Adults Returning to College: Why It’s Worth It

Graduation season is an emotional time, particularly for families of students who are heading off to college. As you watch your child receive their diploma at their commencement ceremony, you know that this is a moment in which years of dedication and achievement culminate. It may evoke long-buried emotions about your own educational experience, too, giving you pause and encouraging you to reflect on your goals and ambitions.

At this time of change and transition, you may be feeling ready to consider going back to school as a parent. Returning to school as an adult is more common than you may think, and the programs at St. Thomas University Global (STU Global) are designed with modern learners in mind. It’s entirely possible to balance your education alongside your current responsibilities, meaning your dreams are still within reach.

Graduation Season Can Spark New Personal Goals

The moment that your child graduates is one you will cherish forever. Not only are you celebrating their accomplishments, but you are also looking toward the future. There’s a sense that the possibilities are endless for them, and in turn, you may feel some relief knowing you will have more time to focus on your own ambitions and goals.

Many adults choose to put their education on hold earlier in their lives for a variety of reasons, from family responsibilities to financial considerations. If you had to pause your educational journey in the past, now may be the perfect time to take another look at your options. Data published by Today’s Students Coalition revealed that more than 25% of college students are over the age of 25. In fact, 1 in 10 adult learners going back to college is 40 years of age or older. As you consider returning to school as a parent, then, you are certainly not alone. You will likely encounter many peers in similar situations, particularly if you choose to enroll in an online degree program designed for working adults.

Your child is embarking on a new journey defined by independence and personal growth. Thus, you may find yourself with additional availability, presenting the opportunity to prioritize those goals you once put to the side. After all, earning your degree is both a personal accomplishment and an investment in your career.

A Moment of Reflection for Many Families

More than just an event, the commencement ceremony is a symbol of perseverance and an ode to the power of education. As you sit in the audience and watch your child receive their diploma, you may find yourself reflecting on your own educational journey. It’s a powerful reminder that education is not an experience exclusively available to young people; for many, lifelong learning is a lifestyle.

The benefits of going back to college later in life are numerous. As Higher Education Today explains, adult learners are interested in more than just career advancement opportunities and a salary boost. When you witness the culmination of your child’s journey in real time, you may feel compelled to take your own step forward. By returning to college as an adult, you can set a positive example for your child, discover new opportunities to serve your community, and deepen your understanding of the complex issues facing the world today.

Why More Adults Are Returning to College

In recent years, there has been a noticeable influx in the number of adult students enrolling in degree programs. These contemporary learners are looking to up-skill to pursue new career opportunities, hone their leadership skills in hopes of advancing their careers, or discover the personal fulfillment that comes from advanced education.

Adult students are considered the new majority student population, due to the increase in online degree programs and the accessibility of higher education today. There are several reasons why adults go back to college, with many being motivated to improve their job security, build upon their interpersonal skills, or adapt to changing technology.

Career Advancement Opportunities

When asked why they are returning to college as an adult, most report that they are seeking a career change through education. Pursuing a degree can help individuals leverage their existing personal and professional experiences to build upon their foundation and strengthen their qualifications. Earning a college degree can better prepare professionals for leadership roles or other career advancement opportunities.

While education supports the development of the key practical and technical skills needed in a specific field, earning your degree also allows you to learn more about topics with which you are unfamiliar, discover new interests, and showcase your commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. The value of earning a degree as an adult extends far beyond salary boost alone, as many feel that the learning process is highly rewarding on a deeper level.

Building Soft Skills That Support Career Growth

College for working adults has never been more accessible or attainable. Many older students return to school in hopes of developing the core competencies required for career advancement in their fields. While this provides an opportunity to grow those fundamental skills, it’s also an excellent way to continue building the soft skills valuable in today’s workplace.

Soft skills can give you a competitive edge in an evolving professional landscape. Among the most notable addressed in an online degree program include:

Self-motivation
Collaboration
Communication
Digital literacy and technical proficiency
Critical thinking
Problem-solving
Networking
Time management
Adaptability and resilience

Soft skills are gained through engaging online coursework, which entails virtual lectures, discussions, and collaborative learning experiences with real-world applications. Working with advanced online learning tools and discovering how to connect with their peers and instructors, adult students become better collaborators and decision-makers. In fact, many can begin applying their learning immediately in professional environments and reaping the benefits of their education in real time.

Skills Adults Gain When Returning to School

When you initially decide to return to school as an adult, you are probably going to be focused on choosing a degree program that best supports your career goals. Along the way, however, you are also developing proficiencies that support both personal and professional growth.

Adult students are often able to strengthen their leadership and collaboration skills, learn new ways to communicate, and enhance strategic thinking and data-driven decision-making competencies. These transferable skills are in demand across numerous industries and work environments, reinforcing the broad value of earning a degree at any point in your life.

Programs That Support Adult Learners at STU Global

STU Global offers online degree programs designed with adult learners in mind, helping students build practical skills and leadership abilities while balancing their education alongside other competing priorities. Earning a business degree, for instance, as an adult at STU Global lets you develop foundational knowledge in business, management, and leadership that is applicable across a wide range of industries and sectors.

In addition to the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management and BBA in Finance online programs at STU Global, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Organizational Leadership degree is tailored toward students striving to improve their leadership and organizational skills. This innovative program prepares individuals to guide teams and contribute to organizational success, and it’s a popular option among adult learners who have previously started a bachelor’s degree program but were unable to finish it. With an emphasis on leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and ethical decision-making, this program is relevant and valuable amid shifting business environments.

Taking the First Step Toward Your Own Graduation

As you watch your child graduate, you are witnessing the end of one chapter as well as the potential beginning of a new one. It’s at this moment that you, too, can take the next step toward your own goals. Your child’s graduation can represent a milestone that motivates you to focus on yourself once again.

Returning to college as an adult can open the door to professional opportunities and enable you to prioritize personal growth. The programs at STU Global present pathways for students who are ready to begin a fresh educational journey.

Learn more about our online degree programs, and apply to STU Global today.