5 Reasons Why It's Never Too Late To Go Back To School

Adults go back to school a variety of reasons, including wanting to learn a new skill, becoming more qualified at their existing jobs, wanting to meet higher expectations, or staying current with changing career trends. A working adult in their 30’s or older and pursuing a college degree is not uncommon, especially considering the flexibility of online degrees.

5 Reasons Why It’s Never Too Late To Go Back To School

More older adults may be interested in online education. This is in part due to the size of America’s older population and to the growing availability of online education. The Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics1 reports that the American older population in “2030 is projected to be twice as large as their counterparts in 2000, growing from 35 million to 72 million and representing nearly 20 percent of the total U.S. population.”

Reasons to go to College as a Working Adult

People who work into their late 60s or 70s could wind up pursuing two or more different careers before retiring. A first career may start when a person is in his/her 20s and end in his/her 40s, leaving a lot of remaining work years. Rapidly changing technology may also demand that adults continue to stay apace of computer, healthcare, communications, employee development, management, leadership, and organizational innovations.

Keeping skills sharp in a current job and changing careers are just two of the reasons why it’s never too late to go back to college. State licensing requirements, degree flexibility options, and desire to do meaningful work are three other reasons why going back to school at 30 or older may prove to be a smart choice.

Laws at the federal, state, and local levels could require that adults deepen their education to renew licensing. For example, an educator may be required to go back to school to earn a master’s degree to work as a lead teacher at the secondary school level. Updates to hiring regulations could also require certain criminal justice workers to go back to school to earn a four-year undergraduate degree.

The rate of older adults enrolling in college is also growing. NBC News shares that, “In 2009, students age 25 and older accounted for roughly 40 percent of all college and graduate students.” By 2020, the percentage of adults 25 and older who choose to go back to school is expected to rise to 43.2 If adults are concerned about being the only person in a college class who isn’t in their 20s, they may find that such concerns are unfounded. There could be several older students to connect, study, and interact with, whether the adult is taking online or on campus classes.

More Reasons to go Back to School

Pursuing an online degree, such as a degree in the humanities, could offer training that prepares adults for meaningful work. Meaningful work may be found while serving on corporate, educational, or community focused boards. Working for a non-profit is another way that adults are taking on more meaningful work. Pastors, Christian counselors, human relations leaders, psychologists, and youth mentors may decide to enhance their work experience with advanced training in Christian ministries, human relations, counseling, or another service area.

Flexibility is another reason to return to school. While enrolled in online degree programs, you could earn a degree at your own pace. Depending on the program, you may be able to take a blend of online and classroom courses. Personal discipline, a robust curriculum, and instructor experience are key when it comes to online degree program success. If you are raising children and/or working full-time, scheduling specific days and times to review class materials, conduct research, and study could prove wise.

Online Degree Programs at Point University

At Point University, advanced learning for an adult student returning to college is enriched with a blend of faith and virtual classroom lessons. We are here to help answer your questions about our e-classrooms, admissions process, or online degrees. After classes start, never hesitate to seek assistance from your instructor, department chair, or the many other student support services we offer with specific or general questions about a course or program

What Programs Does Point Offer in Hybrid Format?

If you’re an adult who is considering going back to school, consider a flexible, engaging, and interactive online program at Point University. We look forward to speaking with you about how our programs can help you reach your professional goals. Call or email us today to find out more about which of our programs can help you earn the credentials you need to for academic and professional success.

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5 Reasons Why It’s Never Too Late To Go Back To School!