5 Reasons Why Becoming an Adult Student is a Great Idea

It is understandable for many adults to be averse to going back to school whether they graduated or not. The idea of studying, meeting project deadlines, and doing exams all over again does sound stressful. In addition, some people may think that they’ve already progressed so far in their life, and perceive that returning to school is a step backwards.

However, there are plenty of valid reasons to go back to school especially if you reconsider your life goals. Here’s a rundown of why becoming an adult student is an upgrade, rather than a downgrade:

1. Larger income:

Bright Hub notes that the more you learn, the more you earn. If you’ve never started or finished college, getting that bachelor’s degree may increase your salary bargaining power by as much as $20,000. Likewise, going for a professional or doctorate degree may boost your salary by $50,000. It may be possible to earn these amounts in your current job, but higher education will improve your earnings in a shorter amount of time.

2. Higher Chances of Promotion:

A promotion and bigger paycheck usually come hand-in-hand. A higher position means more responsibility and an increased scope of work that will be reflected in your salary. Your degree will signal to your bosses your commitment to your job and that you have learned new skills  that will qualify you for your new position.

3. The Opportunity to Change Your Career:

There might be a time when your current career is not matching your expectations or you decide you want to follow your passion. You Can Deal With It details how going back to school presents more job opportunities. You will become highly marketable to the companies you’re targeting. You may even use the knowledge to be your own boss and start your own business.

4. Today’s Education is Highly Flexible:

There is a common belief that if you become an adult student, the other aspects of your life will be put on hold. The key, however, is to manage your time efficiently and understand which arrangement works best for you. In the Guardian article, “Meet the online learners who fit study around their lives“, you can find stories of people who choose to study for a degree from a beach in Thailand, or while juggling work and looking after children. When learning online, you have the flexibility to schedule your classes around your job and your family time. You also do away with logistical hurdles such as driving or commuting to school.

5. Learning is Now More Progressive:

Another advantage of online learning is that you can select a specific time to study. Many students are concerned about struggling to comprehend new concepts, but Quora points out that online degrees are designed to adapt to a student’s specific pace. You can absorb and retain new information without stressing yourself out too much.

Thanks to the Internet, you can now search for colleges that are right for you. The only thing you need to consider as an adult student is to find the right balance. School should be flexible enough to allow you to juggle your current job and family life in addition to academic work. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it is time to do the legwork. University of the People shared handy tips on how to write your applications.

If financial issues are a concern, check if you are eligible for a scholarship. The entire landscape of college applications has dramatically changed for the better, making the application process easier and more accessible.

Now that you know the reasons and how close you can be to making this decision, all that’s left is to reflect on what you really want. It is a daunting choice but based on the potential benefits, it can be worth it in the end.