Why Are Hundreds of Thousands of Adults Returning to College?
August 5, 2008
There are now far more adults pursuing college and graduate school degrees than ever in history.
The factors responsible for this growing trend are readily identifiable. The most obvious is that the tremendous growth of online education has made it possible…even easy…for adults to schedule their academic responsibilities around the other demands on their time.
Next, it is now easier than ever for adults to qualify for financial aid, especially for online education. Twenty years ago, almost no aid was available to students enrolled in online degree programs or distance education.
The perceived value of online education has also been important in the growth of adult enrollment in degree programs. Once regarded with considerable skepticism, online degrees are today regarded by many as being the full equivalent of traditional educational programs.
CLEP…the College Life Experience Program has also been an important factor in getting adults back to school. And, why not? Experience-based credits reduce the cost of earning a degree and may also reduce the time required by a full year.
While most of the growth in adult higher education has taken place in online degree and certificate programs, campuses are also attracting more adults by offering evening and weekend classes, and improving academic advising for their adult degree-seekers.
All the afforementioned factors have helped lead to unparalleled growth in on-campus and online adult education. The single most important reason for the record number of adults now seeking a college or undergraduate degree, however, is the increased realization by working adults that continuing their educations will substantially improve their career options and earning potential.
Whatever your reason(s) for considering a return to school, be aware that you are living in a world where there are far more good educational options available to adults than ever before.
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