Why Are Hundreds of Thousands of Adults Returning to College?

by Daniel Z. Kane

Today there are more working adults enrolled in college degree programs than ever before.

There are several reasons for this trend. One is that online education offers adults the opportunity to continue their education without neglecting their career or other obligations.

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 fact that employers are far more willing than ever to hire and/or promote professionals who have earned one or more degrees online has brought hundreds of thousands of adults to the world of online education.

Just as online college programs are now frequently accepted as being equivalent to traditional, campus-based degrees, the awarding of college credit for life experience has enjoyed increasing acceptance in recent years. As a result, time-to-degree has been reduced for many adults. So has the cost.

Of course, with more and more universities offering late afternoon, evening, and weekend classes, not all working adults are studying online. Many are returning to campuses throughout the United States.

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.

If you are not already doing so, you might want to start seriously thinking of earning your next degree. While it does require commitment and work, it has never been more convenient or more affordable. And degrees have never been more valuable.

About the Author:

Daniel Z. Kane is a veteran university dean whose websites offer information on online degree programs and online university degrees.