Going Back to School at 30: 7 Reasons Why You Should Go for It and Some Tips on How to Excel

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that in March 2021, the unemployment rate for high school graduates with no college was 6.7% compared to a 3.7% unemployment rate for those with a bachelor’s degree and higher.

Also, according to the BLS, workers with graduate degrees had the lowest unemployment rates and highest earnings in 2019.

While you still might be hesitant about a significant investment of money and time to earn your degree, ultimately, earning your degree will pay off. Whether it’s a higher paying job, getting a promotion, making your resume stand out or a journey to self-improvement, here are some reasons why you should pursue higher education in your 30s and some suggestions on how to do it.

justin and his wife hugging and smiling — Image provided by Justin Kerbow

Justin Kerbow is a graduate of the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona. Justin is a 15 year US Navy and Army veteran and started his bachelor’s and both his master’s programs in his 30s.

As a military member with years of experience, I was truly worried about going back to school with most of my peers being at least a decade younger than me. I soon noticed that I had an easier time managing my course load while taking care of a family as well. Sure, I wasn’t going out to parties and sleeping in much but I was able to mentally handle the difficulties of higher academics along with the rigorous schedules universities can throw at students.
Justin Kerbow

1. In your 30s, you’re more mature and better prepared for college-level courses.

While balancing school, work and family will be a significant time commitment; you’ll be focused and ready to achieve your goals as a mature adult. Your life experience will influence your decision-making process on what kind of degree will help you in your future career moves.

Linda McCallister is a veteran, military spouse and mom who graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health. She is the first military-affiliated student to graduate from the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health Online Undergraduate Program, using the GI Bill to fund her education. After leaving the military, Linda moved back to Sierra Vista, Arizona. She enrolled as a main campus transfer student. When the daily 90-minute commute became too much of a burden, Linda transitioned to the online BS program in fall 2017.

As a military member with years of experience, I was truly worried about going back to school with most of my peers being at least a decade younger than me. I soon noticed that I had an easier time managing my course load while taking care of a family as well. Sure, I wasn’t going out to parties and sleeping in much but I was able to mentally handle the difficulties of higher academics along with the rigorous schedules universities can throw at students.

2. If you're looking for a career change, a degree could be the key.

Maybe you’re experiencing workplace dissatisfaction. Maybe you feel undervalued. Maybe you want a change. But maybe you feel limited in your growth path with your current degree. When you pursue a second degree or certificate, the rewards can often be immediate. This can include the possibility of landing a new job and earning more money.

While in the military, I was a human intelligence collector (interrogator) and decided to get out and go in a completely different direction. I chose public health and have never looked back.
Linda McCallister

3. Moving up in your company.

Upskilling is always important to employers. Online and part-time programs allow you to work in your current position while training for a new one! Mention to your boss or HR department that you’re going back to school. Your company might offer a tuition reimbursement program. It’ll also demonstrate your commitment to self-improvement and career advancement.

4. Position yourself for in-demand careers.

When you’re looking to pursue a new career path, be sure to look at degree programs and certificates that equip you with the practical skills you’ll need for an advanced technical position. Be sure to look at emerging in-demand careers and what degree programs will prepare you for those positions.

Position yourself in a career field that intrigues and excites you. You have already taken the step or looked into going back to school. Now take the time to find the career that you will love and want to do your best in, daily.
Justin Kerbow

5. Sharpen your skills.

Whether it’s an industry you’re looking to delve into or a particular position you’re eyeing, if a specific skill set for the work is required, not having this knowledge can hold you back from growing professionally. Learn an industry’s standard requirements by reading job postings and noting the qualifications. Whatever field you want to enter or if you wish to grow personally in your education, developing your personal, professional, and educational skills is never a bad idea.

6. Do your research on the school you choose.

Ask yourself what you want to get out of returning to school. Is a full-time or part-time program right for you? Which degree is right for your goals? And what school provides the program you want, works with your schedule, and supports your learning needs. A fully accredited school should be your priority when researching schools.

I looked around and researched many colleges and universities. Many institutions work with veterans but even those institutions, just like employers, have different ways of making veterans feel welcomed and have a well-developed veterans resource center. A school with a great veteran resource reputation will make navigating the ins and outs of school requirements much easier, thus relieving many headaches.
Justin Kerbow

7. Explore financial aid opportunities.

Did you know that you qualify for FAFSA even as a part-time online student? Depending on how much time and cost you can invest into your program, applying for financial aid can ease that aspect of your transition back into your education.

Now that I am chasing a dual master’s from two different universities, the FASFA has made it possible to obtain this level of education and experience. There is a huge barrier for many who are scared or leery of using FASFA because they don’t want to pay back school loans. I would urge anyone serious about their education and career potential to look further into the FASFA program and see that it’s not as expensive nor difficult to pay back loans. Some career fields qualify for loan forgiveness after a certain amount of years served in that career field.
Justin Kerbow

Online programs allow you to keep your current job while training for a new one, and more importantly, you can do it from anywhere. With some institutions, like Arizona Online, that means no out-of-state tuition!

Figure out what path is right for you. Should you pursue an undergraduate degree, a graduate degree, an undergraduate certificate or a graduate certificate?

FAQ

Choose a school that is geared towards your needs as an adult learner. Examine the help and resources that would be available to you. Does the accreditation of the school matter to you? You can find out this information by speaking to an alumni of the school or contacting the school directly.

Once you have chosen a school that fits your needs as an adult-learner, research the program you’re interested in enrolling in. Does the program offer the training and skill-set you’re looking for? Does the program offer the flexibility you need to balance your wok, school and life? What skills and credits that you’ve already acquired are transferable to the program?

Once you’re able to answer at least some of these questions, contact the school and or program to find out if the program is truly the right fit.

There are lots of online degree programs to choose from. Here is a list of all the programs the University of Arizona Online currently offers:

University of Arizona Online Programs

Are there available scholarships or financial aid? Tools like Scholarship Universe can help match you to available scholarships.

Does your employee offer a tuition reimbursement program? Programs like the Arizona Online Corporate Initiative partners with employers to create affordable higher-education opportunities for working adults. You can check with your Human Resources department today to see if your organization is part of the Corporate Initiative program or other reimbursement programs.

Everyone’s path is different. Take some time and research what your ideal future career looks like and what requirements you need to fufill to get there.

Review postings of your dream job to understand what the requirements and the desired skill-set are. Landing your dream job might require an undergraduate certificate, which can be completed faster and is often less expensive than a degree program. Graduate or professional certificates often require undergraduate degrees or professional experience but are a great way to up-skill in technical or educational fields.

Graduate and doctorate degrees are going to be demanding but are often required for certain career fields.

Admissions counselors at Arizona Online can also help with drafting the education plan that’s right for you and your goals.

You can email them at onlineadmissions@arizona.edu or call (520) 621-0898.

It’s never too late to go back to school. Lifelong learning can not only help with personal development such as strengthening memory and opening your mind, its also essential to giving you a competitive edge in the job market, making you that much more employable! Plus, research shows that the average online college student is in their 30s. So its It’s definitely not too late to go back to school at 30!

Careers that require advanced degrees or specialized skill sets will most likely equate to a higher earning potential so careers in the following fields are worth re-enrolling for: Healthcare, Nursing, Information Technology, Engineering, Business and Finance.

The University of Arizona Online also offers undergraduate certificates and graduate certificates designed to develop in-demand skills that give you a competitive edge in fast-growing and high-earning industries.

Yes. You can work full-time while studying although it can be demanding. Online programs allow for flexibility and the freedom to complete classes on your schedule. Developing a schedule for yourself with help with finding the right work, school and life balance. You also have access to faculty and advisors who can help develop and support your academic journey so that you can manage the priorities in your life.