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: 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)
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
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).
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)
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)
Median salary for health care jobs, ranging from $44K to $159K
Overall employment growth in health care jobs in the next decade
Openings in health care jobs projected each year over the next decade
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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.
This degree is in high demand, with nursing positions offering competitive salaries and job security.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Prepares students for managerial roles within hospitals and other healthcare organizations.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Health Administration
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
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.