Going Back to School At 30: Is It a Good Idea?

It’s been said that being 30-something is, perhaps, the best decade of life. Agree or not, there truly are a lot of nice things about being in your 30s. Many 30-somethings are more confident, focused and optimistic than they were in the 20s.

Your 30s also are considered a pivotal point in your career. You’re old enough to have knowledge and experience, yet young enough to learn and do new things.

If you’re in your 30s and are looking to advance your career (or start a new one), now is an ideal time to go back to school and finish your college degree.

Why Should You Go Back to School at 30? Education Pays

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the more education you have, the more likely you are to be employed–and to have better lifetime earnings.

Current data prove that earning a college degree (even in your 30s) can be a really good thing, not just for your career, but also your bank account.

Is Going Back to School at 30 Worth It?

Despite the fact that earning your degree can make you more employable and a higher earning,  it can be a little daunting to think about going back to college at 30.

For one thing, life is a little more complicated–and busy–than it was just 5 or 10 years ago.

So, perhaps you’re wondering if it’s even possible to balance being a 30-year-old college student with having a day job, personal commitments and family responsibilities. Or, if it’s been a minute since you were in school, you might be wondering if you have what it takes to meet the demands of coursework at your age.

Fear not. Even if the thought of earning or finishing your degree is both overwhelming and exciting, chances are, going back to school at 30 will be worth it.

Mature students in their 30s and beyond are more than capable of earning a college degree compared to their 20-something counterparts. Even better, when you’re 30, you can go back to college and still keep your full-time job.

4 Best Reasons to Get a Degree at 30

On the fence about going back to college? Here are four things to consider to help you make up your mind.
 

1. You’re ready to sharpen your skills.

One of the good things about going back to school in your 30s is that you already have plenty of  on-the-job experience. When it comes to job hunting, that’s a distinct advantage over younger students who have little to no experience on their résumés.

Not only that, with your work experience you’ve had ample opportunity to figure out what you’re good at, what you like and don’t like to do, and which areas you’d like to grow in. Whether you want to specialize in a subject, add a particular skill to your professional toolbox or explore a personal interest, going back to college for personal development is most definitely a good idea.

2. You’re looking to change careers.

Now that you’re in your 30s, you have a better sense of what you want from your career. Plenty of students in their 20s aren’t so sure about their major let alone their career ambitions. Some may earn a degree that they later realize isn’t right for them. You, on the other hand, are more confident in your choices and more focused on your goals, which makes going back to school a good idea, especially if you’re ready for a career change.

3. You’re interested in boosting your earnings potential.

It’s okay to want to earn a better salary. (Hint: Most people do.) If you enjoy your work but aren’t earning the money you’d like or deserve, then going back to college at 30 is a good option. It’s likely that finishing your bachelor’s degree will result in some kind of a salary bump.

In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), finishing your degree gives you way more earning potential (63%) than those with only a high school education.

In general, a college degree demonstrates to employers that you’re a self-motivated, willing-to-learn individual and, as a result, are more like to enjoy:

• A higher salary due to increased performance
• Better assignments and greater responsibilities
• Consideration for promotions and new opportunities

4. You want to grow your professional network.

Another good reason to finish college in your 30s is to build and grow a professional network. In college, you’re exposed to all types of people from diverse backgrounds, each of whom brings a unique perspective.

Developing your professional network also is a good way to organically find a mentor, meet others who are passionate about the work you’re passionate about, and grow your career for the long term. Plus, as you grow your network, you’ll also grow in knowledge about relevant topics, emerging trends, fresh data, and better ways to connect and communicate.

4 Worst Reasons to Get a Degree at 30  

Going back to school at 30 is a good idea–unless you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. Here are four of them.

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1. You’re bored.

Bored with life or your job? It happens. But that’s not a good enough reason to go back to school in your 30s. Remember, earning a degree is an investment of time, money and energy. To make it across the finish line, you’re going to have to manage your time and apply yourself; which means you’ll need more than boredom to keep yourself motivated.

2. You don’t know what else to do.

Whether you’ve been to college before or this is all new to you, it’s not uncommon to not know what to major in. Make sure you have a clear idea of where you want to take your career first, then decide which degree program can help you get there.

Don’t forget to take the time to consider your interests, passions and career goals all together. Having a clear direction will help you decide which university and degree program is right for you.

3. You think it’ll automatically lead to your dream job.

While you’ve already seen the connection between employability and earning potential with more education, don’t make the mistake of thinking that finishing your college degree means your dream job will be instantly yours.

Investing in your future with a college degree is only the first step in fulfilling your career goals. In between there’s a lot of hard work that has to happen. So, be realistic about your expectations. Better yet, take a look at the career path of others who already have what you want. Then check yourself and see if you have the perseverance and work ethic it takes to get it.

4. You’re ready to be the perfect student.

You’re older and wiser so college classes should be a breeze, right? Wrong. The best online degree programs are rigorous and challenging. While it’s good to want to excel in your courses, it’s just not realistic to think you’ll be a perfect A++ student all the time.

Instead, focus on learning new information, growing your skills and developing yourself as a professional. It’s okay to work hard and earn a B or C, instead of an A. What really matters is that you’ve put in the effort, learned something valuable and are on your way to reaching your career goals.

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going Back to School In Your 30s

Now that you know all the best and worst reasons to go back to school at 30 and earn your college degree, here are some self-reflection questions to ask before re-enrolling in college.

Degree

• Have I asked reputable professionals in my field which degree is best for my chosen career path?
• Have I looked at current job openings to see what employers are looking for?
• Is the projected job growth for my field average or better than average?

Program

• Are there other adult-learners in my chosen degree program?
• Is the curriculum designed so that I can still work and have a family while earning my degree?
• How reputable is the online degree program and will I have technical support if I need it?

Tuition

• Can I get financial assistance in the form of aid, scholarships or tuition reimbursement?
• Does the college or university accept previously completed coursework or on-the-job experience for credit?

Your Turn

Of course, going back to school is a major investment. The hard work, plus the personal, professional, and financial commitment will be worth it though as long as you:

• Find a school that fits your needs as an adult-learner.
• Set realistic expectations.
• Manage your time well.
• Work hard.
• Stay connected and motivated.
• Take advantage of all the available help and resources.

Finally, remember this 30-year-old-college-student. You got this!

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