It's Never Too Late: Why It's Ok to Go Back and Get Your Degree in Your 40s (2024)

At a glance, the idea of going back to get your degree in your 40s may seem like an impossibility with many barriers and obstacles holding you back. Fortunately, keeping a full-time job whilst earning a degree has never been more accessible.

With universities such as Point Loma Nazarene offering programs like an Accelerated Undergraduate Program, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in as few as 15 months and find yourself qualified for new and exciting career positions.

You may have enrolled at a university in the past only to decide — for whatever reason — it just wasn’t the right time. Luckily, your 40s can likely be the perfect time to start exploring your career options and considering new areas of employment. At universities such as PLNU, your previous credits will be taken into account, streamlining the process of attaining your degree.

Is Going Back to School Worth it?

You may be wondering why you’d go through the trouble of reentering college in your 40s. The truth is earning your degree could increase your yearly income by a substantial amount. A study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found, on average, those with a bachelor’s degree earn over $20,000 more per year than their counterparts who attended some college without earning a degree. By not completing your degree, you potentially miss out on tens of thousands of dollars that a degree might otherwise help qualify you to earn.

__________
It’s not too late to start your journey.
Pursue your purpose at PLNU.
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Exploring the options available to you can potentially lead to a more comfortable salary and higher life satisfaction. If you’re curious about what kind of options are available to you, be sure to explore university programs such as PLNU’s Accelerated Undergraduate Program, which offers a variety of courses ranging from bachelor’s degrees in business administration to computer information technology.

Do You Have to Quit Your Current Job to Go Back to School?

One of the biggest barriers holding people back from returning to college in their 40s is scheduling. Between work and family life, a traditional college schedule is not conducive for many adults who desire to earn a degree in adulthood. Fortunately, for those who are interested in returning to school in their 40s, earning a bachelor’s degree can be done even while still working full time. Whether you choose to take evening classes or enroll in hybrid courses that meet online and in-person, you can continue to thrive at your day job.

Fortunately, for those who are interested in returning to school in their 40s, earning a bachelor’s degree can be done even while still working full time.

By utilizing programs such as PLNU’s Accelerated Undergraduate Program, you’ll find classes that are tailored to fit around your work schedule, thereby optimizing your ability to work and go to school at the same time. In this way, universities such as PLNU allow you to further both your education and job prospects all without having to jeopardize your current income. Whether you’re looking for online courses or classes scheduled at night, PLNU has the resources you need to help make your dream of finally earning a degree become a reality.

Find a Career That Fulfills You

Due to monetary constraints, many people feel as if the job they currently work is their only viable option for employment. Though many would like to switch careers, earning the qualifications necessary to do so seems like a nearly impossible task. A study conducted by the PEW Research Center uncovered the disheartening fact that close to one-third of Americans look at their employment as “just a job to get by,” rather than a career that can lead to success.

If you’re one of the millions of people who glean little or no substantial satisfaction from your job, attaining a degree in your 40s can offer you the opportunity to find fulfillment. Returning to school in adulthood allows you to discover your true vocation and find gratification in a career that suits your sensibilities. Rather than staying at a job to simply “get by,” seize the opportunity to take advantage of PLNU’s Accelerated Undergraduate program in order to step into a career that fills you with passion, excitement, and fulfillment.

Earn Your Degree in San Diego

Going back to school to attain your degree in your 40s has the potential to increase your salary and help you find career fulfillment. Rather than feel stuck in your current job, take the steps to better yourself and earn a degree that will qualify you for careers that align with your calling. If you’re thinking of exploring your university options in the San Diego area, look no further than Point Loma Nazarene University.

PLNU’s Adult Accelerated Undergraduate Program will work with you to apply your previous college credits to your degree and find a class schedule that works for your busy life. Let yourself experience the joy of earning a degree by utilizing PLNU’s Adult Completion Program’s resources which are tailored to make your process of earning a degree in your 40s as accessible and seamless as possible. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and qualify yourself for a vocation you’re passionate about, apply here now.

About the Author
Amir Deen earned his Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Writing from CSUSM. He currently works as a freelance writer and lives in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California

It's Never Too Late: Why It's Ok to Go Back and Get Your Degree in Your 40s (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth getting a degree in your 40s? ›

Going back to school to attain your degree in your 40s has the potential to increase your salary and help you find career fulfillment. Rather than feel stuck in your current job, take the steps to better yourself and earn a degree that will qualify you for careers that align with your calling.

Is it worth it to go back to school in your 40s? ›

Is it worth going back to college at 40? Researchers have linked college degrees with higher levels of job security, earning potential, and job satisfaction. Going back to college at 40 can also help you advance your career or make a career change.

Why is it never too late to get a degree? ›

Education is a lifelong journey for each of us. The sheer love of learning is a good enough excuse to go back to school and get a new degree. You will learn new information and skills that will enrich you as a person and help you gain the knowledge you need to get a career.

What age is too late to get a bachelor's degree? ›

College has no age limits, so you are never too old to enroll in classes or obtain your degree. In fact, adults of all ages are returning to school in greater numbers. A growing percentage of students working toward their bachelor's degree are over the age of 40.

Is 44 too old to go to college? ›

And for some people, obtaining a college degree will allow them to avoid regrets later in life. Whether you're 40 or 80, it's never too late to keep learning.

What is the best career to start at 40? ›

Best paying jobs for a career change at 40
  • Translator. ...
  • Real estate agent. ...
  • Personal trainer. ...
  • Event planner. ...
  • Occupational therapist assistant. ...
  • Paralegal. 2022 median pay: $59,200 per year. ...
  • Healthcare administrator. 2022 median pay: $104,830 per year. ...
  • Human resources manager. 2022 median pay: $130,000 per year.

Is 43 too old to start college? ›

Going back to school is a major undertaking. As a mid-career professional, you might be wondering if it's too late to earn your degree. Don't worry, you're never too old to earn your degree.

What is the best degree for an older adult? ›

15 Best Degrees for Adults Returning to College
  1. Accounting. Accounting is a field that offers many career opportunities from becoming an accounting assistant to being a certified public accountant (CPA). ...
  2. Business. ...
  3. Communication. ...
  4. Criminal Justice. ...
  5. Cybersecurity. ...
  6. Data Analytics. ...
  7. Education. ...
  8. Finance.

How hard is it to go back to college at 40? ›

Is it hard to go back to school at 40? It isn't harder, but the challenges are different than they are for college students in their 20s. You might have to work harder to make connections with classmates if you are in person. But you have a built-in study group by pulling together family members who are in your corner.

Is 50 too old to get a degree? ›

It's Never Too Late to Get a Degree

Age is not something to hold you back from completing a college degree. If it's something you want, you can make it happen, no matter your age. Don't be afraid to return to college after 50!

Do degrees matter anymore? ›

According to recent data, nearly 70% of jobs in the U.S. require a bachelor's degree, but only 37% of the U.S. workforce actually has one. “This effectively eliminates over 50% of the candidates for roles—yet these people may have the skills to succeed despite their lack of a college degree,” says Duke.

What year of a degree is hardest? ›

To stay on top of things, continue to refine your study habits and explore career options to solidify your major decision. 3. Junior year: This is typically the toughest academically, as you delve deeper into your major. Balancing internships and possibly studying abroad adds to the challenge.

How many 25 year olds have a bachelors degree? ›

General attainment of degrees/diplomas
EducationAge 25 and overAge 25-30
Bachelor's degree34.98%36.98%
Master's degree13.04%9.01%
Professional degree3.47%2.02%
Doctorate2.03%1.12%
3 more rows

Is it bad to still be in college at 23? ›

It is never too late to go to college or benefit from the advantages of a postsecondary degree. Your age does not define your ability to pursue higher education. Whether you're 25, 30, 40, or older, you can still go to college.

How many 30 year olds go back to college? ›

In fact, adult students are more common than you might think. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) indicates that the 2.7 million learners who are age 30 and above account for more than 16 percent of all undergraduate and graduate students.

Is 40 too old to start a new career? ›

It's arguably never too late to change your career if you're armed with the right strategies. If you're in your 30s, 40s or 50s, don't despair. We've put together a guide on how to change careers at 30, 40, 50 that includes steps like networking and developing your online presence.

Is 40 too old for grad school? ›

Most graduate schools will care less about how old you are and more about what you've been doing with your time since you were in undergrad — and like businesses, graduate schools cannot discriminate based on age. In fact, certain fields like business may prefer a candidate with some work experience.

Is 45 to old for college? ›

Starting College at 25 (or Older): Why It's Not Too Late. Everyone is nervous before their first day of college, but starting college at 25 (or 45!) is a lot different from walking onto campus as an 18-year-old. Earning a degree is the right next step for pursuing your career goals.

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