Why Are Adults Returning to Colleges & Universities?

According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the number of adult students over the age of 35 returning to colleges and universities has doubled from 823,000 in 1970 to an estimated 2.9 million in 2001. These adult students are typically over the age of 25 and are living on their own. Because so many are returning to school or getting their degrees for the first time, there is a higher demand for adult education. So, why are adults returning to school in such huge numbers? Below are some of the reasons.

Economy – Many people are returning to school simply because what they were doing doesn’t produce the kind of income they need to sustain themselves and their families. Because the economy has seen such a slump, so have many jobs and professions. Therefore a need to change jobs and get educated in new careers has driven adult learners to colleges and universities.

Career Change – Hand-in-hand with the economy is that people want to change careers. They see it is easier now than ever before to change careers and positions even within the same company. So, why not try for a position that better fits their interests, likes and dislikes? Gone are the days when people stayed at the same job within the same company for their entire lives. Even now, corporations are seeing that their employees become more effective if they are given a variety of responsibilities, tasks and positions.

Better Educational Opportunities – There are more colleges, universities, trade schools and business schools today than there were 10 or 20 years ago. With the advent of more and more educational opportunities, adult learners are taking advantage of this ease of learning. Along with this is the growing number of online educational opportunities. Even traditional brick-and-mortar schools are offering online courses and degrees to help students better fit classes into their already busy schedules.

Personal Enrichment – Several years ago, college degrees were only available to those who could afford it or to those who families expected it. Now, just about anyone can attain a degree, if they are willing to work at it. Many adult learners are going back to school to attain their degrees because they did not have that chance the first go around. Now, they do and they want to check this off their own “bucket list.” Working hard for something and knowing that you did it yourself, brings a sense of personal fulfillment and pride that can’t be offered in other areas. Many adult learners want their degree simply because it is something they have always dreamed of.

Whatever your reasons, going back to school as an adult learner can be very satisfying and rewarding. The work can be hard and seem insurmountable, but the pride you will feel upon successfully earning your degree will be well worth it. So, if you have thought that you were too old or have missed your chance, think again. A college degree may very well be on your horizon!