Returning to school may seem challenging, but many adult learners find this an exciting opportunity to reinvent themselves.
Adult degree programs can give you the credentials necessary to advance your career and increase your salary potential — without neglecting other obligations.
Online programs, in particular, can provide accessible and affordable learning formats. Online college for adults can be an ideal way to pursue your education goals while balancing work and family.
Featured Online Programs
Colleges for Adult Learners
Why Get an Online Degree?
Online and hybrid learning platforms prioritize flexibility with asynchronous learning, varied start dates, and shorter term lengths.
Adult degree programs can help you advance your expertise and qualify for leadership roles.
Online programs expand your educational options by giving you access to colleges outside your local area.
Many online programs allow students to earn credit for military and work experience.
In an online program, you may study with peers from around the globe, facilitating an enhanced learning experience.
An online degree can help adult learners switch careers and learn new skills without leaving the workforce.
Should You Return to School?
Heading back to school as an adult can be a good idea for many reasons. You may want to enhance your skills for higher pay or career advancement in your present field. Also, a degree can qualify you for leadership roles, and sometimes companies will reimburse tuition fees.
Or maybe you need to learn new skills to switch careers. For example, a career switch to fields like healthcare and education may require specific education for licensure.
Some workers return to school to complete an unfinished bachelor's degree for the satisfaction of that accomplishment or job security.
Returning to school isn't for everyone. It's a big time commitment, and tuition fees can lead to debt. It's important to weigh both the pros and cons of returning to school.
Pros & Cons of Returning to School
Pros
Higher salary potential
Qualify for new careers
Advance your expertise
Earn licensures
Cons
Significant time investment
Tuition expenses
No employment guarantees
Relearn study habits
How Much Can You Earn With A Degree?
Earning a degree is an investment that tends to pay off. Your salary potential will depend on a variety of factors, such as occupation, career level, and location. But the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) makes it clear that higher levels of education can boost pay.
For instance, the median annual earnings for workers with a high school diploma was $49,075 in 2022. Workers with some college education earned a median salary of $53,792.
There's a significant jump in median earnings between associate degree holders ($57,820) and workers with a bachelor's degree ($82,386).
TheBLS also reports that people with more education are less likely to be unemployed. Those with a bachelor's degree have a 2.2% unemployment rate, while those without a high school diploma have a 5.5% unemployment rate.
| Degree | Median Annual Earnings |
|---|---|
| Less Than High School Diploma | $39,237 |
| High School Diploma | $49,075 |
| Some College, No Degree | $53,792 |
| Associate's Degree | $57,820 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $82,386 |
| Master's Degree | $95,561 |
| Professional Degree | $119,666 |
| Doctoral Degree | $119,839 |
Source: BLS
How to Choose an Adult Degree Program
There's never been a better time to be an adult learner, with many schools designing programs specifically to accommodate this population. Consider these steps as you choose the best program for you.
1. Outline Your Goals
Developing a plan that outlines your goals can serve as a map to achieve them. Factors to consider include how much time you have to dedicate to your education and what level degree you want to complete.
This map should include a timeline for you to earn your degree, what occupation you plan to pursue, and your desired earnings.
2. Determine Your Budget
A budget will help determine your options for adult degree programs. First, you should review your income, expenses, and financial aid at your disposal.
Aid options include federal and private student loans, institutional scholarships, and grants. Online learners must budget for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses such as books and supplies.
3. Compare Programs
Narrow down your list of adult degree programs based on the features you most desire. This should include program format, length, and curriculum details such as number of credits, required courses, and available concentrations or electives.
Some schools may provide more support for nontraditional learners than others. Review each program's website to identify resources such as career guidance counseling, tutoring, and mentorship programs that help enhance your learning and outcomes.
4. Confirm Accreditation
College accreditation ensures you receive a high-quality education and protects your investment. You must plan to attend an accredited school to qualify for federal financial aid.
If you plan to attend graduate school, your bachelor's degree must come from an accredited college. Additionally, employers will prioritize candidates with credentials from accredited institutions.
5. Connect With Faculty, Students, and Alumni
Getting a firsthand perspective of your chosen programs can provide valuable insight into whether the program is a good fit for you. Engage faculty, students, and alumni while visiting the school or attending online recruitment events.
This gives you an opportunity to ask questions not covered on the website or in other materials. A one-on-one conversation with students and alumni can give you a more honest appraisal of what you can expect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Returning to School
Is it worth returning to school as an adult?
For most people, returning to school is worth the investment. There is a clear correlation between education level and higher pay. Higher education is a good investment in your future if you plan carefully and consider factors such as program cost, how you will pay for it, and expected outcomes.
Can I get a bachelor's degree while working?
Many students complete bachelor's programs while they work. Some schools design online programs with this in mind. They provide a generous credit transfer system, shorter terms, multiple start dates, and affordable tuition for nontraditional students.
Even students without prior credit can thrive by attending online colleges that offer scheduling flexibility they wouldn't otherwise enjoy.
Are online degrees cheaper?
The affordability of online degrees depends on several factors, such as the school and program. Many programs charge approximately the same tuition for in-person and online programs. But there are some schools that offer cheaper tuition for online programs.
Online students also save money by skipping out on costs related to additional transportation, accommodation, or childcare costs. All students must budget for tuition, fees, and supplies such as books.
Should I go back to school for a degree or certificate?
Certificate programs offer quick and affordable education or training. Students can pursue certifications in a variety of fields, from IT to healthcare. Certificates can qualify you for new licenses or prepare you for leadership positions.
Certificates do not require general education coursework as in a baccalaureate program, focusing instead on specific expertise and practical training. Undergraduate certificates can take a few weeks to more than a year to complete at colleges and universities.
What is an adult degree completion program?
Many nontraditional students return to college to finish their bachelor's degrees. An adult degree completion program helps bridge your past education experience so those credits don't go to waste.
Students can pursue their degrees entirely online and receive an award of 60-90 credits for courses already taken in the past. You may also receive credit for work experience, volunteerism, and life experience, helping to accelerate degree completion.
