{"id":51617,"date":"2021-08-24T13:25:48","date_gmt":"2021-08-24T18:25:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/?post_type=advice&#038;p=51617"},"modified":"2026-02-12T09:31:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T15:31:54","slug":"going-back-to-college-in-your-30s-10-reasons-it-will-be-easier-than-you-think","status":"publish","type":"advice","link":"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/advice\/going-back-to-college-in-your-30s-10-reasons-it-will-be-easier-than-you-think\/","title":{"rendered":"Going Back to College in Your 30s: 10 Reasons It Will Be Easier Than You Think"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are plenty of reasons why you might be considering going back to school to finish your bachelor\u2019s degree. Maybe something kept you from completing your degree (or enrolling in school in the first place). Maybe you\u2019re looking to change careers. Maybe you\u2019re vying for a promotion, or maybe you\u2019re hoping to be more competitive in a cutthroat job market.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While our typical idea of a college student is an 18-year-old who\u2019s fresh out of high school, lots of adults in and beyond their 30s are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/advice\/im-an-adult-wanting-to-finish-college-where-do-i-start\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">returning to school<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to earn their degree. And for good reason! Students with a college degree have a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/careeroutlook\/2021\/data-on-display\/education-pays.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">measurably higher median salary<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than those with a high school diploma. Are you looking to get your bachelor\u2019s but worried that you missed the opportunity? Don\u2019t worry! Here are 10 reasons why earning a degree in your 30s is not just possible, but also easier than you think.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"aboun-content-1-350x250 aboun-entity-placement\" id=\"aboun-2843927918\"><div id=\"aboun-2523165758\" data-cfpa=\"56559\" data-cfpw=\"56559\"><div style=\"border-left:5px solid #66A889; background:#f7fbf9; padding:18px 20px; margin:28px 0; border-radius:6px;\">\r\n  <div style=\"font-size:17px; font-weight:700; margin-bottom:6px;\">\r\n    Should I Go Back to School?\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div style=\"margin-bottom:12px;\">\r\n    A quick 2-minute quiz to help adult learners decide if going back to college makes sense right now.\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/should-i-go-back-to-school-quiz\/\" style=\"color:#66A889; font-weight:600; text-decoration:underline;\" data-bid=\"2\" data-no-instant=\"1\" rel=\"noopener\">\r\n    Start the Quiz \u2192\r\n  <\/a>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 56559 );<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-you-know-what-you-want\"><strong>1. You Know What You Want<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s admit it: it\u2019s a bit strange to assume that 18-year-olds can declare their major with a clear idea of what they want to do with their lives. Early adulthood is a dramatic time of discovery and growth, so it\u2019s no wonder why changing majors is so common among traditional undergrads. With some life and work experience under your belt, however, you have a better sense of who you are and what you want to do.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your greater sense of certainty will help you choose your major and stick to it, allowing you to stay focused and efficient as you complete your degree.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-you-re-more-mature-nbsp\"><strong>2. You\u2019re More Mature&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And, hey, let\u2019s admit <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: traditional college students often have priorities that are\u2026 well, \u201cin conflict\u201d with their studies. We\u2019ve all been 18 before\u2014do I need to say more? Now beyond your messier young adult period of growth, you are better primed for focused work and success in class.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cReturning adult students often come to college with clear goals, motivation, and a true understanding of how much college costs,\u201d<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> says <\/span><b>Kyle Vickers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Academic Resource Center Coordinator at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/school\/clarion-university\/\"><b>Clarion University<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cHaving more responsibilities outside of the classroom allows returning adult students to stay focused and motivated, which in turn increases the chance of success.\u201d <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your experience in the real world has given you perspective, and so you are more able to gauge the value of what you\u2019re learning and take it more seriously. This maturity will ultimately help you stay focused, complete assignments, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/advice\/how-to-participate-in-class-and-why-its-important\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">participate in class<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-you-know-your-strengths-and-weaknesses-nbsp\"><strong>3. You Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Along with your maturity, you have gotten a much clearer idea of what you are good at and where you tend to struggle. Traditional undergrads usually find this out <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">during <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">college, so you get to handle the learning curve of college without growing pains of young adulthood. You have a better grasp on what you need as you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/advice\/top-advice-on-scheduling-college-classes-effectively\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">schedule classes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and complete assignments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-you-know-how-to-manage-time-nbsp\"><strong>4. You Know How to Manage Time&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cReturning adult students naturally have better time management skills,\u201d<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">says <\/span><b>Vickers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThey have held jobs, managed family obligations, and worked within a structured schedule.\u201d <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have been in plenty of situations or jobs in which punctuality was paramount, and so the amount of practice you\u2019d had with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/advice\/how-to-manage-time-as-an-online-student\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">time management<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will serve you as you go back to school.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still wary? That\u2019s understandable; while you have more life experience, you also have more obligations to think about outside of school, whether they be your family or a current job. <\/span><b>Carrie Phillips <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/school\/arkansas-tech-university\/\"><b>Arkansas Tech University<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> explains how many adult programs cater to busy schedules: <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWorking a full-time job and going to class sounds scary. However, it does not have to be. At Arkansas Tech University, many of our students work while attending courses. Professors understand this and understand that life happens.\u201d <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Especially since over <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nces.ed.gov\/ipeds\/TrendGenerator\/app\/answer\/2\/8\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">33% of college students<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are aged 25 and over (with the share of students projected to rise), this flexibility is becoming more and more of a given all around the country. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201dThe best strategy is communicating about issues that come up and collaborating with your professors to figure out how to handle various situations.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-you-can-finish-your-degree-more-quickly\"><strong>5. You Can Finish Your Degree More Quickly<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the understanding that non-traditional students have other commitments to get back to, many schools have streamlined the track to a degree to ensure that returning adult students can complete their education as efficiently as possible.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the first steps to take to ensure that you don\u2019t enroll in more courses than you have to, check with your admissions office to see how you might be able to earn some credit for any education you received in the past<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/i><b>Dr. Amy Gaimaro<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Dean of Innovative Delivery Methods at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/school\/molloy-college\/\"><b>Molloy College<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, stresses the benefit of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/advice\/will-my-previously-earned-credits-coursework-transfer\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">transferring credits<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI recommend asking about prior learning credit programs. It may, for example, be credit-bearing courses taken and passed at another college (usually referred to as transfer credit) or academic credit awarded for learning accomplished outside the traditional classroom.\u201d&nbsp;<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At some schools, like Molloy, students may be able to fulfill some of their required credits even if they had never attended college in the past. Prior Learning Assessments help gauge the real-life experience that a student has earned and whether it shows their proficiency in a subject without having taken a formal class. Ask your prospective colleges about the options available so that you may apply previously earned credits or life experiences to your degree.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other benefits of non-traditional education include great flexibility through various class formats. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/advice\/are-online-courses-for-me\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Online<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and hybrid courses make it easier for adult students to attend class without worrying about a frequent commute. Altogether, these opportunities ensure that adult students have as few barriers to their degree as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-you-have-a-support-system-nbsp\"><strong>6. You Have a Support System&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arkansas Tech University\u2019s <\/span><b>Ms. Phillips<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, who has also pursued an education while working full time, found that her family, friends, and colleagues made her non-traditional education an incredibly rich experience: <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAfter going to school again after taking 10 years off, I was so proud and thankful for my varied support system. People at work, in my professional groups, and in my friend circle all wanted to hear about my studies. Getting to share my passion and enthusiasm helped me to stay excited and hold me accountable when the going got tough.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Mr. Vickers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from Clarion University also finds a support system to be a great source of inspiration. <em>\u201cKnowing that you have people depending on you can be just the motivation you need to succeed,\u201d<\/em> he says. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cOne of the first things I ask students when I work with them is \u2018what is your why?\u2019 or \u201cwho are you doing this for?\u2019\u201d <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your connections will keep you supported and encouraged as you work toward your goals.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"aboun-content-1-350x250 aboun-entity-placement\" id=\"aboun-408541180\"><div id=\"aboun-358116088\" data-cfpa=\"56558\" data-cfpw=\"56558\"><div style=\"background:#f1f8f5; border:1px solid #cfe6dd; padding:20px; border-radius:10px; margin:28px 0;\">\r\n  <div style=\"font-size:18px; font-weight:700; margin-bottom:8px; color:#3e7f69;\">\r\n    Not sure if going back to school is right for you?\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div style=\"margin-bottom:14px;\">\r\n    Take our 2-minute quiz designed for adult learners to see whether returning to college makes sense right now.\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/should-i-go-back-to-school-quiz\/\" style=\"display:inline-block; padding:10px 16px; border-radius:6px; background:#66A889; color:#ffffff; text-decoration:none; font-weight:600;\" data-bid=\"2\" data-no-instant=\"1\" rel=\"noopener\">\r\n    Take the Quiz\r\n  <\/a>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 56558 );<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-you-can-connect-with-professors-nbsp\"><strong>7. You Can Connect With Professors&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Establishing a rapport with your professors makes class more enjoyable and fulfilling. Students are always encouraged to form close professional relationships with their professors anyway, but it\u2019s even easier to create these bonds when they have more in common. Now that you have similar life and work experiences, that one-on-one connection is likely to come more naturally. Close student-to-faculty relationships help make education more engaging, memorable, and fulfilling.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-you-can-apply-your-professional-experience-to-your-studies-nbsp\"><strong>8. You Can Apply Your Professional Experience to Your Studies&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re pursuing a degree related to your current career path, your education will both enrich and be enriched by your work. As you learn, you will be able to apply lessons learned from your work experience to your studies\u2014and vice versa! The strategies you learn in the classroom could also enhance your performance at work. It\u2019s a positive feedback loop of performance and development that will serve you greatly throughout the years.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-your-boss-might-pay-for-it\"><strong>9. Your Boss Might Pay for It!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s no tip-toeing around it: college in the U.S. is expensive. And while <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/advice\/how-to-find-and-apply-for-state-financial-aid-a-complete-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">financial aid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is available to traditional and non-traditional students alike, some adult students might have an extra source of support to help pay for their education: their employer! Many employers see the value in continuing education, as it will only make their current employees more knowledgeable in their field and better able to fulfill their job description. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/advice\/employer-assisted-tuition-8-strategies-persuade-your-boss-wes-creel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employer-assisted tuition<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an increasingly popular strategy for businesses to invest in their employees\u2019 education\u2014ask your boss about potential offerings to see whether you can get a bit of your tuition taken care of!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"aboun-content-1-350x250 aboun-entity-placement\" id=\"aboun-188846222\"><div id=\"aboun-3673450595\" data-cfpa=\"56560\" data-cfpw=\"56560\"><div style=\"background:#66A889; color:#ffffff; padding:24px; border-radius:12px; margin:32px 0;\">\r\n  <div style=\"font-size:20px; font-weight:700; margin-bottom:8px;\">\r\n    Thinking About Going Back to School?\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div style=\"margin-bottom:16px;\">\r\n    Take our 2-minute quiz for adult learners to see whether returning to college fits your goals, time, and experience.\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/should-i-go-back-to-school-quiz\/\" style=\"display:inline-block; padding:10px 16px; border-radius:6px; background:#ffffff; color:#3e7f69; text-decoration:none; font-weight:700;\" data-bid=\"2\" data-no-instant=\"1\" rel=\"noopener\">\r\n    Take the Quiz\r\n  <\/a>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 56560 );<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-it-s-never-too-late-nbsp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>10. It\u2019s Never Too Late<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every year, the number of college students that are of non-traditional age grows. Currently, one in 10 college students in the United States is age 40 or older, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insightintodiversity.com\/as-nontraditional-students-become-the-new-norm-colleges-must-support-generational-diversity\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Center for Education Statistics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. By 2027, 3.3 million students will fall within this age group. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cMost returning adult students that I interact with tell me that they are often surprised that they weren\u2019t the only non-traditional age student in their class,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d says <\/span><b>Mr. Vickers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. He says that these demographics help these students feel<\/span> <b><i>\u201c<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immediately relieved and more comfortable.\u201d <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know that you are in good company here. Returning to college in your 30s is just as beneficial as it is common.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whenever you\u2019re ready to take the next step, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/abound.college\/finishcollege\/\"><b>Abound: Finish College<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is here to help every step of the way. Take a look at the schools we trust to find an institution that will remain flexible and accommodating to your unique needs as an adult student.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thinking about finishing college? Hear from our experts on why it might be easier than you think. It&#8217;s never too late to get your degree. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":51619,"template":"","class_list":["post-51617","advice","type-advice","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","abound_advice_topics-finding-the-right-program","abound_advice_topics-thinking-about-finishing-college","abound_advice_topics-work-school","abound_advice_topics-college-search"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Going Back to College in Your 30s: 10 Reasons It Will Be Easier Than You Think - Abound: Finish College<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Thinking about finishing college? Hear from our experts on why it might be easier than you think. 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