Key Takeaways
- Millions of adults go back to school each year, with flexible online, accelerated, and other formats designed to fit busy schedules.
- Adult learners often return to college to change careers and increase earning potential.
- Creating a clear plan, choosing the right program, and building strong study habits can make going back manageable and rewarding.
Michelle Bartula asked herself a difficult question eight years into her career: Should I go back to school?
For nearly a decade, she taught social studies at a high school near Chicago, encouraging students to embrace knowledge and to invest in their futures.
But Michelle debated whether she wanted to do the job for another 30 years.
Over time, her desire to support people through real-life challenges – not just lessons – and interest in becoming a mental health nurse practitioner grew.
And just like that, Michelle, who once led classrooms, found herself learning from others again.
Is It Too Late to Go Back to School?
Millions of people attend college as adults, so no, it will never be too late for you to go back to school.
Those aged 25 and older make up 62 percent of the student population at Portage Learning. Michelle enrolled in the accredited institution, which offers self-directed, online college courses, so she could complete the prerequisites needed for nursing school on her schedule.
You could also go to a community college or register for an accelerated program.
These days, many programs cater to the unique needs of adult learners.
Top Reasons Adults Go Back to School
Adults who attend college pursue postsecondary degrees for different reasons than someone who goes fresh out of high school. They return to:
- Finish a degree: Life happens. If you put your degree on hold, completing what you started will provide a well-deserved sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to go after your dream job.
- Advance or change careers: Further education can teach you new technology or industry-specific skills that apply to your role. It shows employers you take your career seriously, and you could qualify for other opportunities. Alternatively, if a job no longer fits your goals, going back to school allows you to transition into something new.
- Increase earnings: People with a bachelor’s degree make 62 percent more each year, on average, than those with just a high school diploma.
- Set an example: Many students who attend college later in life want to teach their families you can achieve your goals at any age.
Best Degrees and Programs for Adults Returning to School
Most adult learners return to the classroom with at least some work experience.
As mentioned, your previous job may even be why you go back – and because of that, picking the right college major matters.
The following fields offer ample opportunities and provide the career growth, flexibility, and stability people who attend school as an adult desire.
Nursing and health sciences
As the size of the older adult population grows, more professionals will be needed to take care of them.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 189,100 registered nursing jobs will open each year through 2034, an above-average outlook. RNs earn $93,600 annually and work with a range of patients in various settings.
Other careers in the medical field that provide similar benefits include:
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Physicians
- Healthcare administrators
- Medical coders
- EMTs and paramedics
Computer science
With this type of degree, you can land well-paying, remote-friendly jobs after graduation — especially as we become more dependent on technology.
Three of the top 10 careers in high demand require a computer science major. Those roles include:
- Data scientists
- Information research analysts, and
- Operations research analysts
If you enjoy utilizing tools and algorithms to unveil hidden patterns in raw data and generate meaningful insights that help companies make decisions, these jobs could be a good fit for you.
Business
You will gain foundational skills for leadership, marketing, and operations roles with a business degree.
Some of the specialties you can pursue include:
- Economics
- Accounting
- Management
- Human resources
It will also open job opportunities across a broad range of industries.
Paralegal studies
If you want to advance your career sooner, consider becoming a paralegal.
These highly specialized law professionals conduct legal research, draft documents, manage case files, and communicate with clients.
You need an associate degree or a certificate in paralegal studies, which takes about two years to complete.
Criminal justice
Earning an associate degree in criminal justice may be another good way for you to further your education.
The major can help you pursue a rewarding and exciting role as a:
- Police officer
- Private investigator
- Corrections officer
- Evidence technician
How to Pay for School as an Adult
You may be worrying about how to pay for school if you go back — and rightfully so.
It costs twice as much to earn a degree today than at the start of the 21st century, but you can make higher education more affordable through:
- Grants: Do not need to be repaid unless you withdraw from school or fail to complete an obligation of the award.
- Work-study: Allows you to earn money to pay for your schooling by working part time.
- Scholarships: Awards funded by nonprofit and private organizations, based on factors such as academic merit, talent, or field of study.
- Loans: Money you borrow and must pay back with interest.
- Employer programs: Tuition assistance or reimbursement offered by employers to help cover the cost of courses.
You should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, each year you attend college, which decides how much and what type of financial aid you can receive.
Other ways to save on tuition include:
- Enrolling in online college courses: Courses at Portage Learning remain significantly less than the average four-year public university charges in-state residents.
- Considering CLEP exams: The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) provides an opportunity to receive college credit by taking one of 34 tests in five subject areas. Exams cost $97 plus your test center’s administration fees.
Online vs. In-Person Learning for Adults
Another possible concern? The time needed to earn your degree.
For adults juggling full-time jobs, raising children, and handling other responsibilities, commuting to a campus and committing to a semester schedule can be difficult.
But one in four students took all of their courses from a computer during the 2024-25 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics – a perfect alternative for adult learners.
Other benefits of online learning include:
- Cost savings: You do not need to budget for gas, parking, or meals. Tuition at Portage Learning also includes all text and video materials needed for your course, putting more money back in your wallet.
- Self-directed format: Portage Learning allows you to enroll in a course today and start tomorrow rather than wait for a new semester to begin. Just log on to your device and work through the material when your schedule allows.
- 24/7 access: Enjoy a one-to-one relationship with your professor at Portage Learning. You can message them via your student dashboard to further explain material you do not understand or ask questions. Faculty also provide regular feedback on your work and grade exams within 72 hours so you can stay on track with your academic goals.
Tips to Balance School, Work, and Life as an Adult Student
You can also manage your responsibilities more effectively by:
- Avoiding perfectionism: There will be challenges as an adult learner – and you may not be able to give 100 percent in every area of your life during this time. Prioritize what you can and give yourself grace.
- Creating realistic goals: Break your coursework into small, manageable tasks and set achievable deadlines. Focus on steady progress rather than doing everything at once.
- Using a planner: Keep track of courses, due dates, appointments, and personal commitments in one place to stay organized and reduce stress.
- Communicating with your support system: Lean into the resources available to you. Meet with your professors during their office hours to ask questions about your assignments or ask your institution’s career center to help write your resume and cover letter. Let family and friends know you may need extra support.
- Making time for self-care: Prioritize sleep, good nutrition, and exercise to maintain your physical and mental well-being. Reward yourself for meeting your goals, which helps to maintain your motivation.
How to Go Back to School as an Adult (Step-by-Step Guide)
As Michelle started more seriously debating whether to go back to school, she recognized the need for a plan. The following steps ensured her success – and can help you too:
- Determine your why
Before enrolling, ask yourself:
- What do I want to change about my career or life?
- Do I need more education to advance or something else?
- Am I ready to attend college?
Michelle’s desire to become a mental health nurse practitioner stemmed, in part, from her cousin’s suicide.
“From that moment I promised myself I would be more present for those I care about and it gave me the passion to care for those in a crisis,” she says.
Her experience as a youth sports coach also influenced the decision.
“I enjoyed teaching others life skills such as resilience, teamwork, and determination and my athletes felt comfortable coming to me for help,” Michelle adds. “It made me realize that I liked working in a caring and helping manner and less in the educational way.” - Find the right college path for you
Once you know what you want to study, you’ll need to decide where and how you’ll earn the degree.
Does that entail online courses? Part-time enrollment?
You should develop a financial plan too, calculating the total education cost.
Choose a program that fits your needs and research the admission criteria before you submit your application. - Apply
Gather all of the documents your college requires for admission such as:
- A completed application form
- Official high school/GED transcripts
- Records from any previous institutions
- A personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Test scores
Keep track of key deadlines so you can enroll on time and gather course materials, such as textbooks.
- Develop good study habits
Ellen Crefeld, an academic success coordinator at Portage Learning, says it can initially be difficult for adult learners to get back into the swing of school.
“There are a lot of things to learn, and I find myself talking to students about that a lot,” she explains. “We work through strategies of how to do that and truly understand your course.”
Some of the tactics Ellen recommends include:
- Creating a quiet, clutter-free space to improve focus and productivity.
- Using practice tests, spaced repetition, and other learning techniques will keep you engaged with the material.
- Avoiding all-nighters and multitasking while studying since it hinders your performance.
- Graduate – and Celebrate Your Accomplishment
Be proud of yourself!
Returning to school as an adult requires commitment. Recognize each achievement that allowed you to earn your degree, including:
- Finishing a course
- Meeting a study goal
- Pushing through difficult weeks
Afterward, take advantage of the new career opportunities and increased confidence.
Should I Go Back to School as an Adult? Final Thoughts
Deciding whether to attend college later in life comes with a lot of questions – none more important than whether you should do it.
According to Ellen, you know your answer if you can clearly define your goals.
“When I talk to a student, I always start with, ‘What are you trying to do?’” she says. “I try to remind them why they’re doing this and even though it might feel hard to study anatomy right now, it’s a step on your path to what you want to do, and it makes getting through school a whole lot easier.” Michelle agrees, calling the return to college a worthwhile lesson.
She quit her teaching job last year to begin working as a mental health technician and enrolled in an accelerated Master of Nursing program at Elmhurst University.
“I know I have the right mindset and personality to provide comfort and care to those in need.”
(Explore online, self-directed college courses from Portage Learning and discover how going back to school as an adult can fit your schedule, career plans, and future goals. Credits earned transfer to more than 2,800 institutions nationwide.)
Still looking for answers?
Check out the FAQs about this article below.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too late to go back to school?
Millions of people attend college as adults, so no, it will never be too late for you to go back to school. Those aged 25 and older make up 62 percent of the student population at Portage Learning.Why do people go back to school?
Adults who attend college pursue postsecondary degrees for different reasons than someone who goes fresh out of high school. Most adults want to finish a degree, advance or change careers, increase earnings, or set an example for their family.What are the best degrees for adults going back to school?
Popular degree programs for those going back to school include:- Nursing and health sciences
- Computer science
- Business
- Paralegal studies
- Criminal justice
