Going back to college can be a lot tougher than most people think. Here are a few of the most common challenges people pursuing higher education face.
Not Enough Time.
Earning a four year degree takes a lot of hard work, the sort that requires a lot of time. It’s basically like having a full-time job, which can make things even more difficult for students who already have — and need — a full time job.
It’s Hard to Get to Campus and Back.
Getting to and from campus can be problematic, too. Catching the bus is the obvious solution, but that takes a while. The bus is far from being the fastest way to get to school. Even if students have their own cars, getting to campus can still be tricky. Many schools are often out of the way, and require students buy expensive permits to park on campus.
Higher Education Is Expensive.
According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2014 to 2015 school year was $9,139 for state residents at public colleges, and $22,958 for out-of-state residents attending public universities. That’s not cheap. Many students going back to school have full time jobs because they have several other bills they need to take care of first. One more bill on top of it all could stop them from going.
Although going back to college can be tough, it’s well worth it. According to a 2012 Pew Research report, workers who had an undergraduate degree had median annual earnings of $45,000 — well over the medians for people who only had some college ($30,000) or those with a high-school diploma ($28,000). Another study found that Americans who had a four year degree made 98% more an hour on average in 2013 than those who didn’t have a degree. Lastly, a survey found that 83% of all college attendees said earning their degree paid off.
Whether you want to pursue a bachelors degree in English, communications, psychology, or whatever else your passion may be, there are options out there for you. Several colleges offer night and weekend classes, free parking and bus shuttles, and plenty of financial aid to help cover costs.
If you have any questions about adult education, feel free to share in the comments.
