Study Up on Going Back to School
Thursday, September 18. 2008
The grim outlook for the labor market has been leading more workers to reassess their career options. And it's tempting many to contemplate a return to school to buff up skills or gain completely new ones.
More education can add significantly to earnings, according to a report from the Census Bureau. In 2006, among workers 18 and older, those with less than a high-school diploma earned an average of $20,873, compared with $31,071 for those with a high-school diploma, $56,788 for a bachelor's degree, and $82,320 for a master's, professional or doctoral degree.
While such financial incentives may be alluring, experts say there are a number of important considerations that must be taken into account before pouring hard-earned cash into more schooling:Read more...
More education can add significantly to earnings, according to a report from the Census Bureau. In 2006, among workers 18 and older, those with less than a high-school diploma earned an average of $20,873, compared with $31,071 for those with a high-school diploma, $56,788 for a bachelor's degree, and $82,320 for a master's, professional or doctoral degree.
While such financial incentives may be alluring, experts say there are a number of important considerations that must be taken into account before pouring hard-earned cash into more schooling:Read more...
College enrollment has maintained a generally upward trend for the past several decades. (Being educated has turned out to have been an excellent idea.) In keeping with the increased enrollment trend, the number of adults pursuing education has been on the rise. According to the N.C.E.S., the adult education numbers for Fall 2007 were 6,956,000 adults aged 25 and over enrolled in college (compared to 10,825,000 18 to 24-year-olds enrolled). 
Going back to college provides opportunities for baby boomers who want to engage in resolving community and world issues. They view retirement as a new career challenge. 
Eric Ebanks went back to college to make himself more marketable. Growing up on the island of Jamaica in the mountains of Mocho Clarendon, I was exposed to the importance of a good education at a very young age. My parents, particularly my mother, insisted my brothers, sisters and I “put our heads to our lessons.” 
Welcome! Going back to college as an adult can be a daunting (sometimes even scary), but very worthwhile experience. We all know that there are many talented and accomplished individuals who never went to college or for some reason or another were not able to complete their degree. For many, earning that "piece of paper" can make a significant difference in their professional or personal life (the achievement of a lifelong dream) - but the idea of returning to school after a long absence can present quite a challenge. 
I just got back from attending the American Council on Consumer Interests annual conference. ACCI’s membership consists chiefly of academics and other professionals involved in consumer and family economics. It was good to catch up with colleagues and engage in lively discussions with the professors, but now I've started daydreaming about going back to college. 
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