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.
Education is a cornerstone for societal growth and personal development. The careers listed in this category are crucial for shaping future generations and offer a sense of fulfillment that transcends monetary gain. A bachelor's degree in education opens doors to diverse roles, ensuring a stable and rewarding career path.
Job responsibilities: Educates young children in fundamental subjects, fostering their development and learning.
Why pursue this career: A wise choice because of the constant need for dedicated educators.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Elementary Education
Job responsibilities: Teaches and mentors adolescents in a specific subject area, preparing them for college or the workforce.
Why pursue this career: A smart choice due to the consistent demand for secondary education teachers.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Education with a concentration in a specific subject
Job responsibilities: Works with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
Why pursue this career: A smart choice due to the specialized and growing demand for these roles.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Special Education
Job responsibilities: Manages the day-to-day operations of schools and educational institutions.
Why pursue this career: A stable choice given the need for leadership in educational settings.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Education Administration
Job responsibilities: Develops curricula and oversees teaching standards and school curriculums.
Why pursue this career: A prudent choice given the ongoing efforts to improve educational outcomes.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Education or Bachelor's in Curriculum and Instruction
Median salary for health care jobs, ranging from $35K to $80K
Overall employment growth in education jobs in the next decade
Openings in education jobs projected each year over the next decade
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education is the cornerstone of every society, and those who choose to impart knowledge play a crucial role in shaping the future. Earning a degree in education can lead to a fulfilling, stable career, whether you're nurturing young minds in the classroom or addressing unique learning needs.
Prepares students to teach young children and often leads to a stable career in public or private schools.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Tailored for those aiming to teach high school students, with specializations available in subjects like math, science, or English.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education
Focuses on teaching students with unique learning needs and often comes with increased demand.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Special Education
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.