph.d. earn more than those with a Bachelor degree. 
3. Accomplish:  You are not getting any younger.  Don’t think that it is too late for you to earn a degree.  You don’t have to travel to a campus location and sit through classes with youngsters.   Anyone at any age can complete a degree without ever leaving home through an online degree program at top universities. 
4. Be a Role Model:  Do you have young children?  If so, you can be a great role model for them when you make the effort to earn your degree.  Recently I heard Micheal Phelps talk about what a great role model his mother was for him and his sisters, and how proud they were that she continued her education while they were young.  They realized that it was difficult for her to take night classes, butt she did it and she finished.  These days with online learning it is not so difficult as it was for Deborah Phelps.
5. Invest in Your Future:  Furthering your education is the best investment you will ever make.  Education and knowledge is something that no one can take away from you, and will always help you in some way.  While many of us don’t give a second thought to investing in a new car, or other material items, we shy away from doing the one thing that can help us the most – educational credentials.

Make 2009 the year you start earning your degree and take charge of your future!