Whether you started a degree you didn’t finish or are simply wanting to further your education, going back to school as an adult can be one of the best decisions you make for your future. Before you choose to return to school, however, there are some things to keep in mind and questions to ponder.
Going to Back to School as an Adult
These days, it’s not uncommon for adults to return to college for any number of reasons, from learning a new skill to making a total career change. In fact, according to 2022 CivicScience survey data, 11% of adults in the United States were considering returning to school—and another 8% had already enrolled. And as more employers continue to seek candidates with a college education, this trend is only expected to continue.
8 Questions to Ask Yourself About Going Back to School
If you’re thinking about going back to school, below are key questions you should ask yourself to gain some sense of guidance as you move forward.
1. Should I Go Back to School?
For starters, address the simplest yet most important question, “Should I go back to college?” This will mean looking more closely at your primary motivation for returning, whether for career advancement, personal fulfillment, a career change, or simply to gain specific skills.
2. What Should I Go Back to School For?
Consider, too, how furthering your education may align with your career aspirations. For example, will a degree or certification open new opportunities or enhance your current job position? Maybe a particular degree would help you start a new career that better aligns with your goals and interests.
3. What Type of Program Best Suits My Needs?
You’ll also want to evaluate what kind of program will be best for your needs and learning preferences. Many colleges offer online programs, part-time study, and even night classes for adult learners who have other life obligations to work around—so these may be worth considering to suit your specific learning style and any other commitments you may have.
4. Can I Commit the Necessary Time?
In addition, reflect on whether you can realistically balance your studies with your personal and professional responsibilities. Are you able to work classes, assignments, studying, and other academic responsibilities into your existing schedule? What would that look like?
5. Am I Ready for the Academic Challenge?
Returning to an academic setting after being away can present its own unique challenges, so you’ll want to think carefully about whether you feel prepared to return to this kind of environment. You might need to sharpen up on your note-taking, studying, and time management skills to maximize your chances of success.
6. How Will Going Back to College Impact My Life?
Now is also a good time to reflect on the potential changes and sacrifices you may need to make if you return to school. Specifically, how will returning to school affect your personal life, finances, and the amount of time you have to do the things you love?
7. Is Now the Right Time?
In certain cases, it may actually be wise to delay your return to school until after a major work project is completed (or around other personal circumstances). Take some time to consider whether now is the right time to enroll or if it may make more sense to wait a bit.
8. How Will I Finance My Education?
It’s no secret that a college education can be costly, so you’ll want to plan ahead for covering these expenses. Do your research on different scholarships, grants, employer tuition assistance, student loans, or other financial aid opportunities available to help you pay for school before you enroll.
Still Wondering If Going Back to School Is Worth It? 9 Reasons Why It Is
Is going back to school worth it? Why should you go to college? You’d be hard-pressed to find many people who have regretted returning to school and earning a degree. In fact, there are numerous reasons why you should go to college as an adult learner.
1. Career Advancement
A higher education can open the door to promotions, increased responsibility, and even higher salary brackets. If you’re looking to advance your career in a major way, going back to school is one of the best routes toward making that happen.
2. A Career Change
Going back to college can also provide the credentials, education, and skills you need to potentially enter a new field altogether. If you are feeling burnt out by your current career path and ready to explore a different field entirely, then returning for a different degree or certification can be an excellent starting point.
3. Transitioning to a Higher Paying Field
For those in lower-paying jobs, earning a degree can be a pathway to transitioning into a field with higher earning potential, offering financial benefits that extend well into the future.
4. Enhanced Skills and Knowledge
The desire to deepen your expertise or stay ahead of advancements and innovations in a given area could motivate you to pursue further education. With the additional skills and knowledge acquired in a college degree or certificate program, you can stay relevant and competitive in your field of choice.
5. Personal Fulfillment
Many adults also return to school for the intrinsic satisfaction of completing a degree or pursuing lifelong learning. This can be particularly meaningful for those who had to postpone their education earlier in life for any reason. If you never went to college due to financial constraints, family responsibilities, or other obstacles, completing your degree could be an incredibly proud and victorious achievement.
6. Economic Stability
A degree can offer a measure of economic security in an otherwise volatile and uncertain job market. A higher education is often linked to lower unemployment rates and the ability to more easily navigate economic downturns, so returning to school to obtain your degree could help you stay successful no matter what the future brings.
7. Meeting the Demand for Skilled Workers
As industries evolve, there is a growing demand for workers with up-to-date skills and knowledge. Returning to college can help prepare individuals to meet these market needs and rise to the challenge, especially in industries where there are currently shortages and high demands for skilled workers (such as nursing and healthcare). With a higher demand for these workers also comes a greater sense of job security, which can give you some added protection and peace of mind.
8. To Gain a Competitive Edge
A degree or specialized certification can be an ideal way to set yourself apart from other candidates in a competitive job market. This, in turn, could make your resume more attractive to potential employers and thus increase your chances of landing a job.
9. Fulfilling Uncompleted Goals
Finally, for those who didn’t have the opportunity to complete their education earlier in life, going back to college can fulfill a longstanding personal goal and close a chapter that has been left open for years. If you’ve always wanted to finish school but didn’t have the ability to do so at a younger age, there’s no better time than the present.
Have Questions on How to Go Back to School?
There are plenty of compelling reasons to go back to school—whether to further specialize in your current field or explore a new path altogether.
Thinking about going back to school but still have questions about the process? The team at Baker College is here to assist. The average age of our students here is 27, so we’re no strangers to working with students who understand the demands and challenges of balancing school and life.No matter if you have concerns about paying for school, how long it will take to complete your degree, or anything in between, we can help guide you. Get in touch today to learn more about how we support adult learners and what we can do for you.