Life doesn’t always follow a straight line — and neither does a college education. Maybe you paused your degree to raise a family, build a career, or handle an unexpected life change. Whatever the reason is, you’re not alone.  

If you’ve been thinking about going back to school, this guide will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and how an online degree program can help you finish what you started on your own schedule. 

Why Going Back to School is Worth it, Even Years Later 

The decision to return to college as an adult often comes down to one of a few common goals: a career change, a promotion that requires a degree, or simply the personal satisfaction of finishing something you started. Employers increasingly value candidates with a completed degree, and many industries — healthcare, business, education, and technology among them — now require a bachelor’s or master’s degree for advancement. 

Bar chart comparing workers with bachelor’s degrees and high school diplomas. Those with bachelor’s degrees have higher weekly earnings ($1,578) and a lower unemployment rate (2.8%), compared with $966 in weekly earnings and a 4.3% unemployment rate for those with high school diplomas. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with a bachelor’s degree earned median weekly wages of $1,578 in 2025—well above the $966 earned by workers with only a high school diploma—and had roughly half the unemployment rate (2.8% versus 4.3%).

And the payoff isn’t only financial: in a Pew Research Center survey, 91% of adults with a bachelor’s degree said their education had already paid off, or expected it would, over the course of their career. 

Returning to college isn’t just about the diploma. It’s about proving to yourself that it’s never too late to grow. 

Frequently Asked Questions, Comments, and Concerns 

“It’s been years since I’ve been in a classroom.” Online degree programs are designed with flexibility and support in mind. At Ball State University, all our online degree programs are asynchronous, meaning there aren’t regular class times. The work is completed when you have the time: after work, on lunch breaks, on the sidelines of your kid’s soccer game, etc.  

“What kind of support do I have?” Every online student at Ball State is connected to a Student Support Specialist who will connect with you when you request information about applying and continue to support you until you graduate. They’re in your corner for all the things life and learning can throw your way.  

“I don’t have time between work and family.” This is where online learning changes the equation. Asynchronous online courses let you complete coursework around your job, your kids’ schedules, or your commute.  

“Will my old college credits even count?” In many cases, yes. Many universities, including Ball State, accept transfer credit from previously completed coursework, and some offer credit for relevant work or military experience. An early transcript evaluation can clarify exactly how close you are to a degree. 

5 Steps to Get Back on Track 

  1. Request a transcript review. Before you commit to a program, find out how many of your previous credits will transfer. This single step often shortens the path to graduation more than students expect.
  2. Choose a program that fits your goals — and your life. Look for an online degree program with a curriculum built around working adults. The right fit matters as much as the right major. Find a degree program that is going to help you reach the goals you have for your life and future.
  3. Talk to a Student Success Specialist. Our Success Specialists can map out a realistic timeline, help you understand financial aid options, and help find the best path forward to get you set up for success before the semester even starts. 
  4. Build a support system. Returning to school is easier with people in your corner — a manager who understands your schedule, a partner who can help with household responsibilities, or a study group of fellow adult learners. If you’re not sure where to start, our Student Success Specialists, and many other Ball State staff and faculty across campus, are ready to help!
  5. Start with one class. You don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight. Many adult learners ease back in with a single course to rebuild momentum before enrolling full-time.

The Case for Online Degree Programs 

For adult learners, a degree program’s format can matter as much as the content. Online degree programs offer a few key advantages: 

  • Flexibility: Complete coursework in the evenings, on weekends, or whenever it fits your schedule. 
  • No commute: Learn from home, work, or anywhere with an internet connection. 
  • Career-relevant curriculum: Many programs are designed in step with what employers are currently looking for. 
  • A community of peers: Online doesn’t mean alone — many programs connect you with other working adults navigating the same balancing act. 

At Ball State Online, degree programs are built specifically with adult learners in mind, with transfer-friendly policies, multiple start dates throughout the year, and dedicated support from enrollment to graduation. 

You’re Closer Than You Think 

Returning to college as an adult can feel like a big leap, but most learners find the first step is the hardest — and the smallest. A transcript review, one conversation with a Student Success Specialist, or a single online course can be the beginning of finishing what you started. 

Ready to see how close you are to your degree? Explore Ball State Online’s degree programs to find a path built around your life, not the other way around.