Adult Education Could It Be The Path For You?


Bachelors degree

It can be difficult to decide whether or not you should go back to school, especially if you have the kind of responsibilities that most adults do. For many adults, there is no “going back” to school — you’re starting fresh, going to college for the first time. Some, conversely, already have some credits under their belt and want to complete a degree. Others are returning to school to get a higher degree, like a masters degree. No matter what you want, you need to know that it is possible to return to school, even if you aren’t in your twenties anymore. Yes, school does require a certain level of commitment. But many Rhode Island colleges now offer adult education programs that help students balance their academic lives with their personal and professional lives. You can go to work and finish your degree in a timely manner — and going to school doesn’t mean giving up your family life. In fact, adults with children should perhaps consider returning to school more than anyone else, for reasons that we’ll explore below. The point is that going back to school doesn’t have to mean giving anything up; in fact, it can mean opening new doors for yourself and those that you love.

What Are The Advantages Of Returning To School?

Firstly, let’s get one thing out of the way — returning to school doesn’t necessarily mean living on campus and living the same college life as an eighteen-year-old student. You’ll still live in your same home, and going to school doesn’t have to disrupt your regular routine very much at all. Rhode Island colleges now often offer online courses, as well as night courses that can be completed after you’re done with work. Some even offer courses that take place during the weekend. With that being said, no matter how you finish your degree, having an undergraduate degree or a graduate degree can really change your life. An estimated 83% of college attendees report that their degrees have paid off in some way. Getting your degree can help you become more qualified for full-time jobs; in 2013 alone, 89% of college-educated millennials worked full-time. Perhaps even more importantly, having a degree means that you can expect a higher salary than those who haven’t attended college. Studies have shown that Americans with four-year college degrees made 98% more an hour in 2013 than those without degrees. One of the reasons why degrees are so important is that they make people more competitive in an increasingly packed job market. But if you do want to return to school for a degree — what should you consider?

What Kind Of Degrees Are Best For Those Returning To College?

This is a very individual decision — and there are a lot of factors that go into deciding what degree you should pursue. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you may want to consider going for a graduate degree. Some Rhode Island colleges offer master’s programs, while others are exclusively geared towards students pursuing bachelor’s degrees. For that matter, different Rhode Island colleges are known for different specialties; some will be better for students interested in science, whereas others will be geared towards students interested in the humanities. If you want to stay within the same career field — and simply become more competitive — you should perhaps consider a degree that applies to your field. Certain companies will even pay for employees to return to school and get a higher level of education.

How Can I Balance School And Life?

Often, an issue that occurs with people deciding to pursue adult education is a worry about balancing school with life — especially if you’re a parent. Luckily, schools that offer adult education programs can work with you. Many even offer counselors that can help you design a schedule that will best fit your needs. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice — your education is too important to pass up.