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.
The Criminal Justice sector offers careers that are integral to the functioning and safety of society. The professions we've highlighted promise a blend of challenge, respect, and the chance to make a tangible difference in the community. Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice paves the way for a career that upholds justice and public welfare.
Job responsibilities: Enforces laws, maintains public safety, and responds to emergency situations.
Why pursue this career: A wise choice because of the essential role of law enforcement in communities.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Criminal Justice or Bachelor's in Law Enforcement
Job responsibilities: Gathers and analyzes physical evidence from crime scenes.
Why pursue this career: A smart choice due to the growing reliance on scientific evidence in criminal investigations.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Forensic Science or Bachelor's in Biology with a forensic focus
Job responsibilities: Supervises offenders and helps rehabilitate them back into society.
Why pursue this career: A stable choice given the focus on reducing recidivism and integrating individuals back into the community.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Criminal Justice or Bachelor's in Sociology
Job responsibilities: Collects and analyzes evidence from crime scenes.
Why pursue this career: A prudent choice because of the critical role forensic evidence plays in solving crimes.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Forensic Science or Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Job responsibilities: Plans and coordinates responses to natural disasters and other emergencies.
Why pursue this career: A smart choice due to the increasing frequency of natural disasters and the need for preparedness.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Emergency Management or Bachelor's in Public Safety Administration
Median salary for protective service jobs, ranging from $35K to $69K
Overall employment growth in protective service jobs in the next decade
Openings in protective service jobs projected each year over the next decade
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The realm of criminal justice is vast, spanning law enforcement, forensic sciences, and the study of criminology. Earning a degree in this sector not only provides insights into the inner workings of the justice system but also offers numerous pathways to impactful, respected careers.
Offers a foundation for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and court systems.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Prepares students for roles in crime scene investigation and laboratory analysis.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Science
Focuses on the sociological and psychological aspects of crime, often leading to roles in social work, corrections, or law enforcement strategy.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
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.