More Adults Return to School—Should You?

More Adults Return to School—Should You?

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Rising Interest in Higher Education Among Adults

More adults are considering returning to college, driven by a mix of economic uncertainty and the desire for career advancement. However, many are unsure whether the long-term benefits will outweigh the immediate financial challenges. This trend is not new—economic downturns have historically led to increased enrollment in higher education. For instance, during the 2008 recession, college enrollment rose by 12%, with a significant increase in students over the age of 24. The promise of stability or higher pay was a major motivator, even as job markets shifted rapidly.

Today’s interest in returning to school stems from similar concerns. Many adult learners are seeking a second chance to finish degrees they started years ago or hoping that new credentials could open up better opportunities in a changing job market. With AI and other technological advancements reshaping industries, the need for updated skills has never been more pressing.

However, history shows that increased enrollment doesn’t always lead to degree completion or improved outcomes. In the aftermath of the 2008 crisis, less than 60% of those who returned to college earned a degree within six years. Many took on new student loans without a credential to show for it, highlighting the risks involved.

The Hidden Costs of Adult Education

Returning to school as an adult involves more than just tuition. While the average annual cost at public colleges exceeds $29,000, there are additional expenses such as healthcare, childcare, and on-campus services. These costs can add thousands of dollars per year, making the financial burden even heavier for adult students.

For many, the situation is further complicated by existing financial obligations like rent, mortgage payments, insurance, and childcare. Parents may find that the cost of childcare during class hours can be nearly as high as tuition itself. Additionally, adults who reduce their work hours to attend school must consider the lost wages, especially if they are the primary earner in their household.

The financial pressure of replacing a paycheck with a student loan is real and affects both daily spending and long-term savings. It's crucial for adult learners to carefully assess these factors before making a decision.

Strategies for Managing the Financial Burden

Choosing the right educational path is often the first step. Some adult learners opt for full-time programs, while others balance coursework with their current jobs. Either approach requires careful planning and consideration of personal and professional needs.

Prioritizing in-state public universities, part-time programs, or online schools with flexible schedules can help manage costs and time commitments. Some institutions offer night and weekend classes, which may be more feasible for working adults or parents.

Once a program is selected, the next challenge is funding. Employers may offer tuition reimbursement programs, especially if the degree aligns with the employee's current role. Scholarships and grants are also available, particularly for those pursuing high-demand fields. Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is essential, as it determines eligibility for federal aid, including Pell Grants, which now cover more workforce training programs.

Federal and private student loans can fill any remaining gaps, but taking on new debt should be done with caution. Adults already in repayment on existing student loans must evaluate whether additional borrowing makes sense for their financial situation.

Weighing the Risks and Rewards

Not everyone who returns to school completes their program. The post-2008 enrollment spike saw many students take on new loans without earning a degree, underscoring the importance of setting realistic expectations. The decision to go back to school often comes down to whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

If a specific job or promotion requires a degree, or if a new credential can clearly boost earnings, the investment may be worth the financial risk. However, if the outcome is uncertain, a closer look is needed. Adult learners should compare the total cost of attendance—including indirect expenses—against the likely increase in future earnings.

They should also consider whether their intended field values educational attainment or work experience more heavily. Using a College ROI Calculator can help make this assessment. In some cases, industry-specific certifications or short-term training programs may offer a faster, more affordable path to better employment.

Community colleges and workforce development centers often provide these options at a lower cost, making them a viable alternative for some learners.

A Personal Decision with No Guarantees

Returning to school as an adult is a complex decision that involves trade-offs between time, money, and personal goals. There are no guarantees of success, but for some, it can be a meaningful opportunity to reset and gain new skills.

As the job market continues to evolve, the need for updated knowledge and abilities is becoming increasingly important. The right education, in the right setting, at the right time, can lead to positive outcomes. However, history shows that increased enrollment does not always result in completion, and even completion does not always lead to better pay.

The best results come when adults choose programs carefully, understand the costs, and enter with a clear plan. The question is not just whether school is worth it, but whether it makes sense right now, for this person, in this situation.

Online Classes Cost as Much as In-Person for College Students

Online Classes Cost as Much as In-Person for College Students

10:00 PM   

The Rising Cost of Online Education: A Paradox in Higher Learning

Online education has become a significant part of the American higher education landscape, with more students learning entirely online than ever before. However, this shift has brought with it a growing concern among students and educators alike: why do online courses often cost just as much—or even more—than their in-person counterparts?

Emma Bittner, a 25-year-old from Austin, Texas, found herself in this situation when she considered pursuing a master’s degree in public health. She expected that an online program would be more affordable, but instead, she discovered that the cost was comparable to or even higher than traditional in-person programs. “I’m like, what makes this worth it?” she said. “Why does it cost that much if I don’t get meetings face-to-face with the professor or have the experience in person?”

This confusion is widespread. A 2024 survey by New America found that 80% of Americans believe online learning after high school should cost less than in-person programs. After all, technology has driven down costs in many industries, and online courses theoretically offer economies of scale by eliminating the need for physical classrooms.

Yet, according to an annual survey of campus chief online learning officers, 83% of online programs in higher education cost students as much as or more than their in-person equivalents. Some institutions even add an extra “distance learning fee.” This discrepancy raises questions about how universities are pricing their online offerings.

The Financial Strategy Behind Online Tuition

Universities and colleges often use revenue from online programs to subsidize other parts of their operations. For instance, 60% of public and over half of private universities make more money from online education than they spend on it, according to the same survey. Many of these institutions reinvest the funds into general operating budgets.

Kevin Carey, vice president of education and work at New America, argues that online education is seen as a new revenue stream rather than a way to reduce costs. “Public officials are not stopping them,” he said. “They’re not coming and saying, ‘Hey, we’re seeing this new opportunity to save money. These online courses could be cheaper. Make them cheaper.’ This is just a continuation of the status quo.”

In addition to financial considerations, online programs also face higher operational costs. They require expensive technology infrastructure, faculty support, and resources such as online advisors and tutoring centers. According to a survey by Ithaka S+R, 80% of faculty reported that it takes as much time, or more, to develop online courses compared to in-person ones due to the need for technological integration.

Marketing and the Perception of Value

Another factor contributing to the high cost of online education is marketing. Universities invest heavily in advertising to attract students across the country. For example, the University of Arizona Global Campus spent $11,521 on advertising for every online student it enrolled. Similarly, the University of Maryland Global Campus committed $500 million to advertising over six years.

Such spending raises questions about whether the money could be better used to lower tuition. “What if you took that money and translated it into lower tuition?” asked Carey.

Despite the high costs, online students often face poorer outcomes. Research by Duha Altindag and colleagues found that online instruction results in lower grades than in-person education, and students are more likely to withdraw or repeat courses. Lower-income students, in particular, tend to struggle more in online settings due to limited access to resources and balancing work or family responsibilities.

The Future of Online Education

While online education continues to grow, some examples show that lower tuition is possible. Georgia Institute of Technology offers a $7,000 online master’s degree in computer science, significantly cheaper than its in-person version. Other institutions, such as Western Governors University and Southern New Hampshire University, also offer relatively low-cost options.

Competition among online providers is increasing, and some universities are cutting ties with for-profit middlemen known as online program managers. In 2023, nearly 150 such deals were canceled or not renewed.

However, despite these developments, the proportion of universities charging more for online programs than in-person classes has only slightly declined, and the drop is statistically insignificant. As enrollments continue to fluctuate, institutions increasingly rely on online revenue to sustain their operations.

For students like Bittner, the question remains: Why do online programs cost so much? “Even in the program I’m in now, you don’t get the same access to stuff as an in-person student,” she said. “What are you putting into it that costs so much?”