If you're thinking about quitting college, think again. A lack of a college degree can hurt you, causing you to miss out on career advancement opportunities.

Though entertaining thoughts of quitting college can certainly be appealing, it could leave you vulnerable. Specifically, you may end up being passed over for a promotion simply because you didn’t finish college.

Co-Workers Say They Know Someone Who Was Passed Over For A Promotion

In a recent study conducted by eLearners.com and Kelton Research, respondents were asked several questions about employment, specifically their personal knowledge of the work environment. 19% of the people surveyed revealed that they knew of at least one person who didn’t get a promotion for not having a college degree, with 13% saying that they knew of a co-worker who didn’t get promoted because their education level was less than desirous.

“The statistics from this study confirm what has widely been known, not only is a degree critical to getting a job, but it is also key to advancing in one’s career,” said Terrence Thomas, EVP Marketing Operations at EducationDynamics. “And given the current economic climate, a degree might be needed just to keep your job.”

People Surveyed Admit That A Lack Of Education Has Hurt Them

When people were asked if they were passed over for a promotion themselves, the response was a bit different, but still significant: fully 9% of those surveyed said that they themselves lost the opportunity for a better job because they were unqualified academically.

“The message is loud and clear, that in today’s competitive job market, if you don’t have the right education others will pass you by,” continued Thomas.

“We found that 22% of people who started college but didn’t finish have been denied a job, raise or a promotion. What is shocking is that workers are telling us that not having a degree is becoming a significant roadblock in their careers.”

Stay In School

Clearly, the survey reveals two important points about higher education: a degree is still valuable when seeking career advancement and, if you’re already in college, then completing your studies is the way to go.

(Source: eLearners.com)

If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t be able to and, for so many workers, they would come to the same conclusion. Family issues, money, and time must be factored in, each conspiring in their own way to thwart advancing one’s education.

For Verizon Wireless’ Salt Lake City employees, the company’s generous tuition assistance program offers something other businesses do not have: Strayer University courses are being taught right at the work place. Associate and bachelor’s of business administration classes as well as an MBA program are conducted at Verizon and at no cost to employees. Business courses are tailored to the Verizon Wireless student, with the opportunity to use actual business scenarios as case studies.

“The onsite program allows our employees to continue their education right here at our call center,” says Trent Vansice, director of customer service for the Salt Lake City call center. “It has made it much easier for employees to take advantage of our industry-leading tuition assistance benefits.”

“Strayer University is honored to partner with Verizon Wireless to provide the best possible educational experience for its employees,” said Karl McDonnell, chief operating officer for Strayer University. “This program model has enabled us to extend our reach in ways not previously available to fulfill our mission of providing a high quality education for working adults.”

At present, Verizon offers onsite college programs at 9 of its 29 call centers, plus programs in five regional headquarter offices. The company plans to expand the onsite college degree programs to additional locations in three western states later this year and expand the program further over the next two years.

(Source: Verizon Wireless Press Release)