The Truth Behind 5 Common Education Myths

BYU-Pathway is overcoming obstacles in higher education by helping meet your needs within your means

BY: Ammon Teare

Do you keep running into reasons why higher education isn’t for you? Maybe you feel it’s too expensive, you have other time-consuming responsibilities, or you don’t know how to begin. While these concerns are valid (and common), BYU-Pathway Worldwide provides a way to overcome these obstacles and more so you can reach your educational goals!

Myth #1: A university education is expensive.

Financial burden is the number one reason why many people do not attend a university. In the United States, the average cost to complete a bachelor’s degree in four years is $28,000.¹

BYU-Pathway tuition costs in the U.S. are almost a fourth of that! When you complete foundational courses (called PathwayConnect) first, you pay only $79 USD per credit² — that’s less than $9,000 for a bachelor’s degree! Plus, new students who apply by the application deadline qualify for a guaranteed scholarship! Tuition for countries outside the U.S. is even less; try this tool to see what BYU-Pathway tuition is in your area. 

Myth #2: Higher education is too difficult.

Haven’t been to school in a while? Don’t feel prepared to jump into university-level courses? Then BYU-Pathway Worldwide’s PathwayConnect may be for you. PathwayConnect is an online guided start to higher education that builds spiritual confidence and teaches foundational academic skills. It includes six courses, and all courses count toward a bachelor’s degree.

Service missionaries are called to facilitate weekly gatherings, where you can receive the support you need to excel in your studies. You are never alone during your educational journey.

Onnastasia’s faith and hard work led her to graduate.

Onnastasia Cole, a student from Colorado, USA, said, “Though I was initially nervous to attend weekly gatherings, I soon discovered the blessings.… My peers and I … were unified in our desire to progress and our efforts to help each other along the way. Combined with the Spirit’s influence, their continued support helped me recognize my divine potential, and for the first time in my life, I began to see myself as someone both worthy and capable of earning a degree.”

Myth #3: I don’t have the time.

Many BYU-Pathway students are parents, full-time employees, volunteers, and more. Because BYU-Pathway’s offerings are available completely online, anyone can continue their studies while still raising a family and working. Plus, our new seven-week block schedule means you can finish your degree faster!

Some students may worry about beginning or continuing their education later in life. The truth is, it’s never too late. Marion Painter, for example, was 94 years old when she started BYU-Pathway! President Russell M. Nelson said, “Education is yours to obtain. No one else can gain it for you. Wherever you are, develop a deep desire to learn.”³

Myth #4: A degree will take too long! I need to improve my current situation now.

Malvin’s education earned him a new job and a promotion.

You don’t have to wait years for a bachelor’s degree to see the difference education is making in your life. Malvin Kadzomba, a BYU-Pathway student in South Africa, saw immediate benefits. With the increased confidence he gained in his first two semesters, Malvin pitched himself to a local hotel owner. He was hired as a finance and operations assistant and has since been promoted again as a stock controller.

“Before I joined BYU-Pathway, I’d never even dreamt to be holding such positions at big companies,” he said. “If I have climbed so much with just PathwayConnect, how much more will I climb when I’ve finished my degree?”

BYU-Pathway Worldwide’s certificate-first approach helps you gain marketable skills right from the start that often lead to new jobs, promotions, or higher pay. Many students see a boost in their employability after they complete their first certificate, and again after they earn a bachelor’s degree — and you can too!

Myth #5: I don’t know what I want to do with my life.

Remember, you don’t have to know everything right now. God has a plan and will guide you to success as you put in the effort — you just need to get started. Apply to BYU-Pathway Worldwide today! New courses start every January, April, and September. There’s no application cost, no ACT or SAT score required, and no need for a high school transcript.

Higher education will open doors for your future! Even if you don’t know what you want to do now, starting your education will expand your mind and you will be inspired to know which path is right for you.

What concerns do you have about higher education? Let BYU-Pathway help! Share your thoughts and questions below.

1. ^ “Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees,” National Center for Education Statistics, accessed Oct. 27, 2020

2. ^ Students who do not complete PathwayConnect and start in an online degree program pay $133 USD per credit. Tuition rates vary by country and may increase annually. (Tuition is 25% higher for individuals who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.)

3. ^ Russell M. Nelson, “Youth of the Noble Birthright: What Will You Choose?” (Church Educational System devotional, Sept. 6, 2013)