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Did you know that on average, those with bachelor’s degrees earn 84 percent more income over the course of their lives than those with high school diplomas alone? Besides the massive pay gap, college graduates are also more likely to capture new jobs. Instead of relying on a high school diploma to eke out your living, why not consider going back to school?

No matter how you slice it, those relying on high school diplomas face decreasing employment opportunities and shrinking salaries. Wouldn’t you like to even the playing field?

If so, read on to learn more about the five reasons that now is the perfect time for going back to school.

1) Never Too Late

First of all, it’s never too late to earn a college diploma. Returning to college as an older learner will enrich your future and outlook. But you’d be surprised by how much you have to contribute to your fellow students’ educations, too.

You have a breadth of knowledge that younger students simply don’t. You’ve most likely traveled more widely, experienced more workplace environments, and learned how to navigate myriad career issues they have yet to consider.

So, instead of feeling like a “unicorn” in a sea of youthful faces, recognize that you have much to contribute to the classroom learning environment. You won’t be alone either. In 2015, 8.1 million students aged 25 or older attended college.

2) Online Learning Options Abound

If the thought of sitting in a classroom with twenty-somethings still fills you with misgivings, know that you have other options.

Online education continues to grow, offering remote learning options for all ages. It’s a great way to further your education while bypassing potentially awkward social situations. Online courses also offer excellent opportunities for students taking evening classes or living far from campus.

3) Money’s on the Table

The statistics speak for themselves. “In 2009, the median weekly earnings of workers with bachelor’s degrees were $1,137. This amount is 1.8 times the average amount earned by those with only a high school diploma, and 2.5 times the earnings of high school dropouts.”

Do you seriously want to leave that kind of money on the table? Instead of working your fingers “to the bone,” invest in yourself by earning a college diploma. The increase in average income will make it the single best investment of your work life.

4) Get Competitive

Millions of students seek higher education in the United States every year. Don’t get left in their dust!

Higher education institutions allow you to advance through the ranks far more quickly than experience alone. And college courses are designed to help you stay on the cutting edge of new technology. There’s no better way to avoid getting lost in the shuffle while making a name for yourself in your industry.

5) Earn a Brighter Future

Besides making more money, gaining access to a larger job pool, and sharpening your technological skills, going back to school puts you in the driver’s seat of your future. People with higher educations tend to find better jobs with greater stability. As a result, their job satisfaction improves dramatically.

There’s no better way to stay ahead of the unemployment curve. And the credentials that you earn will travel with you from job to job, making every employment opportunity potentially better and more rewarding.

Going Back to School

Going back to school requires serious thought and commitment. But, in the vast majority of cases, it proves well worth the investment of time and money.

So, what are you waiting for?

Choose a college that understands your unique needs and has decades of experience working with returning students just like you. Contact us today to jumpstart your future.