Top Reasons to Pursue College for Adult Learning

Is it just us, or are more students heading back to college for adult learning? 

Flexible degree programs for working adults in college are increasingly popular, and adult learners across the nation are choosing to invest in their careers. 

Why? 

Our world (and the job market) is changing fast. Keeping up and staying competitive can require more skills. But that isn’t the only reason to go back to school! Pursuing an online degree as an adult can help you experience personal growth and make new connections. As it turns out, being curious and continuing to learn can be really good for you. 

Let's get into it.

The True Value of Accelerated Adult Education Courses for Career Advancement

When you go to college for adult learning, you may do so with a clearer picture of what you want out of the experience. You may also obtain a degree that you know will be useful in your field—and enjoy built-in networking opportunities that can serve you for years after graduation. 

Here’s why more and more adult students are opting for these benefits. 

The Need for Continuous Learning in a Rapidly Evolving Job Market

• The way we work isn’t slowing down. In nearly every industry, there’s new tech and new systems to be aware of or fluent in. Staying relevant requires study. 
• Staying relevant is one thing; staying ahead of the game is another. Going back to school can give you a competitive edge in a crowded, cutthroat job market. 
• And, of course, going back to school can pay off in spades. Adults who return to college can see a salary boost of about $7,500 a year on average. 

But career and cash potential aren’t the only reasons to enroll in college as an adult. 

The Personal and Professional Benefits of Upgrading Your Skills

• Going back to school can make it far easier for you to pursue a new career path. Whether you’ve been laid off, are seeking different benefits, are angling for a promotion, or are just looking for something new, education can be your key to new opportunities. 
• Learning new things can be personally fulfilling, too. Beyond expanding career horizons, investing in education later in life enriches your personal world. It offers a sense of accomplishment and the thrill of conquering new challenges. It's about broadening your perspective, fostering a deeper understanding of the world, and proving to yourself that it's never too late for growth. 

If working toward career-focused degrees for mature students is such a good idea, why aren’t more people doing it? 

Challenges and Solutions for Adults Returning to College

The challenges standing between many people and pursuing college for adult learning are very real.

Fortunately, so are the solutions. 

1. Although ongoing education does cost money, financial aid options for mature students returning to college can bear the bulk of the burden. 
2. Finding time can be tough—but not impossible. The good news? Online and hybrid courses mean you can learn on your schedule. We understand that balancing work and college as an adult learner is a prime concern for many returning students. By selecting flexible degree programs designed with the adult learner in mind, you can integrate education into a busy life and ensure you’re not sidelining existing work and family responsibilities. 
3. Going back to school can be mentally and emotionally daunting, even after you account for a packed schedule and the financial impact. That's why many programs offer counseling and support services to help adult learners succeed.

So You’re Going Back to School: What Are You Studying?

If you’re interested in selecting a degree program that will have a positive impact on your career trajectory and earning potential, you’re in the right place. MVNU Online offers a spectrum of programs that align with various career paths. Our goal is to make sure adult learners can find an accessible course of study that supports both their career aspirations and personal goals. 

Choose Your Adventure: Matching Degrees with Career Aspirations

We keep a close eye on the job market and build our programs to give learners the skills they need to advance their careers in competitive fields. 

For example: 

• If you’re interested in working toward a leadership position, our Bachelor of Arts in Leadership gives you the skills you need to manage teams and improve organizational efficiency. 
• Our Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration is tailored specifically for people who want to advance in government and nonprofit sectors. 

How Higher Education Pays Off: Let’s Look at the Data

Over the course of your career, investing in higher education can lead to substantial financial benefits. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has reported detailed data showing that an individual’s earning potential tends to increase with higher levels of education. The BLS’s Q4 2023 data shows that people who hold less than a high school degree earn a median weekly income of $713, whereas people with a bachelor’s degree or higher enjoy a median weekly income of $1,608. 

This can vary by industry. For example, jobs in fields related to finance, management, and human resources often come with significant salary premiums. Doing your research and pursuing a degree in a field that interests you and is in high demand could pay off for years to come. 

The Real-World Applications of Degree Programs

But what else do high-quality degree programs offer you (aside from that all-important degree at the end)? 

The best programs help you learn practical skills and invaluable industry knowledge from day one—so you’re benefiting long before you graduate.

Want to see what we mean? As one example, students pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Data Analytics or Finance take courses that help them understand how to tackle current industry challenges and real-life business problems. That means when students are ready to graduate and start interviewing for jobs, they’re prepared with the skills they need to be immediately valuable in their new roles. 

When you study with MVNU Online, you also have access to resources designed to help you grow as a person and invest in your overall well-being. One of our favorite resources is our community-building cohort model. Even though your education will be online, you’ll still be able to benefit from invaluable (and fun!) networking with your cohortmates. These connections will last for years after graduation—and could even help you make critical career moves later in life.

Interested in Pursuing a Degree (and Investing in Your Future)?

Returning to school and pursuing professional development for adults in college is a big decision. If you’re intrigued by the benefits and getting ready to make that step, congratulations! There’s a lot to look forward to—from higher earnings to personal satisfaction (and beyond). 

At MVNU Online, we understand that adult learners have different needs, and we offer flexible programs to help you integrate learning into your life. Whether it's for career advancement, personal development, or adapting to the job market, education can help you get there—and we’re happy to support you and your educational journey! Contact us with any questions you may have, or explore our programs to learn more about your learning opportunities.