Forget everything you think you know about the “normal” college student or experience.
Rather than coming to campus straight from high school, today’s undergraduate or graduate student often is pursuing a degree later in life. Where men once dominated the higher-education landscape, women are now outpacing them. Where in-person learning was once the norm, an increasing number of students are completing their degrees online — especially since the pandemic.
So, if you are considering starting or returning to school, what does that mean for you? In short, more options and opportunities than ever before. Here are some of the reasons you may have used to rule out pursuing higher education — and why you should reconsider.
‘I’M TOO OLD,’ OR, ‘I’M NOT THE TYPICAL STUDENT’
When you picture a college student, you probably imagine a fresh-faced recent high school grad — but growing number of college students don’t fit that mold. In fact, recent data from the Lumina Foundation show that 37 percent of college students are 25 and older. The same study found that about 58 percent of these “adult learners” or nontraditional students are working while attending college, and more than one-quarter are parents.
And where men were once the majority on campuses, women have taken the lead; in fall 2021, female students constituted 58 percent of total undergraduate enrollment, according to the Wall Street Journal. At Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, roughly 62 percent of students are female.
So, if you don’t fit the criteria of the “typical” student, you’re in good company.
‘I’M TOO BUSY’
We live in an increasingly chaotic world, and time is at a premium. But if being “busy” is keeping you from reaching your educational goals, it’s worth noting that going back to school on your own terms has never been easier.
“Generally, online degree programs are more accessible due to the flexibility of when the student can do the work,” says Dr. Kristi Motter, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at The University of Southern Mississippi. “Students are not necessarily limited to attending class once per week on a given day at a specific time, and many assignments can be completed on your own schedule and when you have availability. All these factors, along with the immense value in higher education, are great reasons to push toward educational goals!”
At MGCCC, students can take advantage of a hybrid option, which lets them attend a combination of in-person and online classes, as determined by the instructor.
‘IT’S TOO EXPENSIVE’
It’s true — college is costly, and attending a two-year public college costs about 49 percent more than it did 20 years ago. However, there are ways to lower the price tag. MGCCC reports that nearly 61 percent of students are eligible to receive scholarships or other financial aid to help defray college costs. And this is hardly unique; according to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 85 percent of students receive some form of financial aid. From employer tuition assistance to prior learning assessments, which award credit for knowledge gained outside the classroom, where there is a will, there’s a way.
In today’s workforce, advanced degrees and credentials are becoming increasingly necessary to stay competitive. Higher education can lead to a higher income, better employment opportunities and a higher overall quality of life. If you’re contemplating a return to school, there’s never been a better time.