Is Going Back to College Right For You?
Life comes at you fast. There are countless reasons you may have put your higher education goals on hold. Kids, bills, a big cross-country move, a dream job, family obligations, a complete re-evaluation of your life’s purpose — no matter what caused you to step away from the classroom, just know that you’re in good company.
In fact, adults over the age of 25 represent roughly 40% of enrollment in U.S. higher education. That’s nearly 8 million learners who have dusted off their notebooks and gone back to class to gain new skills or sharpen existing ones.
But before you hit ‘submit’ on your application, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the challenges. Here are some steps you’ll want to take as you consider returning to college.
1. Think About Affordability
The hard truth is college usually isn’t cheap — and affordability is one of the major reasons learners don’t complete their degree. Luckily, schools like Regis University offer plenty of flexible financing options to ensure your education is attainable and affordable. Preferred tuition rates, employer partnerships, scholarships and other forms of financial aid are available for adult undergraduate and graduate students.
2. Assess Your Goals and Motivations
Reflect on your personal and professional aspirations. What are your long-term career goals? How do you envision your future? Pursuing higher education shows potential employers that you’re committed to professional development and growth. Understanding your motivations for pursuing higher education will help you align your goals with the reality of returning to school.
3. Evaluate the Benefits
Think about the benefits of earning your bachelor’s or master’s degree. These might include enhanced career opportunities, increased earning potential or a sense of deep personal fulfillment. Gaining new skills can also reignite your passion for learning and lead to new and exciting opportunities.
4. Recognize the Challenges
Be clear about the potential roadblocks you may encounter as an adult student. Balancing course work with a full-time job, parenting duties or other responsibilities can be hard. You’ll need to find new ways to successfully manage your time, finances and energy, such as creating a schedule that protects your study time, taking flexible online classes and building a network of supportive peers.
5. Leverage Your Experience and Build Your Network
A big advantage that adult learners bring to the table is their work experience and professional maturity. Drawing on previous professional and personal experiences can enrich classroom discussion and offer tangible, real-world insights. You’ll also expand your network, rub elbows with accomplished faculty and alumni, and gain valuable friends, mentors and industry connections.
6. Explore Flexible Learning Options
Many colleges and universities (like Regis University) offer flexible learning options tailored to busy adult undergraduate and graduate students. Online courses, evening and weekend classes, and accelerated curriculums provide flexibility and convenience, allowing you to slot your academic activities into your busy schedule.
7. Seek Support and Resources
Take advantage of the many resources available to adult learners. From academic advisors and career counselors to free tutoring, writing coaches and exclusive memberships and events, you’ll find a wealth of support services to help you navigate your educational journey.
Ultimately, the decision to go back to college should be based on careful consideration of your goals, motivations and circumstances. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons, consult with trusted friends, family and peers, and fully explore potential educational pathways before you make a commitment.
“How you start is important, but it is how you finish that counts. In the race for success, speed is less important than stamina. The stickler outlasts the sprinter.”
– B.C. Forbes (1880-1954), Journalist and founder of Forbes magazine