Should You Return to Finish Your College Degree?

Many people embark on the journey of higher education but, for various reasons, pause that journey before crossing the finish line. Life happens. Financial pressures, family responsibilities, military service, or unforeseen opportunities can all interrupt the path toward a college degree. However, the story doesn't have to end there. According to HigherEdDive.com, an increasing number of adults who had stopped out of college with no degree are making the decision to return and finish what they started. Over 943,000 people returned during the 2022-2023 academic year, an increase of 9.1%.

The decision to return to college after a break, whether it’s been a few years or a few decades, can be transformative. It’s not just about earning a degree; it’s about reclaiming opportunities, reimagining futures, and redefining personal success.

"Higher education is widely recognized as a proven pathway to increases in social mobility, earning potential, and employment opportunity," said UMGC President Gregory W. Fowler, PhD. "At UMGC, we also take pride in being transfer-friendly and in working with you to identify other learning that can translate into college credit—which means you might already be closer than you imagine to reaching your education goals."

The Challenges of Leaving College Without a Degree

Many students leave college for reasons that make sense in the moment. Often, they have every intention of returning, but life takes them in different directions. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, approximately 37 million Americans have attended some college but left without earning a degree or credential. This group of students frequently faces specific barriers:

1. Financial Strain: College can be expensive, and many students stop attending because they can no longer afford it. Returning to school often requires overcoming lingering student debt or simply being able to find money for education with a tight family/household budget.  
2. Competing Responsibilities and Access: Many adult learners balance work, family, and other obligations. Adding coursework to this mix can feel daunting. On top of that, some military servicemembers may have limited access to educational resources due to where they are deployed.  
3. Fear of Falling Behind: Returning to the classroom after years away can be intimidating. Adult learners often wonder if they can keep up with the material or whether their skills have become rusty. They might also worry about fitting in with younger students.  
4. Self-Doubt: Can I do actually this? Students who may have initially struggled during their first run at college life may not feel they are college material and doubt their abilities to actually achieve their degree.  
5. First to Attend College: For many first-generation students attempting to earn their degree who don’t have familial or friend networks who can help them navigate the system, trying to pilot through higher education processes and procedures can feel overwhelming. On top of that, there are some families where college was not a priority or within their means, who may not be supportive of other family members returning to earn their degree.   

Despite these challenges, more people are making the decision to return to finish their degrees—and for good reason.  

Why People Return to Finish Their Degree

If you are looking to make a better life for you and your family, earning your degree has been shown to be a great return on investment. Some of the benefits you could experience include: 

1. Career Advancement: Many jobs now require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum qualification, or a degree may be required to help you move up the ladder within your company. Without that degree, opportunities for advancement can be limited. Returning to college helps people break through career ceilings and access better-paying positions. 
2. Personal Fulfillment: For many, returning to complete their degree is about finishing what they started. There’s a deep sense of satisfaction and pride in completing that chapter of life, no matter how long the journey has taken. And your success can also serve as inspiration for your kids and other family members to pursue their degrees as well.
3. New Opportunities: For those who return to school later in life, the degree isn't just about the career they once envisioned—it’s about new possibilities. Whether it’s switching careers, pursuing a passion, or simply gaining new knowledge, the experience can open doors that weren’t previously available.

1. Online and Hybrid Learning: Online degree programs offer flexibility that is crucial for military servicemembers and working adults juggling multiple responsibilities. Students can complete coursework on their own schedules and don’t have to worry about commuting to campus. UMGC has more than 175 locations worldwide, including at military installations for hybrid learning opportunities and is a leader in online learning.
2. Credit for Prior Learning and Training: Working adults and military servicemembers bring a wealth of experience to the classroom—from their workplace, their community, volunteer efforts, military training and more. At UMGC, the learning you've acquired over your lifetime can be turned into college credit.
3. Financial Aid and Scholarships: To assist with education costs, UMGC offers scholarships or financial aid options for qualified students. In some cases, employers may also offer tuition reimbursement programs as part of professional development. In aid year 2024, UMGC provided more than $19 million in scholarships.
4. Accelerated Pathways: UMGC features accelerated pathways between undergraduate and graduate degrees that may allow you to apply UMGC undergraduate credits toward master's degree requirements, saving you time and money. If you complete an eligible undergraduate degree or specific coursework, you may be able to reduce your total coursework for related graduate degrees.
   
5. Support Services: UMGC’s core purpose is to support students where they are and throughout their educational journey. Once enrolled, students are connected with success coaches who will help them map out their plan for each semester and ensure they are staying on track. In addition, UMGC offers mentoring, tutoring, writing center services, access to online library resources and more to ensure success. These resources can make a huge difference in the transition back to college.

It's Never Too Late 

For those with some college experience but no degree, the path forward might seem uncertain, but it’s important to remember: It’s never too late to finish what you started.

"Learning really is a lifelong journey and, as technologies evolve and new systems and processes emerge, the benefits of continuing your education can only increase," said Fowler. "Tomorrow's workplace may look nothing like today's, but this much is certain—those who continue to learn and grow will be better positioned to succeed."

Returning to school after a break can be challenging, but the rewards—both personal and professional—can far outweigh the difficulties. With the right support, determination, and resources, completing a college degree can be a reality for anyone, no matter where their journey began or how long the break.

So, if you are motivated by career goals, personal fulfillment, or the desire for a fresh start, you should realize that returning to finish your degree is not just a possibility—it’s a path to new opportunities.