Adults Returning to College: Statistics and More

Choosing to go back to school as an adult is never a light decision. With so many different things to balance, including childcare, other family responsibilities and even work, there’s a lot to consider when thinking about enrolling in a degree program.

The good news is that when it comes to making this decision, you aren’t alone. There are plenty of other adults thinking about doing the same thing. In fact, there are plenty of statistics that prove this.

Costs Are One Worrisome Factor

According to a study done by Full Circle Research, over 75% of all adults who are thinking about going back to school worry about taking out student loans to pay for it. Along those lines, 70% in general are worried about the overall cost of college and think that they may not be able to afford it.

While these are legitimate worries, there are a few things that can rest their minds at ease:

• Low Percentage Rates – Student loans are offered at fairly low percentage rates, as long as they’re through the federal government. Private student loans are where the higher rates are found.
• Payment Plans – Federal student loans come with a variety of payment plans, from a percentage of income to complete loan forgiveness once a certain number of payments have been made if the student is working for the federal government or a non-profit organization.
• Grants and Scholarships – There are plenty of grants and scholarships out there, some of which are aimed at adult students who are going back to school. Since these don’t need to be repaid, they can make the cost of school worthwhile.

The Overall Worth of a Degree

Although it makes sense to worry about the overall costs of going back to school, other studies have shown that the cost is more than made up for once entering the job market. According to a study down by Lightcast, people who attend college are:

• 22% more likely to have children who end up with even better jobs in the future
• Earn an annual lifetime salary that’s over 140% higher than those without a degree
• Gain a raise of around $7,500 per year over those who didn’t go to college

The Statistics Make Adult Learning Worth It

Adults worried about the overall cost of school simply need to examine the benefits and see if they outweigh the negatives. In many cases they do, showing that those who attend college have higher earning power and the potential to set their families up on a path of upward mobility. These are just two the main points that make going back to school worth the cost.

Go Back to School at Dean College

If you’re ready to start balancing your work and family life with school in order to improve your circumstances, then consider Dean College. We have plenty of full-time and part-time degree programs available, allowing you to attend classes that fit your schedule.

Ready to get started? Request more information, today!