There’s something of conventional wisdom that the proper time to go to college is right out of high school. While many students choose to pursue this path, there are many others who find themselves approaching their mid-20s without having furthered their education. This can happen for many reasons, some of which include:
- not being financially able to attend the school of your choice
- not knowing what you would want to major in
- having other personal or financial obligations that may require you to work full-time
Many of your peers may have already completed their bachelor’s degrees. Or maybe they’re pursuing postgraduate studies. That shouldn’t discourage you from pursuing your own academic goals. Going back to college after 30 can be a surprisingly intimidating idea. Keep in mind, however, that many online colleges today create their programs and learning models with the adult learner in mind. You might be pleasantly surprised to see that many college students who are taking online classes are either around your age or older. In fact, the average age of adult learners going back to school is 34.
How Do You Get Back Into College At Age 30
Transitioning back to college at age 30 can be a difficult task, but with the right preparation and a positive attitude, it can be done. First and foremost, you must identify which degree will give you the best skills for an eventual job or career. This requires research into both course offerings as well as what type of degree will bring the most value in terms of knowledge and networking when you complete your studies. Additionally, make sure to set up a budget that works with your unique needs in mind. Finally, take advantage of all resources available such as counseling services or discussion groups geared specifically towards returning adult students. With these few steps, along with commitment and dedication to success, you should have a successful transition back to college at age 30.
Six Reasons You Should Finish College At Age 30 or Beyond
You’re Still Young
Believe it or not, life is still just starting for you when you’re 30 years old. Even though many of your peers may be ahead of you in the area of education, feeling as if you’ve missed your chance to pursue higher educational opportunities at this point in your life is no reason not to go back. Many people decide to pursue college in their 40s, 50s, or even after they have retired. That said, 30 is far from being too old to go back. Many colleges and universities even encourage nontraditional students to enroll, with some offering special financial incentives for those who do. With all of this in mind, you should understand that the idea of your being “too old” to go back is all in your head. Put this idea out of your mind as soon as possible, as it can only hold you back.
You Probably Know What You Really Want to Do at 30
One of the most common reasons that students do not move on to college or university right out of high school is that they don’t know what they want to study or what career they want to pursue. Believe it or not, this is a perfectly valid reason for taking as many years off as you need to make that decision.
Too many students end up going to the next level of education only to accrue debt by studying something they later decide they have little interest or talent in the subject area. Or they waste entire years of their lives – and money – by changing majors later in their college career. If you’re thinking of returning to school at age 30, chances are that you’ve finally decided what path you really want to pursue your education and career. Knowing this can actually mean that you are in a better position than many of the younger students you’ll be attending school with when you return.
You May Have Skills Younger Students Don’t Have
There’s a common perception that students who transition directly from high school to college are better prepared for the rigorous environment associated with institutions of higher education. This misperception comes from the idea that their study skills are still sharp from previous schooling. While there may be something to this, it isn’t the final word on who is really better prepared for the rigors of a college or university. Regardless of your situation, you can always improve your study skills while in college. If you’ve spent the years between graduating from high school and now working or living on your own, there’s a good chance that you’re actually better prepared to deal with the stress of college.
Skills such as balancing different projects and managing time well acquired while working can be directly applied to your studies. If you’ve made productive use of your years away from education, you’ve probably gained at least a few useful skills that you wouldn’t have had when you were 18.
There’s No Good Reason Not To
One of the best reasons to go back to school at 30 is that there’s simply not a good reason not to. If you’ve decided that you really want to go back and pursue further education, there isn’t anything that should get in your way or stop you from achieving your goal. Just remember, if you don’t do it now, you’ll only end up getting more and more frustrated with your lack of action in returning to college as you get older. Rather than letting it be a thorn in your side, go back now while you’re still young and enthusiastic about the prospect.
Advance Your Career
By completing your degree or upskilling beyond your undergraduate degree, you open up more career opportunities. You can advance in your current company or look for another job with higher pay and more responsibility. While not every job requires a degree, most companies may require one if you want to be considered for a promotion down the road. Don’t let career advancement opportunities pass you by.
Change Careers
If the program you want to complete is different from the job you’re doing today, you can make a career transition once you’ve finished your degree. Doing something you love can greatly enhance your overall happiness and job satisfaction levels.
Practical Things to Consider Going Back to College after 30
Will your credits transfer to the school of your choice?
If you’re planning to re-enroll in the school where you earned your credits, this won’t be an issue. But if you’re planning on enrolling in a different school, talk to the admission counselor to find out if all of your credits will transfer to the new school. Ideally, you want ALL of your credits to transfer. If they don’t, money spent will be wasted and you’ll have to retake – and repay – for courses you’ve already completed. Schools have a maximum number of credits they will accept. As long as they have a course that somewhat matches, they will likely transfer over to your new college.
How Soon Can You Complete Your Degree?
The amount of time it will take you to complete your degree will depend on your current personal and professional responsibilities. It will also depend on the course availability – how often the school offers courses. Some schools offer classes every four to eight weeks. The shorter the duration, the quicker you can finish your degree. You should take into consideration the length of a college’s course terms when picking a college in your adult years.
How Will You Pay for Your Degree?
Figure out how you’re going to pay for your degree. There are so many options to pay for school these days. The perks to going back to school as an adult is that your employer may offer tuition reimbursement benefits. Those benefits can help offset any out-of-pocket costs. Decide if you’re going to take out a private loan, pay cash or use tuition benefits. You should also look into if you’re going to apply for any form of federal student aid.
Choose an Online College Program
Not only are online college degree programs convenient and, sometimes, more affordable, but many online college-level classes are also filled with adult learners. Additionally, online college programs offer many of the same benefits you will find at your traditional brick-and-mortar college. Some benefits may include
- real-time access to your professors
- group discussions with other students
- online career services
- tutoring services to help you with your coursework
Key Takeaways
There are many reasons that support going back to college after 30 makes sense. Just because you’ve taken a few years off doesn’t mean that you can’t return to school and have a great college experience. Aside from simply improving your earning potential and helping you to learn about topics you are interested in, returning to school can help you make new friends, open up opportunities you may never have known existed otherwise, and even improve your confidence as a result of having taken on such a lofty goal and achieved it. If you’re 30 and have decided that you want to go back to school, don’t let anything stand in your way. Instead, prepare your application, enroll and enjoy the experiences that only college or university can bring.
