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Returning to College As An Adult






As the administrator of a degree-completion program designed for adults wishing to complete their bachelor’s degree, I repeatedly have prospective students tell me they did not finish their degree when “I should have done it.” I reply by telling them “I would not have a job without people like them and I love my job!”
Let us take a moment to discuss adult learners returning to college and dispel the myth that they are doing this at the “wrong time.”

  Although most of us think of a college student as being between the ages of 18-23, this is not currently accurate in the United States; the truth is that close to 40% of today’s college students are 25 and older. 

What does an adult student bring into the college classroom? 

Here is a short list of pros and cons I have developed from my experience:




As you can see, the strengths and challenges of the typical adult learner tend to outweigh each other. Successful adult students take the negatives and turn them into positives. In my experience, adults are highly motivated, and at least as intelligent as their younger classmates. They bring wisdom and experience to their learning that younger people usually have not developed yet. They turn their original anxiety over returning to college into positive energy and dedicate themselves to their learning. 

  When seeking a college or university to continue their education, adults should look for regionally accredited institutions. These are the A-List schools. They have gone through a rigorous review process. Earning a degree from one of these schools adds value to your degree. If you wish to attend graduate school, you must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college. 

Do not be afraid to ask questions throughout the admissions and educational process. Colleges and universities have staff to guide you and assist you in the pursuit of your degree!

If you would like to learn more about EIU B.A. in General Studies contact BGS directly by phone (217) 549-5657, or you can email: bgsba@eiu.edu.


We are proud of our alumni and their achievements as adult students. You can explore the careers of hundreds of EIU BGS alumni on LinkedIn. Connect with BGS faculty on Facebook or join them at one of our upcoming events at community colleges across Illinois on Twitter @EIUBGS.

Have a Question? Contact EIU BGS A representative will contact you and help answer any questions you may have about EIU BGS online courses, locations across Illinois and online degree programs.

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Location: Illinois, USA

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