Should You Go Back to School? 5 Questions to Help You Decide

Going back to school after you've already entered the professional world is a major decision. You might work 40 hours a week or more, have a spouse and/or children, or be caring for an elderly parent. Amid all your responsibilities, going to school requires a significant commitment.

Millions of Americans over age 25 attend college — nearly 6.3 million in fall 2023, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. These adult learners make up 32% of all postsecondary enrollments. If you've thought about going back to school for an associate, bachelor's, master's degree — or certificate — ask yourself these five questions. They can help you make a better decision.

1. Are You Seeking to Expand Your Career Opportunities?

One of the most common reasons adults return to school is for career advancement and job security. A report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that education attainment correlates with lower unemployment rates and higher earnings. At the time that report was written, those with a high school diploma had an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and those with a bachelor’s degree had a 2.5% unemployment rate. Workers with graduate degrees had the lowest unemployment rates and highest earnings.

If you want to advance in your career, manage a team, or move to a different company, there may be educational requirements to do so. In addition, earning a college degree can help you stand out among competing candidates.

Some roles require specific educational training to perform the duties. Earning a degree may help you learn the knowledge you need for a certain role. If you have already earned a degree, a certificate program could help you deepen your understanding of a topic or learn a new skill altogether.

2. Are You Changing Career Fields?

Changing jobs is increasingly common in today’s workforce. The BLS doesn’t track career changes because there’s no consensus on what differentiates a job change from a career switch, but they did find that people born from 1957 to 1964 held an average of 12.9 jobs from ages 18 to 58. Experts agree that younger workers (Generation X, Millennials, and Gen Z) change jobs even more often, citing a desire for greater flexibility and fulfillment. The World Economic Forum published a report stating that having many careers will be the norm and “to sustain a non-linear career, we’ll all need to be lifelong learners.”

Maybe your current field no longer provides the professional fulfillment you need. Perhaps you’ve grown and changed from the person you were when you chose your degree program years ago. You may have discovered a new passion. If you want to enter a new career field altogether, you may need training.

>>Read More: A Guide to a Successful Career Change

To determine if you need additional training, research open jobs in your desired career field and review the job descriptions. If most of them require a certain degree, you may benefit from going back to college.

For adults who want or need to keep working while they're in school, there are options, such as online universities that allow you to attend class on your own schedule.

>>Read More: Purdue Global FAQ Guide: How Does Online College Work?

3. Are You Thinking About Returning to Complete Your Degree?

Many people enter college and leave before graduating. According to a report from the Education Data Initiative, 39% of first-time, full-time bachelor’s degree-seeking students do not complete their degree program within 8 years.

Sometimes a degree is what you need to jump-start your life, especially professionally. By 2031, 72% of jobs will need postsecondary education/training. When you complete your degree, you may find new confidence and job opportunities you didn't have before.

If you have attended college in the past but didn’t graduate, you may be able to transfer your credits to a new school and earn your degree faster.

4. How Will a Degree Help You Meet Your Goals?

Before embarking on any big commitment like a degree program, you should ask yourself what you're trying to accomplish.

What are your goals? Is it a different job title? To be happier and more fulfilled? To pursue a different career in a new location?

Research whether the degree program you're considering will help you accomplish your goals. Make sure the program you choose can help you achieve the career you're considering. Diligent research can guide you toward the program and learning format that best align with your goals. The rewards can be great, but clarify what you want out of a degree program before you commit to one.

5. Do You Have the Time and Support You Need to Be Successful?

If you have a full-time job and/or take care of family, you'll need to make sure that if you attend college:

• You have a quiet study space at home or elsewhere.
• You have support for household and family responsibilities, such as chores or picking up the kids from school.
• Your schedule enables you to continue working, if needed, without college affecting your job.

Discuss the possibility of attending college with your boss. You might be able to negotiate a more flexible schedule, or an online degree may be a good option. Your work may even provide financial assistance to help you attend school.

It's important to be realistic with your family about the demands college will present as well. You'll need time to focus, rest, and lead a healthy lifestyle. If your family is not willing to shift responsibilities during this time, you might face challenges.

Good News: There’s a Way to Try College Before You Commit

Even if you're confident with your decision to go back to school to earn a degree, you may wish to try a class before signing up for a full commitment.

At Purdue Global, undergraduate students can experience online college for a 3-week trial period. Take real classes for real credits, and if you wish to discontinue at any point during the introductory period, you may do so with no tuition cost or financial obligation except for the application fee. This gives you a better idea of the time commitment and effort you'll need to devote to school.

Learn more about Purdue Global's online college programs for all types of degrees. We offer 175+ online programs that are designed to fit the busy schedules of working adults. If you’re ready to take the next step, request more information today.