Stepping back into the world of education might seem daunting, but remember, every great journey begins with a single step—and you're already on your way.
Your plan includes:
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Typical earnings for bachelor’s degree holders are 84% higher than those whose highest degree is a high school diploma.
College graduates on average make $1.2 million more over their lifetime.
College graduates are half as likely to be unemployed as their peers who only have a high school degree.
Association of Public and Land Grant Universities
Something like 25 percent of entry-level jobs will be automated in the next 25 years, and so it’s likely many jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s will be eclipsed by AI or technological automation.
A college degree gives you a broad set of experiences and skills, and if or when you are replaced by a robot, or your position is diminished by new technology, with a degree you will be more nimble and better able to find another position compared to someone who hasn’t developed those skills and earned a bachelor’s degree.
Ben Cater, Ph.D.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to a multitude of financial aid options. By completing it, you become eligible for federal grants, work-study programs, and loans. Plus, many states and colleges use FAFSA data to award their own financial aid.
Appily’s Scholarship search tool is the nation’s largest, multi-billion dollar scholarship database. After you create a free account, you can narrow down your options and apply to any scholarships that interest you within the tool.
Approximately 85% of full-time undergraduate students who file the FAFSA receive some kind of financial aid, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reports that while it varies from year to year, on average, between 45-55% of employers offer tuition assistance.
Appily; NCES; SHRM
Finding ways to cover tuition and other college costs is important — but you may also consider these ways to decrease the amount that needs covering.
The nation’s largest, multi-billion dollar scholarship database can help you discover funding opportunities that you don’t have to pay back.
If you participated in military service, workplace training programs, apprenticeships, standardized exams, or other types of experiential learning outside the college classroom, you could receive college credit recommendations or validated competencies through Learning Evaluation.
CLEP exams let you test out of introductory courses and move to more advanced courses sooner, saving time toward your degree.
In the dynamic world of business, versatility and strategic acumen are paramount. The careers we've selected not only promise ample opportunities for advancement but also offer the potential for impactful roles in a variety of industries, ensuring that your investment in a business-related bachelor's degree yields substantial professional and financial rewards.
Job responsibilities: Analyzes organizational processes, identifies inefficiencies, and recommends solutions.
Why pursue this career: A smart choice due to the growing reliance on data-driven decision-making in business.
Related degrees: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or Bachelor's in Finance
Job responsibilities: Develops and oversees marketing strategies to promote products and services.
Why pursue this career: A sound career due to the constant need for businesses to differentiate and compete.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Marketing or Bachelor's in Business Administration
Job responsibilities: Evaluates investment opportunities and provides guidance to businesses or individuals.
Why pursue this career: A wise choice given the critical role of financial planning in both corporate and personal finance.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Finance or Bachelor's in Economics
Job responsibilities: Oversees employee relations, recruitment, and compliance with labor laws.
Why pursue this career: A stable choice because of the enduring necessity of managing an organization's workforce.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Human Resources or Bachelor's in Business Administration
Job responsibilities: Manages the entire lifecycle of a product, from sourcing to delivery.
Why pursue this career: A prudent choice given the increasing complexity and globalization of supply chains.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Supply Chain Management or Bachelor's in Business Administration
Median salary for business and financial jobs, ranging from $50K to $96K
Overall employment growth in business and management occupations in the next decade
Openings in business and financial jobs projected each year over the next decade
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
In the dynamic world of commerce, degrees in business equip students with the tools and insights to navigate the complex corporate landscape. From managerial roles to financial planning, business degrees open doors to vast career opportunities with lucrative pay and growth potential.
This versatile degree covers a range of business disciplines and prepares students for various managerial roles.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
With a focus on investment strategies, banking, and financial planning, this degree often leads to high-paying roles in the finance sector.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Finance
This program equips students with strategies to drive business growth and can lead to roles in advertising, public relations, and market research.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Returning to school as an adult can feel overwhelming, but breaking the process down into manageable steps can help alleviate some of that anxiety. Here’s a good place to start:
Remember, every challenge has a solution, and institutions are increasingly tailoring their services to accommodate non-traditional students. Taking the first step might be daunting, but resources and support are available to help you navigate your journey back to education.
Applying to college as an adult can be a different experience than applying straight out of high school, but the core steps remain similar.
Creating a well-structured application timeline is crucial for managing the college application process effectively, especially for adult learners who often juggle multiple responsibilities. Here's a sample timeline you can reference:
Remember, this timeline is a general guide. Adjust it based on your personal circumstances and the specific requirements of the programs you're applying to.