Your Back-to-School Plan

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!

Your STEM back to school plan

Is Earning My Bachelor’s Degree Really Worth It?

Higher Earning Potential

Broader Career Opportunities

Personal Growth & Development

Networking Opportunities

Flexibility & Adaptability

Graduate celebrating wearing a cap and gown
  • 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.

Resources to Fund Your Education

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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.

File Your FAFSA

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

Student filing their FAFSA
  • 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.

Student filing their FAFSA

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?

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Top Careers in STEM

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.

  • Software Developer

    Software Developer

    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

  • Data Analyst

    Data Analyst

    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

  • Civil Engineer

    Civil Engineer

    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

  • IT Manager

    IT Manager

    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

  • Biotechnologist

    Biotechnologist

    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

  • $101K

    Median salary for computer and IT jobs, ranging from $60K to $137K

  • Above Avg

    Overall employment growth in computer and IT jobs in the next decade

  • 378K

    Openings in computer and IT 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

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Best STEM Bachelor’s Degrees

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.

  • Computer Science

    Computer Science

    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

  • Engineering

    Engineering

    Specializations like mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering tend to have strong job placements and ROI.

    Example Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering

  • Information Technology

    Information Technology

    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

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!

Your Next Steps

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.

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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

Your Next Steps
CEO at a restaurant

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.