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Should I Go Back To College? 4 Reasons the Answer is 'Yes'.

Adult Learner

If you’ve gone to college but didn’t finish, you’re not alone. In fact, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s Some College, No Credential (SCNC) report you’re 1 of 40.4 million Americans who earned some postsecondary education but didn’t complete their degree–yet.

But deciding whether to re-enroll in college? Well, it can feel a bit like a mental wrestling match. On the one hand, going back to school seems simple and straightforward. Just go. On the other, there’s a lot to think to do, like finding money for tuition, deciding which degree program is right for you and figuring out how to fit classes into your already busy life.

This guide can help you sort through all the things, so keep reading to find out if you should go back to school and, more importantly, why going back to college could be worth it to you.

Back to College as an Adult: Education for the Nontraditional Student

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re what’s known as a “nontraditional student.” That just means you turned 25+ on your last trip around the sun and/or you delayed college for some reason, such as family responsibilities or financial constraints.

If that’s you, you may be feeling a bit apprehensive about going back to college. Perhaps you’re concerned about feeling awkward. Maybe you don’t like the idea of being the oldest among a crowd of recent high school graduates.

Well, here’s something to put your mind at ease: You won’t be the only adult going back to college. In fact, if the numbers from the National Center for Education Statistics are correct, then there are plenty of back-to-college students age 25+:

41% increase in nontraditional students ages 25-34 from 2000-2017
4.4 million students ages 25-34 expected to be enrolled in 2028
5% projected increase in students 35+ by 2028

When it comes to paying for school, grants are among your best options. But do you know how to find them? Remove the guesswork by downloading this free guide

4 Compelling Reasons You Should Go Back To College

The value of a college degree goes beyond the usual anecdotal stories of how great it is. Here are four compelling reasons to earn your college degree–with the data to back them up.

1. Higher Income.

When it comes to lost earnings, dropping out of college is costly. According to the Education Data Initiative, college dropouts make an average of 32.6% less income than those who graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Even more disconcerting for non-graduates? The Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) says college graduates make, on average, $1.2 million more than non-graduates over their lifetime.

Bottom line: College graduates earn more.

2. Lower Jobless Rate.

Unemployment rates are consistently higher for those who don’t finish college versus those who do, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor (BLS). According to statistics from May 2023, the unemployment rate for those with “some college, no degree” was almost 5% compared to only 3% for those with a bachelor's degree or higher.

Bottom line: College graduates are more likely to stay employed.

3. Better Health Insurance.

According to the APLU, college dropouts don’t have access to the same benefits as college graduates. Instead, the APLU found that college graduates are 47% more likely to have employer-provided health insurance than dropouts. Not only that, employers of college grads contribute 74% more to health coverage than those who don’t finish college.

Bottom line: College graduates enjoy better perks.

4. More Attractive to Employers.

An Association of American Colleges and Universities workforce success survey says that employers recognize the value of a college degree. Nearly 9 in 10 employers reported that a college degree is either “definitely” or “probably” a worthwhile investment.

Bottom line: College graduates are more likely to catch the attention of hiring managers.

Going Back to College: 4 Big Questions Answered

Whether you should go back to college is a choice–your choice. But having answers to some of your nagging questions can help make your choice a good one.

1. Does going back to college make good sense, financially?

Getting your college degree is definitely an investment of time and money. Good news, though. A college degree can pay off big, especially in the long-run. How much? More than $1 million says the APLU.

2. If I go back to college, will I have to start all over?

Most likely, no, you will not have to start from scratch. Some colleges and universities have pretty generous transfer credit policies, so make sure to ask about transfer credit before you decide. Free tools like My Transfer Credit can give you a pretty good estimate in just a few minutes.

3. Is it too late for me to go back to college?

No way! It’s never too late to go back to college, no matter what age you are or what life’s thrown at you. Ask just about anyone and they’ll tell you that getting a college degree is a personal and professional achievement worth the time it took. Just keep in mind that the longer you wait to go back to college, the less likely it is that your previously earned credits will transfer. This is especially true for the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Because of the continuing advancement in these fields, STEM course credits typically expire within 10 years. Learn more about college credit expiration here.

4. How hard is it to finish a college degree?

That depends on you. Finishing your college degree takes commitment, for sure. But, with good planning, hard work and some support from the right college, it can be a whole lot easier to finish your degree. And as a working adult, it’s always a good idea to look for a flexible, online program that lets you earn your degree on your terms.

Ready to Finish Your Degree?

There you have it. Plenty of really good reasons, facts and figures to go back to college. Now, it’s up to you.

It’s a big decision, so take your time. And when you’re ready, make a plan that includes exploring your options, weighing the pros and cons, and talking with an admissions advisor.