How to go back to school as an adult: Tips for succeeding at any age

Older college students are the new normal.

Many people think of the average college student as someone between the ages of 18 and 22, but now older college students aged 25 and up are becoming more typical. And with online learning continually growing in popularity, more adults are returning to college to either complete degrees or start new ones.

While going back to college as an adult can present unique challenges, the rewards are often worth it. Choosing a college with comprehensive support services is one key to succeeding in classes, managing stress and maintaining a work-life balance.

The benefits of going back to college

Going back to school at 30, 40, 50 or above is often driven by one of several motivations. Some want to earn a college degree so they can continue to grow in their current career. Others are looking for the training and knowledge they need to pursue an entirely different path. Individuals in the latter category may be driven by their desire to find a more meaningful degree in important areas such as technology, business, health care, sustainability, nonprofit management and more.

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median weekly earnings figure for those with a bachelor’s degree was $1,493 in 2023. That’s $501 more than individuals who had some college credit but no degree. It was also $594 more than the total earned by those with a high school diploma and no college credit. Unemployment rates are lower, too, for those with bachelor’s degrees at 2.2% versus 3.9% for those with only a high school diploma and 3.3% for those with some college but no degree.

According to ASU success coach Linda Medrano, career changes and career advancement drive many older students to return to school.

“Their coursework is tied to real-world applicable concepts since many times they are already working in their fields, or are working in a field that aligns or is similar to their major,” Medrano said. “They are finishing their degree to help them promote or grow in their knowledge and/or stay current in their fields. They have an opportunity to incorporate their experience into their learning as well as take away new learning to apply to their real workspace.”

For those looking to increase their salary through career advancements or new opportunities, a college degree is still a best bet. In 2022, ASU Online, in partnership with Wair, conducted the survey The Value of Higher Education Today. More than 2,000 hiring managers, recruiters and team members were surveyed and their responses showed that degrees are still an essential part of the hiring process. “The biggest hiring challenge is finding candidates with a four-year degree who have years of experience,” said one participant.

Which degree is best for you?

Before picking a program, you first need to recognize why you are returning to school. Are you looking to gain competitive skills that will help you advance in your career? Are you looking at a new career entirely? Are you interested in finishing a degree because it's an important milestone? Are you wanting to create a new family narrative for your kids? Are you passionate about learning more about a specific field of knowledge? All of these are valuable motivators.

At ASU Online, you can request information about any of our programs and one of our enrollment coaches will reach out to give you personalized support. They can answer your questions to help you discern the best degree for you.

Things to consider include your current field of work, your future goals, any transferable credits that can go to a major, prerequisite considerations such as math and foreign language, and your own personal interests. With more than 175 bachelor’s programs and more than 125 master’s programs, plus about 50 graduate certificates, we’ve likely got a program that’s perfect for you and your goals.

How to apply and pay for college as an adult

With careful planning and budgeting, you can create a plan to pay for your education.

Working with an enrollment coach is often the first step our students take in applying for college. Whether you’re a first-year or a returning transfer student, they can help you explore programs, answer your application questions and send in your transcripts. If you’re applying to graduate school, they can also help you find and request references.

Next, you’ll want to get an estimate of the total cost of your education. The ASU Online tuition calculator assists applicants with this step. Simply enter your residency, student status and academic program to receive an estimate. You can also raise or lower the number of credit hours per semester to adjust the total.

To apply for financial aid, which can help you cover tuition, books, course fees and other school-related expenses, you’ll first want to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition to loans and grants, you may want to consider pursuing scholarships or grant opportunities.

You should also explore whether your current position offers financial assistance for education and career development. Many employers offer tuition benefits, such as Starbucks, Uber and Amazon. Check with your company’s human resource department to see what assistance they might offer.

Our financial aid counselors are available to answer your questions and we also offer financial wellness counseling through iGrad, which you’ll have access to as an ASU student.

Choosing a college that meets you where you are

Finding a college with support for adult learners is essential. At ASU Online, your online support team provides the guidance you need to achieve your goals.

Your success coach will help you set goals, create a success plan and ensure you have all the resources you need to start strong. 
Ryan Conley, a senior success coach at ASU, sees the impact of the support he and his fellow success coaches give daily. “My top advice for any student is to identify their support network and communicate what they need from them to be successful in adding school to their busy lives,” Conley said. “Many adults feel like they have to do it on their own or they don't have time for classes. I help them create a life-school-work balance plan and show them how school can fit into their lives. This gives them confidence about starting school again.”

ASU Online success coaches are uniquely qualified to work with older students. Medrano describes the strengths and opportunities she sees. “Older students are in a different period of their lives. They are more structured and focused, and they have a set routine already developed so that adding college into the mix may now fit better than it did right out of high school,” she noted. “I love to hear when students surprise themselves with earning high grades when maybe that wasn't what they had achieved in the past because of issues with routines and time management.”

Usha Iyer, another ASU success coach, agreed. “Older students are better situated in life to satisfy personal goals or career advancement. Often, they have more access and options now than when they were younger, such as on-demand virtual options that allow them to earn a degree from home.”