There are many reasons to go back to school, from standing out in the job market to making a career change. While most students have professional motivations, graduate programs also hold intrinsic value. Many programs offer reinvention — the chance to acquire new skills and perspectives, along with an undeniable sense of confidence. If these advantages sound compelling, don't let fear or uncertainty hold you back; it's time to seriously think about earning your master's degree.
Both undergraduate and graduate programs promote academic growth and help students achieve their career goals. However, undergraduate programs typically focus more on foundational knowledge, while graduate programs dig deeper, challenging students to explore complex concepts and contribute original ideas to their field.
Although bachelor's programs can accommodate working students, graduate programs go above and beyond to help busy professionals thrive. Thanks to flexible schedules, online programs, and hybrid formats, you can pursue an advanced degree without stepping back from your career.
This flexibility isn’t just convenient — it’s empowering. It gives you a chance to integrate your learning into your everyday work, improving outcomes and setting the stage for an eventual rise through the professional ranks.
One of the biggest advantages of a master's program is the professional network you can build along the way. Faculty members often bring real-world expertise, drawing on years of success and hard work to provide unique insights.
You’ll also be surrounded by fellow students who share your passion for higher learning. Through class discussions and projects, you'll gain a more nuanced understanding of your field, uncovering new ideas and perspectives.
Theoretical learning lays the foundation for critical thinking by providing a deep, conceptual understanding of core topics. To truly bring learning to life, however, it should be accompanied by real-world applications. Master's programs emphasize both theoretical and real-world knowledge, actively encouraging students to use their learning to drive action.
Finances are a common source of concern for aspiring graduate students. Many people recognize the long-term value of their degrees, but worry about how they'll handle the current cost. The good news? Financial aid is available in many forms — and it might be more accessible than you realize.
To boost retention and cultivate a more skilled workforce, many employers now offer tuition assistance. These programs are a win-win: employers can upskill and build internal talent, while employees can receive financial aid for school. Contact your HR department or consult your employee handbook to see if this option is available to you.
Financing grad school is one of the biggest concerns for adult learners, but there are more resources out there than you might think. Many scholarships and grants are designed specifically for graduate students returning to school, and they can be based on merit, need, field of study, or even career goals.
Start by exploring your school’s financial aid office for institutional scholarships, then branch out to national databases with vetted listings. One highly trusted resource is the U.S. Department of Labor’s Scholarship Finder, which compiles thousands of scholarships, grants, and fellowships in one place. This database is free to use, regularly updated, and allows you to filter by graduate-level programs.
Don’t underestimate the power of smaller awards—those $500 and $1,000 grants can add up fast and make a real dent in tuition. Cast a wide net and apply often.
A master's program can deliver powerful benefits — but it’s also a considerable commitment. With the right mindset and a clear plan, you can set yourself up for a rewarding grad school experience while also ensuring that your academic commitments are manageable. Take these steps to get started:
Before you apply to graduate programs, determine why you're going back to school and what you'll gain from this experience. This begins with clarifying your goals. Are you trying to advance in your current role or make a career change? Do you want to gain new skills to boost your earning potential? A clearly defined purpose can serve as a roadmap for your grad school journey, keeping you motivated and focused every step of the way.
Next, determine which type of degree best aligns with your stated goals. Many fields distinguish degrees based on whether they emphasize research or practice. For example, some students may be drawn to a research-focused Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing, while others prefer the more leadership-oriented Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
You should also be mindful of available tracks, concentrations, or electives that might shape your graduate experience. The right program should offer tracks that reflect your interests while also developing broad-based knowledge and transferable skills.
Once you know what kind of degree you’re looking for, start researching schools. Don’t rely on name recognition and rankings alone — it’s also important to consider curriculum content, student outcomes, and accreditation status. Accreditation ensures that programs meet high standards for quality and rigor, which can help you stand out in the job market.
Many graduate programs maintain rigorous eligibility standards, so you’ll need to document your academic and professional background. This begins with college transcripts, which demonstrate your undergraduate performance and potential as a graduate student. Programs often also take professional experience into account, so make sure your resume fully reflects your hard work and career accomplishments.
In addition to transcripts and resumes, you may need documents such as personal references, application essays, or industry-specific standardized tests. Make sure you look at admission requirements so that you can prepare your application materials accordingly.
Admissions and financial aid advisors serve as valuable resources during the application process. By reaching out to an admissions advisor early on, you can clarify your intentions and get tips for strengthening your application. Financial aid advisors, meanwhile, can connect you with potential scholarships or other opportunities to make costs more manageable.
Grad school is a big undertaking, and having the right support system in place can make all the difference. Before you enroll, consider what your support system might look like and who you can rely on emotionally, academically, and logistically. This network may include friends and family members, as well as college-based support services.
Many programs offer resources to help you build a strong professional network and get the support you need.
Support from admissions counselors doesn’t end once you’re accepted. These professionals are here to guide you through enrollment and ease the transition to grad school life. From clarifying program requirements to connecting you with career resources, they’re a valuable part of your support system from day one.
Academic advisors offer both practical and personal encouragement, ensuring your academic experience supports your professional goals. They recognize the unique challenges that adult learners face and can help you craft a degree plan that accommodates your busy schedule.
Many programs offer services designed to help you succeed. For example, tutoring provides personalized academic support, while counseling can help you work through emotional challenges. Career coaching, meanwhile, prepares you for the transition from grad school to the professional world, offering things like resume-building assistance, interview prep, and internship opportunities.
Many people picture a “conventional” academic and career trajectory: graduating from high school, immediately enrolling in an undergraduate program, earning a bachelor's within four years, and seeking a master's degree shortly after.
Today’s students, however, break this mold. Learners of all ages and from all backgrounds are returning to school to challenge themselves and help reach their career goals — meaning there’s no such thing as a “typical” grad student anymore.
According to the Manhattan Institute, an increasing number of students are “non-traditional,” which means they pursue higher education after the age of 25. Many students return to school after they've acquired years (or even decades) of real-world experience. In fact, insights from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) suggest that 31% of full-time and 62% of part-time graduate students were aged 30 or older as of 2021.
In today's rapidly changing workforce, career pivots are fairly standard. To successfully make a career change, professionals may return to school to strengthen their resumes or address skill gaps. Along with professional advantages, higher education can deliver personal growth to students of all ages.
As more working professionals return to school, there has been an increasing push for flexible learning that accommodates busy students. That’s why many college programs offer not only evening and weekend scheduling but also hybrid and online programs. These programs combine flexibility with immersive learning experiences, ensuring that students get a quality education while balancing their personal commitments.
There are many misconceptions that can stand in the way of academic greatness, causing fully capable students to doubt themselves and underestimate their abilities. We're determined to combat these myths so that tomorrow's graduate students feel empowered to reach their full potential.
There is no expiration date on higher education. Although many students enter graduate programs shortly after earning their bachelor's degree, it’s becoming more and more common to take longer breaks between undergraduate and graduate-level studies. Regardless of how long it has been, students can easily settle back into the academic world, especially with the help of robust support services.
Some students choose to step back from work so that they can concentrate exclusively on higher education. Others, however, prefer to remain employed for financial or career advancement reasons. Many programs offer flexibility and online formats to make busy schedules more manageable.
Even the most confident, capable students sometimes worry about the social element of the graduate school environment. However, in many cases, these fears are unfounded. Students of all ages share a deep thirst for knowledge and a commitment to professional growth — younger students are often inspired by their more experienced cohorts, who, in turn, can gain fresh perspectives from their younger peers.
Burnout is a common problem throughout our modern society — and graduate school is no exception. You can reduce the risk of burnout by carefully planning your schedule and knowing when to pull back.
As a busy adult with work or family obligations, you may worry about finding time for graduate coursework. Fortunately, strategic planning can help you juggle responsibilities.
One helpful strategy is time-blocking, which involves dividing your day into sections and dedicating specific chunks of time to certain activities. For example, you might block out periods of time specifically for data analysis or literature review.
Another helpful tactic is micro-planning, which breaks each block of time into clear, actionable steps. This goal-oriented approach helps prevent decision fatigue, allowing you to seamlessly transition between tasks.
You can’t do everything at once, and that’s okay. As you take on graduate studies, you may need to temporarily pause or reduce certain commitments. Identify a few time-consuming commitments that you feel comfortable letting go of for now — and consider whether additional assistance may be available.
For example, if you’re struggling to balance graduate-level coursework with parenting, you can explore creative childcare solutions. This might involve finding friends or family members to watch your children while you study, or rotating childcare responsibilities with other enrolled parents.
No matter how enjoyable your graduate studies are, you’ll likely need a break. Make time for self-care, whether that’s by practicing yoga, indulging in meditation, or just spending time with friends and family.
Along with potentially boosting your earning potential, going back to school offers the following benefits:
Do you feel stagnant or uninspired in your career journey? Graduate studies can provide a much-needed burst of momentum, renewing your sense of purpose while making you feel more excited about your professional future. As you gain additional skills, you'll also become more confident — helping you make a greater impact in your field of choice.
Grad school offers the ultimate professional networking environment, connecting you with people who share similar goals and interests. Classes and group projects allow you to forge relationships with peers, while alumni networks help ensure you continue to expand your reach following graduation. These connections can introduce you to new opportunities, leading to a broader range of career paths and roles.
When considering grad school, it’s natural to focus on time, tuition, and logistics. But there’s another side to this equation: What could you miss if you don’t take this step? A graduate degree can open doors that might remain closed without it, from long-term earning potential to career growth.
Many aspiring graduate students worry about timing. In reality, however, there is no right or wrong time to pursue higher education. Academic growth and professional development are always worthwhile — and the longer you stall, the more opportunities that may pass you by.
The decision to return to school often begins with a moment of reflection — the moment when you choose to invest in yourself. This takes courage, but remember, you don't need to go it alone. Advisors and mentors are available to help you reach your full potential.
Ready to take the next step toward academic and professional fulfillment? Explore the many graduate programs available at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC). Learn more about the admissions process and our financial aid opportunities. Feel free to contact our advisors with any questions or explore our FAQ page.
Begin your grad school journey and apply today.
Sources
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/benefits-of-earning-a-masters-degree
https://manhattan.institute/article/rise-of-nontraditional-students-in-higher-education
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/csb/postsecondary-students
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cba/annual-earnings