Not too long ago, all you needed to ensure a successful professional career was a high school diploma.
Because of this, many high school graduates either only dipped their feet in higher education, or bypassed it altogether to pursue their career.
Those days, however, have largely passed.
And the economic recession of 2008 particularly brought this to light, as many trade workers were laid off from their jobs and returned to college to either finish, or start, their college degrees.
In fact, it's estimated that student enrollment in higher education institutions increased by 10 percent in the wake of the recession.
Though the recent recession highlights the importance of a college degree in today's world, the fact of the matter is that it's never too late to go back to school.
And these days, with the increase in the number of online classes and night courses, it's perhaps easier to go back to finish a degree than ever before.
Why Go Back to School? Generally speaking, the higher your education, the greater earnings potential you have.
In fact, it's estimated that the median annual income for people with a high school diploma is only about $28,000 compared to a $50,000+ average annual salary for someone with a Bachelor's degree.
An increased earnings potential is one key reason to return to school - here are a few others:
That's because you don't necessarily have to sit in a physical classroom to do it.
More and more colleges and universities are offering online classes, where you can learn virtually and on your own time.
Here's a look at some of the benefits of taking online classes:
Here's why you shouldn't be:
And there's perhaps no better time to do it than the present.
Because of this, many high school graduates either only dipped their feet in higher education, or bypassed it altogether to pursue their career.
Those days, however, have largely passed.
And the economic recession of 2008 particularly brought this to light, as many trade workers were laid off from their jobs and returned to college to either finish, or start, their college degrees.
In fact, it's estimated that student enrollment in higher education institutions increased by 10 percent in the wake of the recession.
Though the recent recession highlights the importance of a college degree in today's world, the fact of the matter is that it's never too late to go back to school.
And these days, with the increase in the number of online classes and night courses, it's perhaps easier to go back to finish a degree than ever before.
Why Go Back to School? Generally speaking, the higher your education, the greater earnings potential you have.
In fact, it's estimated that the median annual income for people with a high school diploma is only about $28,000 compared to a $50,000+ average annual salary for someone with a Bachelor's degree.
An increased earnings potential is one key reason to return to school - here are a few others:
- Better job security: People with greater qualifications are those who have greater job security.
- Networking: College allows you to interact with peers and professors.
You never know where a job lead may eventually come from and the more connections you have, the better. - Learn new skills: The more skills you can list on your resume, the better.
Learning new skills can give you a competitive advantage over other job applicants.
That's because you don't necessarily have to sit in a physical classroom to do it.
More and more colleges and universities are offering online classes, where you can learn virtually and on your own time.
Here's a look at some of the benefits of taking online classes:
- Just about any degree program is offered, giving you a lot of choices to select from.
- Some colleges are specifically online, so any degree you pursue, classes will be taken exclusively on the Internet.
While you may be weary of this type of curriculum, employers aren't.
In fact, many employers are beginning to consider online degrees to be just as valuable as conventionally-earned degrees. - Learn when you want: You can take online classes anytime you want.
This permits you to work a full-time job and still earn college credits toward a degree, as you can complete your coursework when you're off the clock. - Save time, money: Online classes are often cheaper than taking conventional classes.
Plus, you can cut down on travel time and expenses.
Here's why you shouldn't be:
- There's a plethora of scholarships out there for adult students or re-entry students - it's just up to you to find and apply for the ones you qualify for.
- As we mentioned above, online classes are one learning option that's cheaper and more flexible compared to normal classes, thereby allowing you to learn and work at your current job simultaneously.
- Financial aid: Get in touch with your prospective college's financial aid department to see how they can help you.
And there's perhaps no better time to do it than the present.
Source...