If you’re fed up with low-paying, dead end jobs, you may be thinking about going back to school. Today’s job market is filled with promising job opportunities, but many of them require a college degree.
While pursuing higher education can be a challenging endeavor, research shows it’s often well worth it. For instance, in 2021 people with a bachelor’s degree earned an average of $52,000 a year, while high school graduates made an average of $30,000 a year.
Having a college degree can open doors to many interesting and financially attractive job opportunities.
Luckily, colleges and universities aren’t just reserved for young high school graduates on the brink of adulthood. Anybody, regardless of their age and background, can better themselves by earning a college degree from an accredited institution of their choice.
If you’re interested in a college degree, it’s important to understand your motives and consider several factors before making a decision on what, where and how to study.
Why Do You Want to Go to College?
This is the most fundamentally important question you should answer, as it will help you determine if college is truly the right path for you. Going to school requires commitment and can be mentally, physically and financially demanding. If you’ve decided to go to college because of other people’s expectations, you might not find the dedication and perseverance necessary to complete your degree.
On the other hand, if your desire to pursue a college degree comes from an intrinsic need to create a better future for yourself and your loved ones, more likely than not, college is the right choice for you.
What Area of Study Am I Interested In?
Other than an increase in pay, what else do you want to get out of your college degree? Think carefully about your interests and strengths. If you enjoy serving others, perhaps a career as a medical assistant may be the right fit for you. Do you enjoy working with numbers and excel at multitasking? Consider a career in accounting or healthcare administration. Once you’ve figured out what interests you, research colleges and programs that align with your interests.
What Is the Post-Graduation Outlook?
Consider the post-graduation job outlook of the field you’re interested in studying. For instance, if your plan is to become a physical therapy assistant, research career outlooks to make sure you won’t have much trouble landing a job after you graduate. You don’t want to pursue a degree with a low employment rate or one that doesn’t offer an attractive salary.
You may also want to consider acquiring skills that are projected to be in high demand within the next ten years. For example, employment of nurse practitioners is expected to grow 45 percent by 2030. This means getting a degree in nursing will likely help you secure a steady and financially rewarding career in the healthcare field.
Is the School of My Choice Accredited?
When researching colleges and universities, consider only those that are accredited. An educational institution that is accredited has undergone a rigorous check by a credible authority recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Accreditation ensures the school you’re considering offers a legitimate education that meets the national standard of excellence. A degree from an unaccredited school might not be accepted by employers, certifying agencies that administer licensing tests or other schools you may want to transfer to in the future.
Can the School Accommodate My Busy Schedule?
Not every person has the free time and resources to attend in-person classes and experience campus life, especially working adults and those with families.
If you have other obligations, going back to school may be a challenging undertaking. Luckily, many colleges offer flexible programs that allow busy students to complete schoolwork at their own pace and at the time of day that works best for them.
If your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend in-person classes, look for programs that offer online courses, evening classes or a combination of both.
Thinking of Going Back to School? Consider an Accredited Program from St. Louis College of Health Careers in Missouri
If you’re thinking about a career in the healthcare field, explore the many accredited programs SLCHC has to offer.
We provide state-of-the-art courses that combine theory with practice. At SLCHC, we want to make sure students from all walks of life have access to an affordable, academically challenging education that equips them with the knowledge they need to thrive in modern healthcare workplaces.
Browse our list of programs or call 866 529-2070 to learn more.