Apr 17, Higher Education , Program Insights. According to EAB, a research firm in the education sector, 38 percent of undergraduates are considered adult learners —i. This number of adult undergraduates is projected to grow 21 percent by Adults going back to college to add to their existing degrees or finish degrees they once started is becoming increasingly common.

Fortunately, adults returning to college are in an excellent position. They have some work experience, which might translate into college credit. And they know what it takes to balance their life, manage their time and buckle down to get it all done. Returning to college as an adult can yield a wealth of rewards. Here are a few reasons to consider it. There is a correlation between level of education and pay, with holders of advanced degrees typically earning more money than those with lower degrees. Returning to college is a significant step adults can take to increase their earning potential.

It's becoming increasingly common for adults, years or even decades into their working lives, to realize it's time to go back to school. The motivations may vary: common reasons include wanting to set out on a new career path , doing more interesting work, making more money , changing fields, qualifying for a promotion, or trying to be more competitive in the job market. And the circumstances will vary as well: for some, it means completing a degree started long ago; for others, it means enrolling in college for the first time; and for still others, it means taking on a second bachelor's degree , a certificate, or graduate-level coursework. While making the decision to go back to school is certainly exciting, it also can be intimidating. Going back to school as an adult student is a very different experience from going back to school as a traditional-age student between the ages of 18 and 22 , and poses a unique set of challenges.

Sarah Ancel serves as senior vice president and interim leadership for Complete College America CCA , a national nonprofit whose mission is to leverage its alliance of states, systems of higher education, institutional consortia and partner organizations to close achievement gaps and provide equity of opportunity for all students to complete college degrees and credentials of purpose and value. In fact, according to the Lumina Foundation , a full 38 percent of undergraduate students are older than 25, 58 percent work while enrolled in college and 26 percent are raising children. Regardless of the facts, however, that traditional, younger image still persists, making the idea of a return to school intimidating for many older adults seeking to switch careers or enhance their skill sets by enrolling in college.