Would you ever turn down a million dollars? You could be doing just that if you don’t finish your degree. Studies estimate that people with college degrees have $1.2 million more in median lifetime earnings than those without. And it’s not just about getting a bigger paycheck. Earning more also often leads to a longer life expectancy, better access to healthcare, and improved overall well-being.
If you started college but never finished, you’re not alone. Many adult learners start college but don’t finish. Nearly 4 in 10 students enrolled in full-time bachelor’s programs don’t graduate within eight years. Maybe you weren’t sure if college was for you, or maybe life just got in the way. Either way, earning your degree is important to stay competitive in today’s market and maximize your potential, in more ways than one.
If you’re interested in picking up where you left off in college, this article is for you. We’ll explore the reasons you should complete your degree, address some common concerns, and give solid advice for adults going back to college. By the end, you should have a good idea of whether this is the right next step for you. You can do it with a little planning and commitment, and we can help you map it out.
Why Should You Complete Your Degree?
While earning your degree is a lot of work, the payoffs are life-changing. At the end of your college journey, you’ll be rewarded with higher earning potential, more career opportunities, better job security, a larger social network, and personal fulfillment.
Increased Earning Potential
Forget side hustles and playing the lottery, a college degree is one of the most reliable ways to boost your income. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the more you learn, the more you will earn over your lifetime. As of 2022, the median weekly earnings for those with a high school diploma were $853, and bachelor’s degree-holders made 68% more at $1,432. We aren’t talking pocket change here; this can lead to a completely different lifestyle between these two earning groups.
If financial stability and increasing your long-term earning power are major goals for you, completing your degree is the best investment you can make.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Get passed over during the last round of promotions because another team member had a bachelor’s degree and you didn’t? You may have been the better worker, but credentials carry weight. If you start going for your degree now, you could be celebrating your new role in a year or two.
Having a degree isn’t just a formality. It shows that you’re ready to take on higher-level responsibility. According to the BLS, 53.9% of management roles require a bachelor’s degree. In fields like computer and information systems, healthcare administration, and finance, that degree is the difference between always taking orders and leading the team. If your goal is to become the project lead, department manager, or even reach the C-suite, earning a degree is your first step.
Enhanced Job Security
When the economy is in trouble, so is the job market. However, college graduates often face lower unemployment rates compared to non-college workers during these times. During the two-year Great Recession that began in 2007, non-college workers lost over 1 million middle-skill jobs (those requiring more than high school, but less than a bachelor’s) while college graduates gained almost 2 million. And even if a role doesn’t require a degree, many employers prefer it because it signals long-term commitment and potential.
Personal Fulfillment and Growth
There’s no greater feeling than fulfilling your personal goals. Earning a degree is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and tenacity. It’s not easy going back to college while juggling work, family, and everything else — but that’s exactly what makes it meaningful. You’ll make your family and friends proud and prove to yourself that you can accomplish what you set out to do, even when it’s tough.
Along the way to completing your degree, you’ll sharpen the skills you’ll need to advance in your career. The critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills you develop will set you up to become a future leader. That path to leadership starts with a learning mindset and the decision to say, “I’m ready and I’m starting today.”
Expanded Networking and Opportunities
What you know is important, but it’s only half of the equation. Who you know can launch your career trajectory into the stratosphere. As an adult learner, your network may already be strong, but college can help you deepen it.
Your college journey gives you direct access to professors, guest speakers, and peers with shared interests and ambitions. You’ll connect with classmates who are professionals in your field, gain access to alumni networks, and meet industry insiders through events and guest lectures. Take the opportunity to build relationships that could open doors for years to come. And don’t forget to give back and help out others along the way, too, because those bonds last.
Addressing Common Concerns
Are you excited about the thought of finally finishing college, but wondering where you’ll find the time and the money? Don’t worry, you aren’t the first and won’t be the last person with these questions. Many have been down the same road and have come out the other side to great success. Let’s go over a few solutions.
Cost of tuition
Planning your finances ahead of time is essential for peace of mind. Luckily, there are a few options available to fund your education, such as:
- Student Loans: There is no age limit for receiving federal student aid. Almost everyone is eligible for some type of aid. Simply complete a FAFSA form to see what you’re eligible for.
- Scholarships and Grants: Many scholarships and grants are based on merit, financial need, or a particular field of study. It’s worth looking into what’s available since it’s essentially free money that doesn’t need to be paid back. Don’t assume you won’t qualify. Even small awards mean less you’ll have to pay back, especially if you factor in interest.
- Employer Tuition Assistance Programs: If you are currently employed, your employer may offer tuition reimbursement to help pay for your degree. Just keep in mind there is typically a service commitment to your company for a specified period of time after your degree is completed (usually 1–2 years).
Time Commitment
Going back to school doesn’t mean all work and studying with no time for anything else. Many schools, like National University, offer flexible learning options, including:
- Online Courses: Learn at your own pace and on your own time while receiving the academic support you need
- Part-Time Programs: If you don’t have the bandwidth for a full course load, going part-time is the perfect middle ground to earn your degree without sacrificing too much time
- Accelerated Programs: Intensive courses that allow you to earn your degree at a faster pace
Advice for Adults Going Back to College
Going back to college may feel overwhelming, but don’t think of it as starting over. You’re leveling up. Keep the right mindset and follow some smart strategies, and you’ll find success. A few things you’ll want to explore are clarifying your goals, researching flexible learning options, building a support system, and learning how to organize and prioritize.
Clarify Your Goals
Before enrolling, take time to clearly define your objectives. Why are you finally completing your degree? Are you looking for:
- Career Advancement? A degree can help you get that promotion, move into leadership, or switch to an entirely new career path
- Personal Growth? Finishing your degree can give you a much-needed confidence boost and sense of achievement. Confidence is underestimated, but invaluable when it comes to career (and life) success
- Skill Development? If you need to update your skill set to stay competitive in the job market, a college degree will give you the best return on investment
Research Flexible Learning Options
Look for programs that cater to adult learners. They are designed with your unique needs in mind, plus you’ll be taking classes with like-minded peers. Look for programs that offer:
- Online degrees that provide flexibility for busy schedules
- Hybrid programs that blend online and in-person classes
- Accelerated programs that let you earn your degree faster
Build a Strong Support System
Going back to school is a big change, so it’s important that you prioritize your mental health and well-being. This means surrounding yourself with people who care about you and will help you stay on track. During this time, look towards:
- Family and Friends: Keep them informed of your schedule and goals. They can help keep you motivated, cheer you on, or lend a hand when you need it.
- Mentors: Find someone who’s done what you’re trying to do. They’ll have great advice and lessons learned from their own journey.
- Study Groups: Online or in-person groups can help you stay accountable.
Never hesitate to ask for help, especially when you feel like you’re in over your head. Your support system is there to help you, whether it’s for emotional, academic, or even logistical reasons.
Stay Organized and Prioritize
Going back to college as an adult learner means juggling a little more work and life to fit school into your schedule. Maintaining balance will mean:
- Setting Priorities: Know when to say no to extra commitments
- Creating a Study Schedule: Block out consistent time for coursework each week
- Setting Small Goals: Break big projects into manageable steps to maintain momentum
Consistency and progress, not perfection, are key. Getting your ideas down, even if they’re rough, gives you something to improve later. It’s far better to have a completed paper you can edit than a single paragraph of “just the right words” the day before a deadline.
Conclusion
Finishing your college degree isn’t just a box to tick off on a to-do list. It’s a life-changing milestone. You will be future-proofing your life by increasing your earning potential, advancing your career, enhancing job security, and expanding your network, all with a journey you’ll find personally rewarding.
No matter how old you are or how long it’s been since you were last in school, it’s never too late to invest in yourself and your future. At National University, our programs are built with adult learners in mind — with flexible, accelerated options and personal support to help you succeed at any stage in life. Get started today by chatting with one of our advisors and going over some of our flexible scheduling options.
Here are a few more helpful National University resources that will assist with your exciting decision:
FAQs
A degree can qualify you for promotions, open doors to new career paths, increase your earning potential, and enhance your job security. It also demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional development.
xplore financial aid options such as federal and state grants, scholarships specifically for adult learners, employer tuition assistance programs, and student loans. National University has grant, loan, and scholarship information that will fit the needs of most who need assistance.
Effective time management is key. Create a schedule, prioritize tasks, utilize online resources, and communicate your needs with family and employers. Look for programs that offer flexible scheduling options.
National University specializes in programs designed for working adults, offering online classes, accelerated programs, and part-time enrollment options. We can accommodate your schedule and put you on track for career advancement, growth, and long-term success.
It’s completely normal to feel that way, and the good news is you won’t be doing it alone. National University’s programs are designed with adult learners, like you, in mind.
Aside from working with your teachers to stay on track, you’ll have full access to our support services. This includes library resources and our Academic Success Center, which offers:
– Writing resources
– Math resources
– Research writing & APA style formatting help
– Study strategies
– Test prep
– Course companions
