Seven Myths About Going Back To School

Graduation - Celebration of a worthwhile journey.

There are ideas or myths surrounding the idea of going back to college that deters people from pursuing their higher education goals. Below are the top concerns that come up for potential students that are unsure whether to go back to school.

1. I cannot afford to go back to school. It’s true that college is an expensive investment. College prices have accelerated relative to the cost of tuition just two decades ago. Fortunately, financial aid has been able to keep up with this concern. Most people are unaware of the financial support available to them simply by filing out the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The government offers grants, which never have to be paid back, in addition to lucrative student loans.

2. I do not have the time to go back to school. Saint Leo University offers evening courses on campus to meet the needs of working adults. In addition to earning your degree on campus at Saint Leo, we offer you the opportunity to earn your degree through the Center For Online Learning. An online education allows students to enroll in college degree programs that are tailored around their convenience so that time is no longer a restraint to achieving the degree of your dreams.

3. I already have a decent job; a college degree won’t benefit me. Many corporations offer significant boosts in salary based upon the education level of their employee. Studies show that someone with as simple as a two-year or Associate’s Degree will earn twenty percent more than a high school graduate. People that hold a Bachelor’s Degree earn, on average, 40-60k a year, even in today’s economy. A Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree earns even higher results. This, of course, varies by field.

4. My parents did not go to college. Each generation, more and more students are taking advantage of postsecondary education. It has become a national goal to aim to be the most educated country in the world. Many of these college students come from families that do not have prior college histories. This is part of evolving into a more well-rounded community, and the business market is developing higher expectations as more and more people step up to the challenges college has to offer.

5. There is not an accredited college near me. One of the benefits to online learning is that it can be done practically anywhere. Distance learning leaves the door open for everyone, even for students that have no college campus they believe they can commute to. Saint Leo offers an accredited program to advance your education.

6. I think it is silly to go to college just to get “a piece of paper.” Several people have the notion that college is a series of hoop-jumps designed to receive a piece of paper that increases your earning potential. While a college degree definitely helps financially, this is only one of many benefits of a college career. Studies show that people that graduate college have higher self esteem, better health, stronger families, and a more positive view on life than those that do not graduate college.

7. College is for young people. While high school graduates occupy many of the recesses of college campuses, people of all ages and walks of life attend college. This is especially true for Saint Leo University. The Center for Online Learning offers a non-traditional approach for non-traditional students. Earning your degree online makes it easier to maintain your busy family schedule and full time job. Study when and where you want to – the flexibility is yours.

There are many reasons for not going back to college. These concerns are merely myths; it is possible for anyone to go back to school and benefit in a variety of ways from higher education.