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.
A bachelor's degree is your gateway to a variety of rewarding careers across multiple industries. Each path we’ve highlighted is not just a step towards achieving your professional goals; it's a chance to make a meaningful contribution to society. These careers exemplify the diverse and impactful roles that await you with a bachelor's degree.
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: 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
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: Designs and creates computer programs and applications.
Why pursue this career: A wise choice due to the central role of technology in modern life.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Computer Science or Bachelor's in Software Engineering
Job responsibilities: Educates young children in fundamental subjects, fostering their development and learning. Or, 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 teachers.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Education
Job responsibilities: Enhances user satisfaction by improving the usability and accessibility of a product.
Why pursue this career: A smart choice because of the focus on customer experience in product development.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in User Experience Design or Bachelor's in Graphic Design
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)
Offers a foundation for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and court systems.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Covers the management and security of information systems and can lead to roles in cybersecurity, network administration, and IT consulting.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
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
This degree is in high demand, with nursing positions offering competitive salaries and job security.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
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.