Returning to College after Divorce

 Posted on August 12, 2014 in Divorce

One decision several people make after getting a divorce is returning to college. This can be a beneficial way to get a fresh start in life. It can also be a good step to entering or reentering the workforce for spouses who opted to stay home and care for the children rather than working outside the home.

Returning to college after taking some time off has both benefits and challenges associated with it for the non-traditional student. Going to college is always a big decision, but that is especially true for those returning to college, so recently divorced potential students should consider their options carefully.

Benefits of Returning to College

Returning to college may seem like an intimidating task after spending time away from school. However, non-traditional students, meaning those over age 25, have a variety of factors going for them that both make returning to college easier and may make it a good idea. For instance, returning students have a different perspective than students coming right out of high school. Colleges and their professors value these diverse viewpoints and the extra dimensions that they can lend to the class. Returning students are also used to working, which means they have experience balancing their time and managing the mundane details of their lives.

Additionally, a college degree can represent increased earning power. The statistics related to the added salary that come from a college degree vary widely, and much depends on the school and degree that a student chooses. Yet, the increased employment and salary potential over a high school diploma is undeniable.

Challenges of Returning to College

Non-traditional students also face unique challenges going back to school. Apart from the pervasive issue of the cost of tuition that all students face, non-traditional students often have other financial commitments that make returning to college even more difficult. Non-traditional students may have children that require their support, or jobs they are holding down while they study. In addition to the added financial cost, this can place a strain on the schedules of older students.

Fortunately, with the rise of non-traditional students in recent times, colleges are better at accommodating these issues. In fact, according to Department of Education statistics, over one-third of students are now over the age of 25. Consequently, many colleges offer night and part-time options for returning students who have other commitments. Community colleges are especially good at this, and the credits may also be transferable for students who try out community college and decide they would like to pursue a four-year degree.

With that said, if you are just considering filing for divorce and have questions about the practical side of the process, contact a DuPage County divorce lawyer today. Our experienced team is on hand to answer your questions and help you make the right decisions.