Six Reasons It’s Never Too Late to Earn Your Degree

Why It’s Never Too Late to Go Back to School

1. You're Not Alone in Returning to School

One of the most reassuring reasons it’s not too late to return to school is that you’re not alone. Many professionals with some college experience but no degree face this decision at some point in their careers.

“The vast majority of students who are in bachelor's completion programs are in a similar situation,” says David Rudder, the Dean of Professional Studies at Regis College. “They’re not coming straight out of school. They have some level of work experience and they may have taken college courses previously, and want to go back to complete their degree.”

These degree completion programs are specifically designed for adult learners to ensure coursework, schedules, and support systems cater to professionals balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.

When you enroll, you’ll find yourself in a learning environment with peers who share similar life experiences and career aspirations. In fact, adult learners bring valuable real-world knowledge and critical thinking skills to the classroom, making discussions more engaging and coursework more applicable to professional settings.

2. Education Is More Flexible Than Ever

Gone are the days when earning a degree required a rigid, full-time, on-campus schedule. Today’s universities recognize that many students juggle careers, family responsibilities, and personal commitments. As a result, they offer a variety of flexible learning options designed to accommodate the needs of working adults, including:

• Online, hybrid, and evening classes
• Part-time enrollment
• Accelerated programs

These flexible models aren’t just about convenience—they’re designed to help you succeed. Many schools offer asynchronous learning, where you can access lectures and assignments on your own time, and competency-based education, which allows you to earn credit for skills you’ve already mastered through work experience.

In addition, universities are increasingly focused on making the path to graduation as seamless as possible. Many offer college credit for prior learning experiences/training, transfer friendly policies, and career-aligned curricula to ensure students make the most of their time in school.

“College is now shifting to design and making sure we’re helping people expedite the completion of their degrees and utilizing their work experiences,” Rudder adds. This means institutions are not only offering flexibility but also actively working to help students graduate faster and with less financial strain.

3. Career Advancement Often Requires a College Degree

As industries evolve and competition for top roles increases, many professionals reach a point where further advancement requires a degree. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, considering a career shift, or looking to solidify your place in the job market, earning a bachelor’s degree can be a pivotal step.

“It always comes down to the same question: How am I setting myself up for the future?,” Rudder says. “How am I setting myself up to be marketable and have an edge against competitors who may be going after similar jobs as me?”

In most cases, that means getting the required education. It can give you the knowledge and skills to walk through them with confidence. Employers value employees who invest in their education, and many companies even offer tuition reimbursement programs to help offset costs. In a rapidly changing job market, having a degree can also provide greater stability, making you more adaptable to industry shifts and less vulnerable to layoffs.

At the same time, higher education isn’t just about checking a box for eligibility. It’s an opportunity to refine your expertise, expand your professional network, and develop the leadership skills needed to take your career to the next level. So whether you’re looking to increase your earning potential or position yourself for long-term success, returning to school could be the competitive advantage you need.

4. Earning a Degree Can Increase Your Salary Potential

Returning to school is a significant decision, and weighing the financial investment against potential benefits is an important part of the process. “Any student needs to be an informed consumer,” Rudder says. “They want to know the return on investment, like how much is this degree going to cost me, and how much is my annual salary going to be increased?”

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that educational attainment significantly impacts earning potential. In 2023, full-time workers aged 25 and over with a high school diploma had median weekly earnings of $899, while those with a bachelor's degree earned $1,493 per week. This translates to an annual difference of approximately $30,784.

Beyond increased earnings, completing your degree can enhance job stability and career longevity. According to the U.S. Bureau Labor of Statistics, the unemployment rate for individuals with a high school diploma was four percent in 2023, compared to two percent for those with a bachelor's degree.

Financial concerns are understandable, but various resources can make returning to school more affordable while enrolled though. For example, many institutions offer financial aid and scholarships, and numerous employers provide tuition reimbursement programs to support their employees' educational pursuits.​

5. Lifelong Learning Is Essential in Today’s Job Market

The most successful professionals aren’t just experts in their fields—they’re lifelong learners. In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the ability to continuously acquire new skills and adapt to industry changes is more valuable than ever. Going back to school isn’t just about earning a degree; it’s an opportunity to develop the mindset of a lifelong learner, ensuring you remain competitive as industries shift.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a prime example of why continuous learning is essential. While many degree programs once only focused on trends like data analytics and digital literacy, AI is now reshaping nearly every industry, from healthcare to finance to marketing. Professionals who actively seek out new knowledge and stay ahead of these technological advancements will be better equipped to navigate the changes and capitalize on new opportunities.

Beyond technical skills, ongoing education strengthens critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving—qualities that employers increasingly value. As Rudder explains, “you have to constantly get new skills all the time,” and going back to school is part of that process.

6. Earning Your Degree Can Be Personally Fulfilling

For many adult learners, earning a degree is a deeply personal achievement that represents perseverance and resilience. It’s a commitment to seeing a goal through, no matter how much time has passed, and the sense of pride that comes with completing a degree often makes the effort and sacrifices worthwhile.

Beyond personal satisfaction, going back to school can be transformative. It can reignite long-held passions, uncover new interests, and even shift the trajectory of a career or life path. For some, it’s about finishing what they started; for others, it’s about proving to themselves that they are capable of growth, change, and success.

“Life just gets interrupted,” Rudder says. “It’s not that people can’t do the work; it’s just that life gets interrupted with other responsibilities”

Although life may have delayed your education, that doesn’t mean the opportunity is gone. Returning to school can be a way to reconnect with your ambitions, redefine your future, and gain the personal fulfillment that comes with accomplishing something truly meaningful.

Invest in Your Future

It’s never too late to earn your bachelor’s degree. With more flexible learning options and support systems than ever before, returning to school as an adult learner is entirely within reach. Completing your degree can lead to better career opportunities, higher earnings, and a deep sense of personal accomplishment. The key is taking the first step—whether that means researching programs, applying for financial aid, or enrolling in your first class.

Finding the right school can make all the difference. Regis College is designed with adult learners in mind, offering flexible online courses, personalized support, and resources that help you balance education with work and life commitments. With a program built for your success, Regis makes it possible to achieve your degree on your terms.