How to Go Back to College As an Adult
Returning to college as an adult should be easy, although that is rarely the case. For most people in adulthood, work responsibilities, family obligations, and daily life can all get in the way of earning a degree. But if you’ve dreamed of getting a degree or pivoting careers, it’s not too late.
More adults are taking advantage of flexible solutions to earn a degree. Whether you’re an adult learner — a student who’s at least 25 years old looking to further their education — or a nontraditional student — a person returning to college after a significant gap since their last formal education — online degrees with asynchronous classes and degree completion programs make getting a world-class education on your terms more accessible than ever.
The guide below breaks down why you might pursue a degree, what to consider when choosing a program, and how scholarships can help you save more on tuition.
Already have a bachelor’s degree?
Review our guide on earning a second bachelor’s degree.
How to Go Back to College as an Adult
Going back to college as an adult can seem daunting, but with careful planning, it can be an opening to learn new skills, showcase your expertise, or pursue a new career. Here are six steps to help guide you as a nontraditional student returning to college:
1. Consider your career goals.
Deciding on a career path up front can help you determine the best degree for your goals. Whether you want to pursue nursing, business, or engineering, selecting a specialization or area of interest can save time and allow you to focus on colleges that offer a program that works for you.
But if you don’t know what you want to do, that’s okay, too. You can speak to professionals in fields that interest you or take some courses to see how well they fit your interests.
2. Compare degree completion programs.
If you already have some college credits or hold an associate degree, a degree completion program can help you graduate sooner by applying past credits or work experience toward your bachelor’s degree.
These programs are designed for adults returning to school and may offer flexible scheduling, evening courses, or asynchronous classes. Degree completion programs are also known for student support to help make the degree more achievable.
3. Check accreditation.
Checking institutional accreditation protects your time and money. It confirms that the college and degree have strong academics and strong governance. Attending a college with institutional accreditation ensures that graduate schools and employers recognize your degree.
Depending on your major, you may also need to check for programmatic accreditation. In fields like nursing, allied health, and social work, employers may require that you graduate from an accredited bachelor’s program.
4. Compare program formats.
You can find online or on-campus degree programs, part-time or full-time programs, or other learning formats to meet your needs. For example, consider whether you prefer synchronous or asynchronous learning formats and whether your degree program is offered in an online or hybrid format.
You’ll also want to double-check any internship or on-campus lab requirements and factor in the travel time and costs.
5. Review degree costs.
Degree costs vary significantly between public and private colleges. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), the average undergraduate tuition for state residents at a public university was $9,750 in 2022-2023. For private colleges, that average jumped to $35,248.
How much you’ll pay depends on how many credits you can transfer toward the bachelor’s degree. You could save more on the degree by earning credits at a community college or getting credit for work experience.
6. Find scholarships for adult learners.
Scholarships for nontraditional students or adult learners can help diffuse the cost of college. In addition to checking for state-specific or institutional scholarships for adult learners, you can check national scholarships by degree or specialization.
Did You Know…
The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reports that as of 2017, only 62% of students complete their degree within six years. But returning to school can pay off: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 2024, bachelor’s degree-holders earned a median of $30,524 more annually than people with only a high school diploma.
Why Do Adults Go Back to School?
There was a time long ago when a person would proudly stick with one job until retirement and then be rewarded with a handsome pension and gold watch. However, American workplaces have evolved technologically, and with it, the way of thinking about a career has changed.
Sarah Ancel, senior vice president at Complete College America, shares: “There’s a monetary value, but for folks switching careers, it’s as much about finding something that aligns with your interests. For adults without any college degree at all, research tells us that it will have a positive economic value for you as well.”
Here are some reasons adults go back to college in their 40s and beyond.
- Remain Competitive in the Workplace: As businesses such as high-tech companies change rapidly, a degree can help you maintain relevance and learn valuable skills. It can also help you keep up with younger colleagues.
- Career or Salary Advancement: Returning to school can lead to promotions, raises, or employment with a desired company. It can also help you start a business or build multiple income streams.
- Second Act: As people live longer and are healthier than before, many realize that, with decades ahead of them, they can still begin new careers. For many, a midlife transition can lead to a job that offers greater personal meaning.
- Retirement Security: With questions about Social Security resources and more Americans with insufficient retirement savings, older adults continue to work longer to build up savings and improve their financial security in their golden years.
- Finishing What You Started: Whether finances, family, or other commitments kept you from finishing a degree program when you were younger, completing it can give you a sense of accomplishment or set an example for your kids.
- Financial Support: Many states, organizations, and schools now offer scholarships or financial awards to older students to help entice them back to school. Many employers recognize the value of advanced training and may provide tuition reimbursement to help you earn a degree.
Expert Q&A: Tips for Adult Learners
We interviewed Sarah Ancel and Norma Feriz-Gordon, college and career success coach on the college and career planning team at the New York City Public Schools’ Office of Student Pathways, about adult and nontraditional students.
Q: Are there any emerging trends in higher education that specifically benefit adult learners returning to college?
Feriz-Gordon: There are many emerging trends that would benefit adult learners returning to college.
- The 90-credit, three-year bachelor’s degree seems to be gaining popularity. In addition to saving time, students are able to focus on their major requirements sooner and lessen the number of general education courses, saving the student time and money.
- More certification programs that lead to a livable wage with pensions, benefits, and better career satisfaction.
- Several ways to earn credits toward college degrees, including career training programs, CLEP examinations, life credits through portfolios, non-matriculated courses, and more.
- The ability to pursue trades at colleges and universities at a fraction of the tuition prices at traditional trade schools.
Q: How are schools and organizations helping nontraditional students return to college?
Ancel: Students should first look at state-level resources. Many states have resources through their higher education departments, and some resources are available at the school level.
Within institutions, I’d advise adult students to find out if there’s a coaching program in place or, if there isn’t, to find a faculty member on their own who will take the time to help them navigate the institution and advocate for that student’s behalf if they run into trouble.
Many cities nationwide are also part of The Graduate Network, in which volunteers are mobilized in the community to help students find the resources they need. They will also work with institutions to enroll these students and finish their degrees.
Q: What are the advantages of having older students in the classroom?
Ancel: One of the most often overlooked aspects of older students is the value they bring to the classroom. Older adults are active learners, attentive, and know why they’re there. They have the confidence to ask questions, engage, and integrate their earlier experiences to enhance learning and make deeper connections.
Anecdotally, adults returning to college can see their professors as peers, engaging with them in open dialogue and squeezing every minute out of every class. I’ve seen that firsthand and certainly, the faculty we work with validate that.
Q: What are some common mistakes adult learners make when returning to college, and how can they avoid them?
Feriz-Gordon:Not carving out or planning for additional time outside of class. Not anticipating the challenges of having younger or not same-aged peers. Adult learners may also not realize the challenge of returning to school after an extended period of time and meeting the time demands of balancing family and social responsibilities.
Lastly, adult learners may not budget properly and plan for technology, books, and other financial items associated with returning to school.
Q: What should older adults know about paying for college?
Ancel: First, I’d say to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). There’s often more financial aid available than people know, but the way to find out what’s available at the federal and state level is to fill out that FAFSA as soon as possible.
Students across the country can qualify for federal Pell Grants. Many states have need-based programs and are looking at ways to change their eligibility so that more adult students can access those funds. And in some states, tuition is free for older adults.
FAQ About Returning to College
Yes, you can leave college and come back to finish your degree program. In addition to degree completion programs, you could enroll in a standard degree program at your previous college or transfer credits to a new college. How many credits you can transfer depends on your college’s transfer policy, although some also give credit for military or work experience.
