Returning to school can be a nerve-wracking proposition, but statistics show that more and more of today’s adults are braving the online or traditional classroom and returning to school. What is causing them to step through the fear to obtain additional education? What is their motivation to move forward with their dream?

For some, the courses are required by their employers in order to simply maintain their jobs. Continuing education is critically important in many fields because of changes and updates in their industry. Where an associate degree may have been acceptable in the past, now a bachelors degree or even a masters may be necessary to be competitive.

For others, computer skills have become necessary to remain competitive in the job market. The majority of today’s jobs require technological proficiency, and the technology is constantly changing. It can be difficult to stay up-to-date on the latest hardware and software and going back to school is the solution for some.

And for even more people going back to school is a way for them to pursue a dream career that may not have been an option when they were younger.

How can you decide if returning to school is right for you? One thing to consider is the statistics. In a Degrees of Opportunity study, conducted by independant research firm TNS NFO for Capella University in 2006 (link to the study), 60% of adults who went back to school believed the benefits were greater than their investment of time and money. Another 29% felt that the benefits were at least equal to their investment. That means only 11% of those studied felt their continuing education wasn’t worth it. 75% felt that returning to school had a positive effect on their lives, and this percentage was even higher among those who received degrees – whether undergraduate or graduate.

What are some of the benefits these people gained? According to the study:

• 71% said that going back to school helped them achieve a higher salary.
• 65% said going back to school helped them to change careers.
• 57% wished they had done it sooner.

Other benefits cited by some of the study participants were:

• Additional respect from family and friends.
• The ability to be a better role model for their children.
• Personal satisfaction.
• The joy of learning.
• Developing new skills & knowledge.
• Becoming an expert in their field.

Online or On Campus

Online education has become increasingly popular as more schools bring their course work online. Most schools allow you to study on your own schedule rather gather at a set time every week when you must sit in a classroom. Your lessons, assignments, and tests arrive by email or posted in an online classroom. You may also have consultations with your instructor on the telephone.

Many adults opt to return to school online because they can study after the kids have gone to bed or while they are on the road for business. This option becomes more appealing as a wider variety of programs are available online from traditional universities.

Distance learning does require a great deal of discipline in order to keep to your own schedule and complete all necessary readings, papers, and tests. If you find that you have difficulty completing a task on your own steam, you may need a physical classroom to keep you motivated.

What About the Money

Besides the time, adults worry most about how to finance their continuing education. Employer may be willing to pay for or assist with the cost of returning to school. There are also government loans, grants, work study, and special grants for the military that may be available to you. Filling out these forms can be time consuming, but the school of your choice should have a financial aid counselor to help you navigate the bureaucracy of government funds.

Your school’s financial aid office may also be able to help you find out about private scholarships. Numerous organizations offer these to people in various groups such as single mothers or certain nationalities. If you qualify, you may be able to get some financial assistance from one of these private donors.

There may be education tax credits available for returning to school. Check with your tax professional to see if you may qualify for tax deductions should you decide to further your education. Be sure to take these credits into account when determining if your budget will allow you to return to school.

There is much to consider when weighing the decision of continue your education. Of course, in order to make the best decision for yourself, you must weigh your individual circumstances against the benefits that you’re likely to receive. But statistics seem to show that most adults find going back to school to be a rewarding experience, even though they may have had to make a few sacrifices along the way.