Would you find it surprising that a third of all college students are 25 and older? While its common in American culture for students to enroll in college in their late teens as full-time students, adults still make up a significant portion of the student population. There are many reasons one may not enroll in college right after high school, all of which are valid. However, since the opportunity to go back to school is always on the table, there is flexibility in deciding what kind of education you want and when to get it. If youve been thinking about going to school again or college for the first time, this article is for you. Exploring the nine reasons below may help you with your decision of wanting to apply to a program.
Many adults go back to school for better opportunities in their chosen field. Often, to progress past a certain point, youll need to expand your education to open up more opportunities. This is true for specific job titles and salary thresholds.
Not to mention, the workforce is more competitive than ever, so your work experience isnt the only metric employers look at.
Some employers even directly tell their employees they need a specific degree or certificate to be eligible for promotions. If thats the case, you can see if your employer offers financial assistance to return to school, and if an accredited degree (such as one from California Coast University) will be accepted.
Whether you need to complete additional courses over the years to stay up-to-date or explore a masters degree will depend on your field and how far you want to advance. But its no doubt that furthering your education will give you a competitive edge as you continue your career.
Returning to college as an adult can seem daunting, but it offers immense rewards in both your career and personal growth. The decision to continue your education requires commitment, but the benefits make the effort worthwhile.
Whether you never finished your bachelor’s degree or are considering graduate school, going back to college as a mature, focused student can expand your knowledge, skills, and opportunities.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 reasons why returning to college is a smart investment as an adult learner:
1. Become More Marketable to Employers
One of the top reasons to resume your education is becoming more appealing to potential employers In many competitive fields, candidates with college degrees have a significant advantage
Statistics show lower unemployment rates and higher lifetime earnings for college graduates compared to those with only a high school education Completing your bachelor’s or pursuing a master’s degree makes you a more valuable asset that companies want to hire and retain
2. Open Up Possibilities for Career Advancement
Furthering your education also enables new possibilities for advancing your current career. Additional certifications and knowledge help prepare you for leadership roles with more responsibility and higher pay.
Required degrees or qualifications for management-level positions you aspire to are excellent motivations for returning to college. Investing in yourself opens doors to take your career to the next level.
3. Gain Relevant, In-Demand Job Skills
Continuing education allows you to develop skills aligned with today’s job market needs. Whether updating your tech abilities or expanding your thinking, college courses help you gain proficiencies that make you more employable.
From data analytics to critical thinking, the top skills employers value cover both hard and soft competencies. Going back to college is a chance to become proficient in key areas that boost your professional opportunities and job security.
4. Increase Your Earning Potential
Along with improved employability and career advancement, higher education also correlates with increased earning potential. Adults with college degrees typically earn substantially more over their lifetime than those without.
According to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, full-time workers with bachelor’s degrees earn over $2 million more in median lifetime earnings compared to high school graduates. College is a proven path to higher income earnings.
5. Explore New Passions and Interests
As an adult learner, returning to college offers the chance to explore subjects and career paths you’re genuinely passionate about. You can choose a major aligned with personal interests rather than just perceived job prospects or what others expect.
Reigniting your intellectual curiosity and following passions will make your college experience more rewarding. Taking classes you care about also helps motivate you to persevere and excel.
6. Set a Positive Example for Your Children
If you have kids, being a role model by continuing your education can positively influence them for life. Setting an example that learning is a lifelong endeavor teaches them the value of knowledge, hard work, and determination.
Seeing a parent juggle school, work, and family commitments also instills crucial time management and organization skills. Your commitment to self-improvement will inspire them to pursue their own goals.
7. Gain Confidence and Achieve a Sense of Fulfillment
Reaching a personal goal like finishing your degree or earning a postgraduate certificate provides an immense sense of accomplishment. The self-confidence boost you gain from sticking with a challenging commitment can be life-changing.
Having tangible proof of achieving your academic aims helps build your belief in overcoming adversity. College allows you to fulfill your intellectual potential, which is incredibly empowering at any age.
8. Enjoy Campus Life and College Environment
While college costs and studying can be daunting, the overall campus environment also offers fun perks. Taking part in school clubs, campus events, and mingling with fellow passionate learners brings enjoyment.
As an adult, you can better appreciate activities like thought-provoking lectures, cultural events, or even collegiate sports. Immerse yourself in the college experience again from a more mature, intentional perspective.
9. Meet New People and Build Connections
Returning to college also provides networking opportunities that can benefit your future. Fellow driven, focused adult students make valuable professional contacts and friends.
Developing relationships with professors and other mentors also helps build your social capital. These connections may lead to career advancements, business partnerships, or collaborations post-graduation.
10. Make a Career Change Possible
Finally, coming back to college opens possibilities of switching careers altogether that may not be feasible otherwise. With the right major or graduate degree, you can pivot into a totally new field that excites you.
Whether becoming a teacher after years in business or jumping into high-tech from the arts, additional education empowers you to completely reinvent yourself professionally. College unlocks new worlds.
Why Go Back Now?
Hopefully these compelling reasons have inspired you to consider going back to college and realizing your full potential. While returning to school requires dedication, the payoff in expanded career options, higher pay, and personal growth is immense.
Today’s adult-friendly programs with online classes, credit for life experience, and flexible schedules make earning your degree very achievable, even with work and family commitments. Don’t let your dreams just become regrets – take action now to create the future you want.
It’s never too late to reinvent yourself through the power of education. Be bold, make a change, and achieve success on your own terms by registering for college classes this year!
Set an Example
Some adults choose to go back to school to set a good example for their kids. If you never finished your degree or want to pursue a higher degree than what you currently have, you can show your kids that studying is fun at any age and hard work pays off.
Enrolling in a degree program is an excellent way to be a positive role model for your family and friends. Especially for kids who feel unmotivated in school, seeing a parent going to college can help them find a spark of passion and succeed.
However, dont go back to school just to be a good role model if its not what you desire. But also, dont stop yourself from going back to school just because you have a family.
Entering an online educational program doesnt mean you have to drop everything in your life. There are limitless options available to accommodate every type of student.
If youre a busy parent who can only take night classes, live far away from a college campus, or cant afford to stop working, theres something for you.
You can find many degree and certificate programs that offer classes at convenient times for working adults and parents. In addition, online programs allow you to complete your entire program from the comfort of your home without ever visiting a campus. Programs with California Coast University (CCU) are self-paced and self-study. You can complete them anytime and anywhere!
For those that are worried about the financial aspect of enrolling in a program, CCU offers two interest-free monthly payment plan options with a $500 (Plan A) or $300 down payment (Plan B). The monthly fees would then be $150 and $175 respectively.
If you truly desire to return to school, you can find a program that suits your financial needs, lifestyle, and educational requirements.
Sharpen Your Skills
If youve been working in an industry for a while, you may consider returning to school to sharpen your skills. As we evolve and grow, so do the industries we work in.
For instance, think about accountants. Tax laws constantly change, and accountants must stay current with the latest regulations. Theyll put themselves out of business and maybe into legal trouble if they dont.
The need to stay up-to-date is necessary for many industries.
Enrolling in an online certificate program may help you gain more skills to be better at your current job. Not to mention, sharpening your skills may also make you a better candidate for career advancements in the future. Sharpening your skills is also a good idea if you feel stuck in your career. Instead of searching for the best career paths to switch to, acquiring new skills in your field may open up new possibilities that werent available to you before. You may find your passion return!
5 Best Reasons to Go Back to College for Busy Adults
Why should you go back to college?
Improved Career Opportunities: Going back to college can improve your career opportunities. Whether you study healthcare, information technology, business and finance, creative marketing, education, or science, returning to school can lead to new roles, help you change careers, or provide advancement opportunities in your current position.
Should you go back to school?
Going back to school can provide the education and training you need to progress in your career. If you have hit a professional plateau, consider what types of degrees might help you move forward. For instance, business professionals might consider earning a master’s in business administration.
What should I study if I’m going back to school?
What you choose to study can depend on the reasons you’re going back to school. If you’re going back for a career change, it can be a good idea to find what job areas are growing in your desired career area. This may help you land in a field where jobs are more readily available and your skills are in demand.
Why do people go back to school?
1. Figure out why you want to get your degree Higher pay, a better job — economic reasons drive many people to go back to school. Research has shown that someone with a bachelor’s degree will earn $1 million more over their lifetime than someone who has just a high school diploma.
