How To Go Back to College as an Adult (Without Starting Over)

Key Takeaways

• If you have some college credits or an associate’s degree and are thinking about going back to school, you may be eligible for a bachelor’s degree completion program.

• Completing your undergraduate degree can lead to promotions, higher salaries, stronger job security, and more.

• Calvin University offers two flexible, faith-focused bachelor’s degree completion programs for busy adults balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.

• The BA in Human Services program is designed for adults interested in service-oriented, people-focused careers.

• The BA in Applied Leadership program is designed for adults interested in leadership, management, and organizational impact.

Whether you started college and had to hit pause for your job, family, finances, or unexpected circumstances, it’s never too late to go back to school and invest in yourself. In this article, we’ll cover what a degree completion program is, the benefits of going back to school as an adult, and eligibility requirements for completing your bachelor’s degree.

What Is an Adult Degree Completion Program?

A degree completion program is an accelerated, flexible program designed for busy working adults who may have some college credits or an associate’s degree but have not yet completed their bachelor’s degree.

With an adult degree completion program, adult learners can build on the work they’ve already completed rather than starting from scratch to earn a four-year undergraduate degree.

Why Finish Your Undergraduate Degree as an Adult?

There are several professional and personal reasons adult learners may decide to finish their bachelor’s degree, including:

• Access to promotions: Whether you’d like to advance in your current field or make a career change, a bachelor’s degree makes you more competitive compared to candidates with only an associate’s degree or a high school diploma.

• Higher earning potential: People who have a bachelor’s degree earn about 37% more compared to those who have only completed high school.

• Increased job security: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who have earned a bachelor’s degree are less likely to be unemployed than those with an associate’s degree or high school diploma.

• Setting an example: In addition to empowering yourself, earning a bachelor’s degree can set a positive example for children, family, or other people in your life to pursue their educational and professional aspirations. 
  
  

Who Is Eligible for a Bachelor's Degree Completion Program?

While requirements vary across institutions, here are some general eligibility criteria for those interested in an accelerated degree completion program:

• You have earned an associate’s degree or some college credits from an accredited institution.
• You are employed and/or have family obligations.
• You have the minimum number of transfer credits required from eligible courses completed with a C or higher and represented on an official transcript.
• You are 24 or older.
• You are interested in a cohort-based model with other adult learners.

To streamline the application process, consider gathering all previous transcripts before reaching out to prospective degree completion programs.

Finish What You Started With a Faith-Focused BA Degree Completion Program

Going back to school can be a big commitment. That’s why at Calvin University, we work with you to create a customized plan based on your prior learning, setting you up for success from day one. We offer two bachelor’s degree completion options:

If you have approximately 60 credits or more, you're ready to begin a degree completion program. Both pathways follow a hybrid format, consisting of one weekly evening class on campus and asynchronous online courses during the summer. Our programs are rooted in Christian values, equipping you with the skills to lead effectively and compassionately.