If you are in your late 20’s or 30’s and you’re considering going back to college, you’ve come to the right place. Many adults nowadays are returning to school to finish their degrees, switch careers, or develop additional skills that will help to boost their earning potential. Whether you have spent the last decade working, raising a family, or exploring different career paths, pursuing higher education can help open new doors at any stage of your life.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, people that have a bachelor’s degree earn roughly 60 percent more than people who only have a high school diploma.1 With flexible online programs, scholarships for adult learners, and a growing demand for educated professionals, going back to college in your 30s can be one of the smartest moves you make for your future.
Key Takeaways
- Going back to college in your 30s is increasingly common, and many universities are now offering degree-completion programs that are specifically for adult-learners.
- Higher education has the potential to help expand your job opportunities, support a career change, and lead to higher earnings upon completion.
- Flexible online and hybrid degree formats make it easier for working adults and parents to balance school, work, and their family life.
- Alternatives like bootcamps, MOOCs, and trade schools offer more expedited and lower-cost pathways to develop important marketable skills.
- Federal and state financial aid, employer tuition programs, and scholarships can all help to minimize the cost of returning to school.
- Lifelong learning not only advances your career but it can also boost your confidence, mental agility, and your long-term fulfillment in life.
Is 30 Too Old to Go Back to School?
Many universities offer pathways or degree-completion programs that are specifically designed for working professionals who started college but never fully finished their degree. Federal and most state financial-aid programs have no upper age limit on their eligibility, and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) classifies students aged 25 and older as nontraditional students. This means that you have the potential to receive financial aid regardless of what age you tackle finishing your degree. Whether you are 25 years old or in your 60’s, it’s never to late to pick those textbooks back up.
Why You Should Go Back to School
Returning to college in your 30’s can unlock higher-earning careers, broaden your professional network, and align you with growing industries to strengthen your job security. More job opportunities, skill building, and career changes become available to adult learners who invest in education. Workers with a bachelor’s degree had median weekly earnings of $1,754 in Q1 2025 compared with $953 for high school graduates.1 Many employers now offer tuition-assistance programs like the Starbucks College Achievement Plan and Amazon Career Choice, which makes continued education more affordable while supporting in-demand, automation-resilient fields such as healthcare and cybersecurity.
How to Go Back to College
Planning your return to college at 30 starts with picking the right program, planning finances, and balancing your life obligations. Use the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard to compare tuition costs, graduation rates, and median graduate earnings. Adult learners can also explore income-driven repayment (IDR) plans that cap monthly loan payments based on income and family size, or use employer tuition reimbursement benefits.
Juggling work, family, and school requires you to be a good multi-tasker and time manager. It might put strain on your relationships and your own personal mental health. Many schools also have evening childcare or online tutoring that is available to help adult students succeed in their programs.
Alternatives to College for 30-Year-Olds
Not everyone needs a four-year degree to pursue their passions. There are endless alternatives like bootcamps, trade schools, and micro-credentials that offer faster, lower-cost pathways than your traditional 4-year bachelor’s degree.
Popular bootcamps such as Flatiron School, Springboard, and CareerFoundry provide career services and job placement support after graduation. There are also such things as micro-credentials, which are delivered through platforms like Coursera and edX, where learners can gain specific skills in areas like data analytics, business, or marketing. There micro-credentials won’t give you a four year degree, but they will provide you with knowledge that can be applied to future jobs.
| Pathway | Average Length | Approx. Cost Range | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | ~ $28,000 – $40,000 | Accredited degree |
| Bootcamp | 3–6 months | ~ $14,000 | Certificate |
| Online Course | Weeks–Months | Low cost / Free | Certificate |
| Trade School | 1–2 years | ~ $20,000 | Diploma / License |
Should You Go Back to School at 30?
If you want to change careers or boost your earning power, returning to college at 30 can be a highly strategic move.
Brown University’s School of Professional Studies offers part-time and online programs for working adults, while PennWest Clarion continues to deliver online business and nursing degrees. Other flexible options include Southern New Hampshire University, Purdue Global, and Western Governors University, which are all designed for adult learners.
Career Outcomes After Earning Your Degree at 30
Earning a degree or certification in your 30’s often leads to higher wages, lower unemployment, and better long-term job prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations that require a bachelor’s degree had a median annual wage of $92,260 in 2024 and are projected to grow by 5.6 percent through over the next decade.2
Today, there are many great online degrees including specialties like data analytics, nursing, business administration, cybersecurity, and instructional design. In general, occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree are projected to grow 5.6 percent from 2024 to 2034, driven by demand for data-literate and tech-skilled workers.2
Going Back to College at 30 FAQ
Here are answers to common questions about returning to school in your 30s and making it work.
Is going to college worth it?
Yes, absolutely. Data shows that workers with a bachelor’s degree earn roughly 60 percent more than those with only a high school diploma.1
Can I go to college and avoid debt?
Yes, if you qualify for financial aid or scholarships. Government aid and private grants can significantly reduce or cover costs.
Are there any alternatives to college?
Yes, there are tons. You can start a business, join the military, or enroll in bootcamps and trade schools to develop practical skills.
What is the best college degree to have?
That depends on your interests and career goals, since many fields require at least a bachelor’s degree, while some value graduate credentials.
Is financial aid available for nontraditional students?
Yes, it is. There is no upper age limit for federal aid eligibility, so adult learners will be eligible for financial aid through the federal government.
Sources
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
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