You've got this!
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:
- Advice for completing your bachelor’s
- Funding tips and tricks
- Career and degree options based on your area of interest
- And more!
We know there’s a lot of information here, and we don’t expect you to read it all at once. We suggest bookmarking this link so you can come back later!
Is Earning My Bachelor’s Degree Really Worth It?
Higher Earning Potential
Broader Career Opportunities
Personal Growth & Development
Networking Opportunities
Flexibility & Adaptability
84%Higher Salary
Typical earnings for bachelor’s degree holders are 84% higher than those whose highest degree is a high school diploma.
$1.2MMore Lifetime Earnings
College graduates on average make $1.2 million more over their lifetime.
50%Less Likely to Be Unemployed
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.
Associate Dean of General Education, Point Loma Nazarene University
Resources to Fund Your Education
Your First Step to Funding Your Degree: File the FAFSA
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.
It Unlocks Financial Aid Opportunities
It’s Not Just for Freshmen
It’s Not Just for Federal Aid
It Helps You Plan
It Matters When You File
BillionsIn Scholarships
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.
85%Receive Aid
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).
~HalfOf Employers Offer Educational Benefits
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
3 More Ways to Save Money on Your Degree
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.
Transfer as many credits as you can.
Look for accelerated programs.
Take classes one at a time.
Try These Tools
Appily’s Scholarship Database
The nation’s largest, multi-billion dollar scholarship database can help you discover funding opportunities that you don’t have to pay back.
ACE Credit for Prior Learning
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.
College-Level Exam Program (CLEP)
CLEP exams let you test out of introductory courses and move to more advanced courses sooner, saving time toward your degree.
How Can Your Life Experience Shape Your Career Options?
Top Careers in Health Care
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.
Registered Nurse
Job responsibilities: Provides patient care, support, and education in various healthcare settings.
Why pursue this career: A smart choice due to the high demand for healthcare professionals.
Related degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Healthcare Administrator
Job responsibilities: Manages healthcare facilities, overseeing operations, staff, and budgets.
Why pursue this career: A stable choice due to the increasing complexity of healthcare systems.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration
Physical Therapist
Job responsibilities: Helps patients improve movement, manage pain, and recover from injuries.
Why pursue this career: A wise choice due to the growing emphasis on rehabilitation and preventative care.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Physical Therapy (Pre-PT or Health Science with a focus on Physical Therapy).
Occupational Therapist
Job responsibilities: Assists patients in developing or regaining skills for daily living and working.
Why pursue this career: A smart choice due to an aging population and increased focus on rehabilitative care.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Occupational Therapy (Pre-OT or Health Science with a focus on Occupational Therapy)
Clinical Psychologist
Job responsibilities: Assesses, diagnoses, and treats psychological disorders through therapy.
Why pursue this career: A prudent choice given the rising awareness and importance of mental health.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Psychology (typically requires further graduate study to become a clinical psychologist)
$78K
Median salary for health care jobs, ranging from $44K to $159K
Above Average
Overall employment growth in health care jobs in the next decade
1.8M
Openings in health care jobs projected each year over the next decade
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
How a Bachelor’s Degree Can Help You Reach Your Goals
Best Health Care Bachelor’s Degrees
The healthcare sector is ever-evolving, constantly in demand, and offers some of the most rewarding careers. Degrees in this field not only provide stable employment and competitive salaries but also the chance to make profound impacts on individual lives and communities.
Nursing
This degree is in high demand, with nursing positions offering competitive salaries and job security.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Health Administration
Prepares students for managerial roles within hospitals and other healthcare organizations.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Health Administration
Psychology
Job responsibilities: While many advanced positions in psychology require further studies, a BA in this field can lead to entry-level roles in counseling, HR, and market research.
Why pursue this career: A wise choice given the critical role of financial planning in both corporate and personal finance.
Related degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Explore Your School Matches
Appily partners with institutions across the country that are known for having exceptional programs and providing strong outcomes.
No matter which career or degree you choose, you’re likely to find a path to success at these colleges and universities.
Ready to Take On Your Future? Start Here!
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:
Write your “why.”
Write your “how.”
Follow the Steps to Apply!
Let’s Address Your Top Barrier for Completing Your Degree
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.
Your Step-by-Step Guide for Applying to College
Applying to college as an adult can be a different experience than applying straight out of high school, but the core steps remain similar.
Get Organized
Research and Shortlist Schools
Understand Application Requirements
Gather Necessary Documents & Letters
Keep Track of Deadlines
Complete Applications
Submit Financial Aid Applications
Follow Up
Spotlight: Build Your Application Timeline
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:
- 12-18 Months Out:
- Begin research on programs and institutions.
- Start preparing for any required standardized tests.
- 9-12 Months Out:
- Take standardized tests if required.
- Begin drafting personal statements or essays.
- Request transcripts and letters of recommendation.
- 6-9 Months Out:
- Finalize your list of schools and understand their deadlines.
- Begin scholarship and financial aid research.
- 3-6 Months Out:
- Complete and submit applications.
- Apply for financial aid and scholarships.
- 1-3 Months Out:
- Follow up on applications and financial aid.
- Prepare for interviews if required.
- Post-Submission:
- Await responses and make informed decisions based on acceptances and financial aid packages offered.
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.