As of 2019, over 1.6 million adults 40 and beyond were enrolled in college (Chronicle of Higher Education). Going back to school at 40 has never too late to earn your dream degree. However, if you are a mid-career expert, you might be speculating if it’s too late to earn your degree. Well…it’s not!

You’re certainly not alone — numerous adults decide to continue their education, and do so effectively. The decision requires both time and money. Moreover, today’s evolving educational formats also make it easy for mid-career experts.

Undeniable Benefits of Going Back to School at 40 years or Beyond

The earnings gap between people with college degrees and those without is noteworthy. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) revealed, graduates with a master’s degree or higher have 28% higher earnings than those with a bachelor’s degree.

Your life experience will be an advantage. You will be able to take advantage of the time management skills that you've developed juggling work and family responsibilities over the past years.

Going back to college at 40 or beyond will also help you advance your career or make a career change. The degrees will be upgraded, your career will be boosted and ultimately, you will be completely up-to-date.

Going back to college at 40 or beyond will also provide an opportunity to pursue educational interests you never had the chance to before.

Learning new technologies along with tools to help future-proof your skill set. This will also increase the job security and improve upward mobility. You will be advancing to management or leadership roles.

Learning as a Non-traditional Student

Going back to school at 40 comes with lots of challenges. But with a proper plan, you will be able to overcome these.

  • You will need to make adjustments to your schedule
  • Be mentally ready to feel a little out of place at first
  • Bring years of professional experience and life lessons
  • Make your family your study support group
  • Stay focused on your end goals
  • Consider online accelerated degree programs

Also, make an accustomed budget for you or your family and stick to it!

Choose An Institution that Meets Your Needs

Finding an organization that can cater to adult learners along with their unique requirements is crucial. The flexibility of online accelerated school means that you can fit your education in with your existing lifestyle.  

Online schools cost just a fraction of what campus-based organizations charge, for example. Additionally, earning from home also allows learners to skip additional expenses around housing, commuting costs, meal programs, and more.

Some of the best careers going back to college for at 40 or beyond are ---

  • Healthcare
  • Finance
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Marketing
  • Business
  • Sales
  • Administration
  • Web Developer
  • Writing/Language for writing or copyediting
  • Mental Health Counseling
  • Fitness Instruction through a certificate program

5 Brownie Ways to Balance School, Work, and Family

Here are some helpful tips for balancing life as an adult learner ---

Try to make a plan and calendar by ensuring that you have a list of all textbooks, materials, and class times.

Make a dedicated set time each day or week that is your uninterrupted and unnegotiable study time.

Make sure you have a good study area.

Ask for the help from your family and friends to help you stay on track with your studying and your academic goals.

Consider online classes.

Conclusion

Make sure to brush up on your hard and soft skills. if you research the correct path and program, you will surely achieve your career dreams! East Bridge College is an ideal college for experts who are 40 or older that want to get their dream degree. We have prepared higher education for ambitious, goal-oriented adults.

Get in touch with our admissions office today.


Written By : Victoria Lewis