Gen Z is turning away from college. But millennials and Gen Xers are going back.
The National Center for Education Statistics found that more than a third of all undergraduate students are 25 or above.
Are you also thinking about going back to college in your 30s? That’s an exciting, and probably a little nerve-wracking, decision.
Whether you want to advance your career or make a total switch, heading back to school later in life can be challenging. You’re balancing a lot more than you were in your 20s—work, family, bills. Don’t let that discourage you, however.
To make this new chapter easy for you, we’ve shared a few tips that will make the leap back into education easy.
#1 Research Programs That Fit Your Life
When you’re in your 30s, life is already busy—isn’t it? Between work, family, and personal commitments, squeezing in college might seem impossible. That is why it’s crucial to find a program that fits your life, not the other way around.
Don’t assume the traditional route is the only option. Many colleges and universities offer flexible programs tailored to adults returning to school.
Approximately 53.5% of graduates enrolled in distance education courses in Fall 2023.
Look into schools that offer flexible options like online classes, evening courses, or part-time programs. Enroll yourself in them. They will make it much easier for you to balance study with career or home responsibilities. In fact, there are colleges that cater specifically to adult learners, so they understand you’ve got a lot on your plate.
The great thing about these programs is that you can take courses at your own pace—be it one class at a time or accelerating through an intensive program.
#2 Get Ready for Time Management Challenges
The biggest challenge when going back to college in your 30s is not the coursework itself but finding time for it amid your already full life.
Your calendar is already pretty packed. Taking out time to study can feel like a juggling act. Don’t worry, though. Time management can save you.
Whether you’re balancing a career, family responsibilities, or both, managing your time effectively is important.
Get organized first. Whether you use a digital calendar, a bullet journal, or sticky notes all over your house, have a system to track deadlines, assignments, and study sessions. Set aside specified times each week for schoolwork, and treat them as non-negotiable appointments.
Then, prioritize tasks. Indeed advises using the Eisenhower matrix for the most important tasks. That way, you won’t have to spend your day worrying about them.
Don’t forget to build in downtime. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take breaks and recharge so that you can stay sharp.
#3 Consider Your Finances
College isn’t cheap. Before you sign up, make sure you have a solid plan for how you’re going to finance your education.
Take a good look at your financial situation and figure out how you will pay for tuition, books, and other expenses. Will you need to take out loans, or do you have some savings to dip into?
Many schools offer scholarships for adult learners. Ask your school if it does. Also, don’t forget about grants or federal financial aid, which you might qualify for even if you’re working.
These forms of financial aid need not be repaid. Before you start, make sure to research how to get scholarships and grants for college. Otherwise, you might make mistakes in the process, which will lower your chances of securing them.
Some employers offer tuition assistance, so it’s worth checking if your company has that benefit.
#4 Prepare to Embrace the Learning Curve
It’s natural to feel a little rusty if you’ve been out of the classroom for long.
You’re not expected to know everything right away. It might take some time to get back into the flow of studying and writing papers. Even navigating new technologies (hello, online learning platforms!) might appear challenging.
Give yourself some grace. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek help, or even take a few preparatory courses if you need to brush up on some skills. The goal is progress, not perfection—keep that in mind.
Going back to college in your 30s is a big decision. Sure, it comes with its challenges, but it can open up new opportunities, both personally and professionally. It’s natural to feel a little nervous. But you can thrive in this new chapter if you follow these tips.
Whether it leads to a career change or simply gives you a sense of accomplishment, embrace the growth that comes with this experience.
