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 Technology and STEM fields are the engines of innovation, driving the future forward. The career paths we've identified are at the forefront of this progress, offering not only lucrative salaries but also the excitement of being part of cutting-edge developments. A bachelor's degree in these areas is a ticket to a career at the pulse of technological advancement.
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: Interprets complex data sets to help companies make strategic decisions.
Why pursue this career: A smart choice because of the increasing significance of data in business strategies.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Data Science or Bachelor's in Statistics
Job responsibilities: Designs and supervises the construction of infrastructure projects.
Why pursue this career: A stable choice given the ongoing need for urban development and infrastructure maintenance.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Civil Engineering
Job responsibilities: Oversees an organization's computer-related activities and technological needs.
Why pursue this career: A prudent choice due to the pervasive reliance on technology in business operations.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Information Technology or Bachelor's in Computer Science
Job responsibilities: Uses biological organisms to develop new products and technologies.
Why pursue this career: A smart choice because of the rapid advancements and potential in the field of biotechnology.
Related degrees: Bachelor's in Biotechnology or Bachelor's in Biology
Median salary for computer and IT jobs, ranging from $60K to $137K
Overall employment growth in computer and IT jobs in the next decade
Openings in computer and IT jobs projected each year over the next decade
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The STEM field drives innovation, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in our technologically advanced era. With industries like tech and engineering witnessing explosive growth, degrees in this sector offer a blend of creativity, problem-solving, and a promise of high returns.
With tech industries booming, this degree offers a path to various high-paying roles in software development, AI, and more.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Specializations like mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering tend to have strong job placements and ROI.
Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering
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
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.