5 Reasons to Go Back to School After Age 30

Returning to college as an adult is becoming more common, with many individuals over 30 choosing to pursue higher education¹. Older students may be attending college for the first time, finishing a previously started degree, or seeking an advanced credential. Gaining professional experience before enrolling in college can offer significant benefits.

Below are five compelling reasons adults over 30 may decide to return to school.

1. Advance in Your Education
   
   Returning to college can provide new knowledge and skills, as well as formal qualifications that may be required in certain professional fields. Before beginning, it’s important to research the education requirements in the field or role you are considering.
2. Invest in Personal Growth
   
   For many returning students, achieving a degree is about self-fulfillment, improved life quality, and greater job stability. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn significantly more on average and experience less unemployment than those with only a high school diploma.²
3. Set a Positive Example
   
   Balancing college with work, family, and other adult responsibilities can be challenging. Many adults are motivated by the opportunity to serve as role models for family members and peers, demonstrating the value of persistence and lifelong learning.
4. Clarify and Pursue Your Goals
   
   Life experience can provide older students with a sharper sense of their strengths, interests, and career objectives. Some adult learners approach their studies with a clearer sense of focus, drawing on their prior experiences and personal goals.
5. Facilitate a Career Change
   
   For those seeking a new professional direction, returning to college can be a good first step toward changing industries or career paths. Work experience helps clarify personal interests and guide the choice of an educational program to support new career ambitions.

¹ National Center for Education Statistics, “Total Fall Enrollment in Degree-Granting Postsecondary Institutions, by Attendance Status, Sex, and Age of Student,” https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d22/tables/dt22_303.40.asp?current=yes
² U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Education Pays, “Earnings and Unemployment Rates by Educational Attainment 2024” https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm, (visited 9/23/2025)

AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ2161984 9/2025