Every journey starts with a single step. Once you have decided to make a major change, there are many paths from which to choose. It is common for adult and non-traditional students to have concerns about returning to school. Many think, “It’s too late for me to go back to school. I’m too old.” Or “I don’t have the time to go back to school. I have other priorities.” Or “I won’t succeed because it has been so long since I was in high school, and I was never really great at high school anyway.”
These are perfectly reasonable concerns, but the fact is, anyone can go back to school after being away from the classroom for many years. In fact, thousands of adults, many just like you, do so every month. Education does not have an age or time limit. If you are considering going back to school but are not sure it is the best decision for you, you are not alone.
This guide will help you finally get an answer to the age-old question, “Should I go back to school?”
Why Go Back to School
Not everyone will have the same motivations or reasons behind their choice to pursue an education as an adult student. It is a personal decision that you have to make for yourself. Unfortunately, returning to school is not a be-all-end-all solution. It won’t solve all your problems. It is a single step in the journey of achieving your ultimate goal. Regardless of the reason you return to school, you will have to do your research to ensure that it will be an effective way to achieve your goals.
Here’s a list of the most common reasons people return to school and what to consider to ensure that you get the most out of your decision:
- Earning a Higher Income: Be sure to research the average income of your new field’s entry-level positions. Check out local job postings for your desired position to see what is being offered. You will also need to consider the cost of earning a degree in your calculations to maximize your investment. Sometimes, relocating to a new region (especially a large city) can mean higher earning potential and more career opportunities. The downside is that it can mean a higher cost-of-living or a longer commute.
- Unhappy in Current Career: This might take a little soul-searching, but you need to determine the cause of your unhappiness in your current career. For example, you might currently hold a desk job but would like a more physical job that allows you to work with your hands. Or, you may have shift work at odd hours and desire a more traditional 9-5 job. Understanding what you want and do not want will enable you to choose a career that will make you happy. Maybe you don’t have a career, and you are bouncing from job-to-job, stocking shelves, waiting tables, or working the register, and now you want a career.
- Want to Complete Your Education: Whether you are currently sitting on unused college credits or want to earn a degree to move up in your field, going back to school can help. Contact schools to see whether your current credits will transfer.
- Want to Accomplish a Dream: Sometimes, the best motivation is proving that we can accomplish our dreams, even when we do not believe it is possible. If you have something to prove, even to yourself, take each challenge day-by-day, and you will see just how far you can go. Maybe you’ll be the first in your family to earn that coveted diploma.
Going Back to School: Your Options
There are many options available for those who want to return to school and pursue a degree. Choosing the best option for you can be overwhelming. However, understanding the pros and cons of each option can help you make an informed decision. Here is a breakdown of education options for adult students.
Trade School
Individuals interested in learning a trade, or a job that requires specialized skills that are not typically taught at a four-year school, should enroll in trade school. Students can earn a professional certification, diploma, or associate degree after completing their trade school program. Common trades include medical office administration, welding, carpentry, information technology, veterinary technician, and more.
Pros of Trade School
- Learn Specific Skills: Earning your professional certification or diploma through trade school means eliminating general education requirements. You will only take courses that are related to the trade. This will save you a considerable amount of time (and potentially, tuition.)
- Earn a Hands-On Education: Trade school enables students to pursue a hands-on education learning on-the-job skills instead of listening to lectures in a classroom.
- Flexible Programs: Trade programs can be online or in-person, depending on the program. Additionally, most trade programs can be completed in as little as two years, with some programs taking less than a year to complete.
- Many Types of Tradespeople are in High Demand: It is an ideal path for an adult student who wants to earn their credentials and move to a new position quickly.
Cons of Trade School
- Limited Fields: There are many fields outside the scope of a trade school. For example, if you want to pursue creative work such as journalism or obtain an advanced professional degree such as a doctorate, trade school is not the best option.
- Laser-Focused Coursework: The focus on learning a specific skill set is not a good fit for a student that wants to learn about a broad range of subjects. Associate degree programs enable students to study more topics.
Four-Year School
A four-year school is an institution in which students can study various subjects to earn a college or university degree. The most commonly earned degree at a four-year school is a bachelor’s degree, which is considered more advanced than an associate degree.
Pros of a Four-Year School
- Earn Advanced Degrees: At a four-year institution, you can earn post-secondary degrees, including a bachelor’s degree, and in many cases, a master’s or doctorate.
- Broad Range of General Education: Students can explore a broader range of topics throughout their studies at a four-year school. They can do so before declaring a major to ensure that they are genuinely interested in the subject they choose.
- Enter a Wider Variety of Fields: Four-year schools almost always have a larger variety of fields of study. Most notably, they include STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and fine arts subjects.
Cons of a Four-Year School
- Time: It generally takes a full four years or more to complete a bachelor’s degree. Many students at a four-year university do not complete their degree in four years or less. The U.S. Department of Education realizes this and actually measures the six-year graduation rate at accredited institutions as a more accurate reflection of the institution’s success.
- More Competition: Most four-year schools are large institutions with thousands of students. Class sizes can often top hundreds of students. It can be easy to get lost in the mix. Not to mention, as a bachelor’s degree is the most popular degree earned in the U.S., you may face much more competition in the job market.
Is Going Back to School Right for You?
Ultimately, whether going back to school is the right choice for you depends wholly on your circumstances. Moreover, it is an entirely personal decision. You should take time, sacrifices, and career opportunities into heavy consideration before making a final decision. In short, you will have to do your research, starting with finding the right school.
Whether you are considering a trade school or a four-year school, IMBC is happy to answer your questions, address any concerns you may have, and share with you information on the resources available to help you succeed. IMBC is a trade school with both in-person and online programs for students of all ages, backgrounds, and career experience (or lack thereof). We have helped adult students achieve their goals, whether by earning a professional certification or entering an entirely new field. We would love to help you achieve yours. Let us help you Discover Your S.P.A.R.K.