How to Decide If You’re Ready to Go Back to School For Your Bachelor’s Degree

Going back to college for your bachelor’s degree can be a great way to get started in a new career. However, college can come with its own positives and negatives that can impact when is the best time for you to go back. Understand these factors when choosing if you’re going to go get your degree or not.

Income

Chances are you’re not going to be able to work a 40-hour workweek at the same time you’re trying to make it in college. This means that you’re going to have to make sure that you’re going to be able to survive during that time period in terms of housing and food money. Consider asking your parents if you’re going to be able to stay with them during the period you’re in college while giving them at least some money you can make on the side for food. For those that can’t stay with their parents, consider building up a large amount of savings on the side so that you can still afford what you need during the times that you can’t work. Always ensure that you have your income covered before you start on your bachelor’s degree.

Degree Choice

Depending on your choice of degree, you could have an easier or harder chance of getting a job once you’re done with your degree. To understand how difficult it could be, look into the areas that you are ok living in once you are done to see job listings and then put those job roles into job databases like GlassDoor to fully understand how much you’re going to be making once you’re done with your degree. Another factor to consider is industries can vastly change by the time you’ve taken up 4 years with your degree so don’t always expect the same number of job listings to be available once you’re ready to work. By understanding how much your chosen degree will factor in terms of money and job listings available, you can make the right choice if getting a degree is worth your time.

Costs

Not only does getting a degree cost you money in terms of not making any while you’re studying at college but in the United States, you’re going to have to pay a lot out of pocket or through loans. Through 2017-2018, college students were paying an average of $23,835 yearly on all their college expenses which tallies up to near $100k once students are done. While you’re likely to end up making more money out of college than before, it’s important to consider factors like being able to get that same job if you studied outside of college or if you can find another industry that doesn’t take a 4-year degree to step into. No matter what option you take, the cost of it is always going to be a significant factor.

College is always going to be a tricky subject whether you end up attending or not but you’re likely going to get on the other side ok. Always ensure that you’re paying attention to financial factors and how much time it’s going to take for you to get your degree. Even more important than taking your time and money into consideration though is to make sure you end up in a career that you enjoy.