Should You Go Back to School?

Did you know that there are literally millions of adults going back to college? It's true! So, if you are considering returning to school to get your undergraduate or graduate degree, you will certainly not be alone.

However, as you are well aware, going back to school as an adult can seem more daunting than continuing right after high school. As an adult you have much more to consider due to your increased responsibilities. For instance, you may be married, have children, have a job, be a volunteer in your community, or even be caring for your parents. Juggling these commitments with the commitment needed to gain a degree can be very challenging. Challenging? Yes. Impossible? No!

No one can answer the question about going back to school except you. However, for many people, it is the right choice. Those with higher education tend to have a higher salary as well as more career options.

Let's take a look at some facts from the Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Labor:

1. The average worker with a bachelor's degree earns 60% more than the average worker with a diploma from high school. In real terms, this means that someone with an advanced degree is likely to earn more than $1 million more over their lifetime than someone with high school diploma!

2. High school graduates with no advanced degree are twice as likely to find themselves unemployed than someone of the same age with an advanced degree.

3. Almost three-fourths of all work positions in the future will need at least some kind of degree, certification, or license.

4. Jobs requiring a bachelor's degree will grow twice as fast as other jobs.

All of these statistics show that furthering your education may very well be a wise investment in your future.

There are many reasons that adults go back to school:

1. To increase their earning potential
2. For advancement
3. To enter a new career due to choice
4. To enter a new career due to circumstances beyond their control
5. For personal fulfillment

If you fit any of these categories, you are a likely candidate for returning to college. Luckily for you, going back to school is getting easier and easier! More and more colleges understand the growing adult population of students and offer the services such students need. You are likely to find day care, flexible schedules, online courses, credits for work, and many other innovations.

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