What is the benefit of having a degree if it is not related to your career field?

[sandraeli]

My employer not only offers a slightly higher starting rate to degreed candidates, no matter what the position or field, but also increases the pay scale for those who have or earn degrees. A coworker in her early 50's has decided to complete her BA because she is topped out and can't retire but won't have any more pay increases unless she finishes the degree or gets promoted to a position with a higher pay grade. :eek: I'll top out in five years (probably less), and I don't want to get stuck for a year or two while I finish up.