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• Unemployment often drives adult learners to college, but this recession may be different.
• The coronavirus has created questions about job prospects after graduation.
• There are a lot of pros and cons for nontraditional students returning to school.

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Massive job loss has pushed many working Americans to pursue [hen-ui-link href=”https://spot.colorado.edu/~cadenab/Research_files/blom_cadena_keys_college_majors_20190530.pdf/”]higher education[/hen-ui-link] in the past. But with all the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 downturn, is now the right time to go back to school?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Great Recession of 2008 caused a spike in college enrollment. Between 2007-2010, the number of college students increased by almost [hen-ui-link href=”https://hechingerreport.org/how-the-2008-great-recession-affected-higher-education-will-history-repeat/”]2.5 million[/hen-ui-link], according to The Hechinger Report. Most of them were nontraditional students — also known as adult learners — over the age of 25.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nontraditional students tend to have [hen-ui-link href=”https://spot.colorado.edu/~cadenab/Research_files/blom_cadena_keys_college_majors_20190530.pdf/”]specific goals in mind[/hen-ui-link] when they enroll: higher wages, better employment prospects, and work in a particular field. But do those goals match what students need now?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Having a bachelor’s degree or a higher level of education has been a safety net during the COVID-19 pandemic: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.pewresearch.org/”]Statistics show[/hen-ui-link] that workers are worse off without a four-year college degree. This was also true during the Great Recession.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To avoid the tumultuous labor market, adults with some college but no degree — more than [hen-ui-link href=”https://nscresearchcenter.org/some-college-no-degree-2019/”]36 million[/hen-ui-link] Americans, as of 2019 — may return to college. Those who have bachelor’s degrees might consider grad school for the same reason.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, a [hen-ui-link href=”http://pages.nrccua.org/Eduventures-Research-Fall-2020-Enrollment-Scenarios-Part-2.html/”]report by Eduventures[/hen-ui-link] indicates fewer economically distressed adults are going to college during this recession than they have in the past. Instead, some may be taking quicker paths to a new career through two-year community colleges or alternative credential programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are upsides and downsides to enrolling at this time. Here, we list the top 10 pros and cons of becoming a nontraditional student during the COVID-19 pandemic.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary”]Pro: College Graduates Tend to Have Job Security[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One reason to pursue a bachelor’s degree is job security. Less-educated workers ages 25 and older saw higher unemployment during the initial surge of COVID-19 between February and May, according to an analysis from [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.pewresearch.org/”]Pew Research Center[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The unemployment rate for workers with a bachelor’s degree or more education was 7.2%, compared to 12.9% for those with some college but no degree, 15% for a high school diploma, and 18.5% for no high school diploma.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″] [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Why are four-year-or-more college graduates better off? Telework may be one factor that has saved jobs. In February, workers with a college degree were six times more likely to be able to perform their jobs remotely than those without a high school diploma, according to the Pew Research Center.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many of the workers who became unemployed during this pandemic had jobs that must be done in person. But more often than not, college graduates have jobs they can do online.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The industries with the most access to telework included insurance, technical services, information, wholesale trade, utilities, and credit intermediation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Adult learners who pursue degrees within those fields, including [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-computer-science/”]computer science[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/business-degrees/”]business[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/economics-degree/”]economics[/hen-ui-link], may have a better chance of landing a secure job after graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-700″]Con: Future Grads May Face a Tough Job Market[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Future college graduates may struggle to land a job until the pandemic is under control.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The class of 2020 has faced the worst labor market since the Great Depression. Many graduates saw [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/22/new-college-grads-are-having-their-job-offers-rescinded.html/”]full-time job offers vanish[/hen-ui-link] because of the coronavirus.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It could take this year’s grads 10 years or more to recover from the current economic conditions, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/05/class-of-2020-graduate-jobs/611917/”]The Atlantic[/hen-ui-link]. The actual result depends in part on how soon the economy can fully recover.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Researchers have discovered many [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.econ.ucla.edu/tvwachter/papers/Unlucky_Cohorts_JOLE_Schwandt_vonWachter.pdf/”]long-term effects[/hen-ui-link] of graduating into a recession. They include sustained higher rates of unemployment for high-school graduates and lower earnings for everyone when compared with peers graduating a year or two earlier or later.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These factors, combined with the uncertainty of the coronavirus, might make it more difficult for future grads to land jobs or find positions that pay what they deserve.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary”]Pro: College Graduates Have Higher Earning Potential[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Higher wages are a common reason for workers to decide to switch careers. If you’re not a college graduate, the first step toward this goal is simple: Get a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The median starting salary for workers with bachelor’s degrees was [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2019/median-weekly-earnings-606-for-high-school-dropouts-1559-for-advanced-degree-holders.htm/”]$66,612 in 2019[/hen-ui-link]. That’s more than twice the national median for workers who only have a high school diploma.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bachelor’s degree holders also earn, on average, $1 million more than high school graduates over their lifetimes, according to a [hen-ui-link href=”https://cew.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/Exec-Summary-web-B.pdf/”]study by Georgetown University[/hen-ui-link]. Potential earnings increase with higher degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Adult learners who already have a bachelor’s degree may be able to increase their salaries with more education. The average starting salary for graduates with a master’s degree was [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.naceweb.org/job-market/compensation/the-difference-a-masters-degree-can-have-on-starting-salary/”]$82,275 in 2019[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It’s unclear how long the disruption of COVID-19 will last. If the economy suffers a prolonged depression, the effects may be drastic, even for future college graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]But no matter how you look at it, more education pays. There are sizable economic returns if you go to college and earn at least a two- or four-year degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-700″]Con: Practical Training May Be Risky or Unavailable Right Now[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Majors that have in-person requirements may be more affected than those that do not.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, nursing programs often require a certain number of clinical hours to graduate. But training in a clinical setting means possible exposure to infected patients.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While some students will have the option to learn remotely or social distance on campus, others will need practical training in clinics, hospitals, and salons to graduate. These students may face a higher risk of not finishing their degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some students pursuing more practical degrees are facing legal dilemmas about their safety in school. For example, a medical school in South Carolina has asked students to sign a COVID-19 waiver so students won’t sue if they contract coronavirus while on clinical rotations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary”]Pro: Remote Learning Provides Flexibility and Avoids Coronavirus[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students heading back to school will have to weigh the risk of attending college on campus versus enrolling online. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/06/30/there-is-no-safe-way-reopen-colleges-this-fall/#comments-wrapper/”]Health experts worry[/hen-ui-link] that there will be outbreaks of COVID-19 when in-person classes resume. At least 6,300 cases originated from 270 colleges throughout the pandemic, according to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/07/28/us/covid-19-colleges-universities.html/”]New York Times[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During this pandemic, online education can provide a safer path to a college degree. Virtual classes also tend to be more accessible for working adults.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online classes are typically delivered in two modes: asynchronous and synchronous. Asynchronous lessons can be accessed at any time, while synchronous lectures happen in real-time.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-700″]Con: Remote Learning Is Not for Everyone[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online education comes with its own unique challenges compared to in-person learning.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some common issues facing online students include a lack of digital literacy, technical difficulties, time management, and motivation, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/online-learning/4-challenges-facing-online-learners/”]Purdue University Global[/hen-ui-link]. Online students may also feel a sense of disconnection from classmates and professors.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online students may struggle with other responsibilities outside of college, too, such as family and work. Communication with professors and peers can also be more complicated and time-consuming without the immediacy of face-to-face interactions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary”]Pro: In-Demand Degrees Have Upside[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A college degree is even more valuable if it’s in demand.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Three of the top 10 most in-demand jobs on [hen-ui-link href=”https://news.linkedin.com/”]LinkedIn in March[/hen-ui-link] — including [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-accounting/”]certified public accountant[/hen-ui-link], healthcare specialist, and [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/psychology-degree/”]psychologist[/hen-ui-link] — required a bachelor’s degree or higher.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The nursing industry, which was one of the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm/”]fastest-growing occupations[/hen-ui-link] before the COVID-19 outbreak, also needs more workers to meet the demand for healthcare during the pandemic.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Another growing industry, [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-computer-science/”]computer science[/hen-ui-link], will be among the most well-paid in-demand degrees if previous estimates hold up. Computer science grads will have an average starting salary of $68,668, according to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.naceweb.org/job-market/compensation/computer-science-grads-projected-to-be-top-paid-in-major/”]National Association of Colleges and Employers[/hen-ui-link] (NACE).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-700″]Con: College Degrees Take Time to Complete[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A four-year college degree is a considerable time commitment, even with the flexibility of online programs. That could be challenging for adults who still have to pay the bills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average time to completion for a bachelor’s degree is 5.1 academic years, according to a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nscresearchcenter.org/signaturereport11/”]2016 report[/hen-ui-link] from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Graduation time varies depending on several factors, including enrollment status and whether the student took any temporary withdrawals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A lengthy degree may not be practical if you’re a parent, legal guardian, or working adult. For these demographics, a two-year associate degree or an alternative credential can offer a speedier path to a new career.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.snhu.edu/about/newsroom/2018/10/alternative-credentials-in-higher-ed/”]Alternative credentials[/hen-ui-link] are certificates awarded by an accredited university, college, or technical school. The focus is typically narrower than a college degree, covering practical skill sets like financial reporting, family therapy, or nursing specializations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Associate degrees are offered at community colleges, technical colleges, vocational schools, and some four-year universities. They are less time-consuming than four-year bachelor’s degrees. They may lead to a variety of [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/highest-paying/associate-degree-jobs/”]well-paying jobs[/hen-ui-link], including advertising sales agents, air traffic controllers, and allergy technicians.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary”]Pro: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many nontraditional students who attend school at least half time can access federal student loans to help pay for college.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More than 13 million students collectively receive more than $120 billion in federal grants, work-study funds, and loans every year. The most popular are [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized/”]subsidized and unsubsidized[/hen-ui-link] loans administered through the Federal Direct Loan Program, which provides low-interest financing without credit checks.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Payments aren’t due on federal loans until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time. They can also be refinanced, temporarily postponed, or partially forgiven, and they have no age restrictions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other benefits of federal loans include fixed interest rates, income-based repayment options, and loan-forgiveness opportunities. Their interest rates are also often lower than private loans, which can require payments while students are still enrolled.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The coronavirus hasn’t diminished federal student aid. Additionally, the CARES Act, which Congress passed in March, provided institutions with relief funds to make emergency grants to students who needed financial assistance for expenses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-700″]Con: Federal Loans Have Limitations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Federal student loans have a few drawbacks. Perhaps the most important is that they don’t always cover the full cost of school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized/”]Students are limited[/hen-ui-link] in how much they can borrow per year. That number is determined by factors like whether or not they are [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/dependency/”]considered dependents[/hen-ui-link] and what year they are in school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Independent students — those who don’t have parental support — may borrow up to $9,500 in their first year, and the limit for three years or more is $32,500.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]But the price of tuition and fees has [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d13/tables/dt13_330.10.asp/”]increased by 260%[/hen-ui-link] over the past 40 years. Many schools will likely continue to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nyunews.com/news/2020/06/26/nyu-tuition-fall-2020-covid-raise/”]raise tuition[/hen-ui-link] by a few percentage points to match rising operating costs, despite the coronavirus.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There is no federal student aid specifically for single parents. Still, federal loans can be used to pay child care costs while a parent is in school. We recommend you speak with the financial aid staff at the school you plan to attend. They may be able to help you [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/resources/prepare-for-college/checklists/adult-student/”]find opportunities for additional aid[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Pros and Cons of Going Back to College[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Pros [/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Cons [/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Pros”] Job security [/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Cons”] Shaky labor market [/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Pros”] Telework career options [/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Cons”] Risky practical training [/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Pros”] Federal Student Aid [/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Cons”] Possible tuition increases [/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Pros”] Higher lifetime earning potential [/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Cons”] Challenges with remote learning [/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Pros”] Flexible online programs [/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Cons”] Lengthy time to completion [/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Pros”] In-demand degrees [/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Cons”] Limited federal student loans [/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Conclusion[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]COVID-19 is making the decision to enter higher education more complicated than ever before. Better job security, higher lifetime earning potential, and access to financial aid are among the positives, but a shaky labor market, possible tuition increases, and lengthy time-to-completion present challenges. Adult learners will have to determine whether college during the time of coronavirus is the right fit for them and their professional goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”671,108,572″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]