According to the Lumina Foundation, 38% of undergraduate students are older than 25, 58% are working while enrolled in college, and 26% are raising children. The typical student nowadays juggles life, school, and work to provide a better life for themselves and their family.
At ACU Online, we pride ourselves on cultivating an environment that allows these adult learners to return to school and pursue the degree they always wanted. Designed specifically for working adults, our programs are flexible with our curriculum and classes and affordable with our pricing and scholarships.
Still, do you need a little more convincing? Check out the top three reasons why working adults should return to school and why ACU Online could be the perfect fit.
Reason #1: Remain competitive in the workforce.
Whether you’ve been at your job for one year or 20, getting a degree increases your competitive advantage when looking for a new job: from entry to executive-level positions. The American job market prioritizes and values college education. According to a study from Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute, 65% of all jobs require some form of postsecondary education and training beyond high school, with 35% of job openings requiring at least a bachelor’s degree. This percentage is only projected to grow in the future. As a result, as companies hire more and more recent college graduates, older adults will have fewer opportunities to rise through the ranks and increase their earning potential. By scaling up your skills through higher education, you can refine and enhance your current professional expertise, including perfecting your writing abilities and learning to manage multiple projects and assignments simultaneously.
So, while it might feel daunting to go back to school, the return on your investment for getting a higher education degree can really make the difference between moving up or staying in your same position and pay rate.
Reason #2: Fully online programs make it easier to transition back into school and complete your degree.
Let’s face it – life happens. Kids, mortgages, and work commitments can all get in the way of finishing your education. However, that does not mean that your personal goals and dreams should be on pause forever. As online programs become increasingly popular, it’s easier now than ever to apply, attend, and complete your degree all from the comfort of your home. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the pandemic and other economic factors particularly have accelerated the shift to hybrid or fully online programs, making these programs more accessible for returning adults to complete their education on their time and dime.
In an interview with National Public Radio, author Rebecca Klein-Collins describes the logistical hurdles adults face when they’re considering returning to college. In her book Never Too Late, Klein-Collins explains that while returning adult students might feel like they’re behind because of their work, life, or family situations, “they are the kinds of people you see in classrooms these days. It’s not that unusual.” With over 2,500 nationwide universities now offering fully online programs, it’s become less of a challenge for returning adult students of all ages and seasons of life to start, finish or continue their educational journey.
Reason #3: A degree is more affordable than you think.
With nearly half of adult students returning to school over the age of 30, it’s understandable that you might have a few concerns about whether or not you have enough money for college. Juggling extra financial issues can feel like there are too many obstacles between you and your future education. Thankfully, that’s why ACU Online has established Locked-In Tuition, a program designed to freeze your tuition rate until graduation. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to apply for in-house scholarships and financial aid during your application process. Whether you’re looking to pay out-of-pocket, thinking about securing a loan or applying for a Pell Grant, there are so many options to choose from when it comes to affording your degree. You should also consider whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement.
Returning to school can be a daunting process for anyone. But don’t fret! At ACU Online, we have over 40 degree and certificate programs specifically geared toward those interested in leveraging their professional career. Our team is ready to take your call and get you where you want to be. Visit our website or call 855-219-7300 to learn how you can step into your exciting, innovative future at ACU Online.