More and more U.S. citizens over the age of 24 have college degrees. In 2011, roughly 61.4 million U.S. adults age 25 years or older had a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2021, this number rose to 85 million.
There are several factors that can influence the decision to earn a college degree for students of any age. The potential increase in income and employment opportunities may be the most obvious factor, especially for older adults. According to a 2022 analysis of Lighcast data by Inside Higher Ed, adults who go back to school earn, on average, 140% more per year than peers who do not return to college.
Plus, education is more accessible for working adults with the increasing availability of accelerated online degree programs like the Arkansas State University (A-State) Bachelor of General Studies online program. More and more jobs require a bachelor’s degree, and it’s important to stay competitive in the job market.
Influence the Decisions of Your Children
There is a direct correlation between the education level of parents and the likelihood that their children will pursue postsecondary education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Parents who value and earn post-secondary degrees are more likely to have children who value and choose to pursue higher education.
Many schools now offer accelerated online bachelor’s degree programs to meet the demands of adults with family and career obligations. In addition to being education role models, adults who complete accelerated bachelor’s degree programs increase their marketability and earning potential. NCES reports that a family’s income level and perceived ability to afford a college education for their child are also key factors in whether children choose to attend college after high school.
There Are Several Methods Available to Earn a Degree
Technological advances can make attaining a higher level of education more convenient for adults who originally dismissed the idea of earning a college degree. Students in A-State’s online Bachelor of General Studies program can transfer up to 90 credit hours of previous collegiate studies, meaning they may have to complete only 30 more credit hours of coursework to earn their degree.
Many of A-State’s online courses are only seven weeks long, helping students complete the degree program quickly and efficiently. This gives adults with children the opportunity to rapidly change their lives by increasing their earning potential and job prospects and showing their child the value of education.
Plus, the online model of A-State’s program can be a particularly beneficial option for working adults with families. This program offers flexibility — studies can be completed at home whenever a student’s schedule allows. This convenient benefit is important to adults who cannot commute to school on a regular basis or take time off work for classes.
When Adults Choose Education, Their Kids Do, Too
Adults who choose to invest in their education are also investing in the chance that their children pursue higher education in the future. By acting as an education role model, parents can pursue better job opportunities and increase their income for their family. Multiple avenues to complete a degree make the pursuit of higher education easier.
Learn more about A-State’s online Bachelor of General Studies program.