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Working Full-Time, Going To School And Exhausted? It’s Worth It!

Posted: 12/8/2011

There’s encouraging news for those working full-time while earning a college degree.

(NAPSI)—It seems daunting: going to class, studying for exams, writing papers...and putting in a full day’s work. There is, however, encouraging news for those earning their degree while working full-time.

A national study by the University of Phoenix Research Institute finds that those who postpone college, then earn their degree while working, are estimated to make an average 22 percent return on their educational investment.

The financial benefit of a college degree is no surprise. What is surprising is that three out of four Americans are nontraditional students—defined as working adults who delay college until after age 23-and that the return on investment for these students is almost double the return for traditional students.

Until now, most studies have focused on traditional learners who begin college after high school. Very little research has focused on the majority of college students—those who are balancing school with work and family.

The study, “Traditional and Nontraditional Students: Is a Bachelor’s Degree Worth the Investment?,” used data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the College Board and analyzed the financial return on investment of traditional and nontraditional students.

The return on educational investment for nontraditional students was 22 percent compared to 12 percent for traditional students.

Researchers point out that the purpose of the research is not to recommend a nontraditional educational path over a traditional one, but to underscore the remarkable consistency with which a college education provides value over a person’s lifetime.

Moreover, the findings project an upbeat message for those considering going back to school while still holding down jobs.

“The study provides evidence that investing in a college education at any age is a sound decision,” says Dr. Tracey Wilen-Daugenti, who leads the University of Phoenix Research Institute.

“Educators and employers can help make America more competitive in the global knowledge economy by creating policies and programs that support college students in all stages of life.”

Read a full copy of the report at www.phoenix.edu/institute.

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