Has It Been Decades Since You Were a Student? 4 Big Ways It Pays Off

Sherry McQueary graduated high school in 1983. At the time, she wanted her future to involve college, but it seemed unreachable.

“As a girl, I wasn’t expected to go to college after graduation. I never got to continue on even though I wanted to,” she says.

Nearly 40 years and a happy family of six later, McQueary found herself unable to advance in a career she loved. But going back to school for a bachelor’s degree in business administration felt daunting.

Where many people would have seen that ceiling as their limit, she refused. If you’ve ever thought it was too late to earn your degree, McQueary breaks down four reasons it’s worth it — even when you haven’t been a student in decades.

1. Her paycheck increased considerably.

All along, McQueary’s employer wanted her to move into a bigger role. But without a degree, she had to turn down opportunities. Once she got going, things started to change almost right away.

“Because I was going to school, I received two promotions during my four-year degree. And then about 18 months after I graduated, an external recruiter reached out to me and offered a position I couldn’t refuse,” she says.

It was a big change, moving to a new position at a new company after 20 years in her role — but it paid off in a big way.

“From the time I started my degree until now, I’ve doubled my income,” she says.

2. Purdue Global provides robust support — both in and out of the classroom.

McQueary admits the technological aspect of pursuing an online degree gave her pause before jumping in.

“I learned to use my resources, and I was not bashful whatsoever to ask for help. I remember I went to my son-in-law and asked how to make the square root symbol on my keyboard. I’d never had to type out a math problem before,” she says, laughing.

But, she adds, Purdue Global has a wealth of resources to help people in her situation. McQueary relied heavily on the Purdue Global Academic Success Center, which offers live tutoring, technology assistance, study strategies, paper and project review services, writing guides, and help with time management.

And the community she found both surprised and delighted her.

“It was a challenge going back to school as an older learner. But there were also a lot of others like me, and we did reach out to each other and helped each other,” she says.

3. She has the self-assurance of fulfilling a dream.

Finally earning the credentials she wanted to chase back in 1983 hasn’t just changed what she can do. It changed how she thinks about what she can do.

“It’s done a lot for my confidence,” McQueary says. “Leaving a job I’d had for 20 years; I don’t know that I would have been able to do it — not only because of the degree, but without the belief in myself I earned on the way there.

“I’m proud I was able to complete my degree. I wanted to prove to myself, as well as to my family, that with hard work and dedication, you can do anything you set your mind to.”

One of McQueary’s favorite things about her post-diploma life is a level of financial stability that allows her to enjoy more relaxed moments — like trips to the beach. (Photo provided)

4. She’s moving toward retirement with peace of mind.

Thinking about the future isn’t as stressful as it used to be.

“The significant increase in salary helped us prepare for retirement, which is approaching soon,” McQueary says.

And in the meantime, there’s more enjoyment in life.

“It’s helped me be able to take vacations, too,” she adds. “It’s just made things a lot more fun and a lot more relaxing, a lot less financial struggle.”

If going back seems overwhelming, McQueary recommends small steps. She started with an associate degree (“I needed my goal to be closer,” she says). Then it was just two more years to her bachelor’s degree. In the end, it was just another short push toward a graduate certificate. Now, after spending 40 years with no degree beyond high school, she is considering a master’s degree.

“If I go back for a master’s degree, that’ll just be for me. It’s not necessarily going to help my career, but it really makes me proud,” she says. “I walked at graduation on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus, and I was overwhelmed by how exciting it was. That’s when I realized how proud I was of myself.”

McQueary says going back to school motivated her employer to advance her right away. “Because I was going to school, I received two promotions during my four-year degree,” she says.
(Purdue Global photo/Kelsey Lefever)

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