A few years back, my friend Amanda decided to finally go after her dream job. That meant, however, first going back to college to earn the appropriate degree. Now enrolled in medical courses, she complains that she’s the oldest student, but I know her maturity makes her that much more focused and driven to succeed. Consequently, Amanda often misses our girls’ dinner because she is, instead, studying at the library. While I miss seeing her more often, I’m incredibly proud that she was brave enough to make the hard decision to change directions, flip-flop her schedule, and tack on school loans.

Returning to (or starting) school later in life is a decision that requires careful thinking. One must consider many factors before signing up for post-secondary education. Typically, students who choose to go straight to college in their late teens have fewer responsibilities but, as an adult, one may have a family, full-time job, or existing debt from a previous degree. As you weigh the benefits of returning to school, consider these points (courtesy, in part, of BrandPoint):

Your Goals

First, identify your motivation. Do you feel like you’re stuck in a rut and want to further your abilities in your current role? Want to switch careers entirely? Want to finish that degree that you started years ago?

Test Run?

Understanding what you’re about to embark upon is crucial. Easing back into an educational setting may take some getting used to, so, if you are unsure about going back to school, look for a trial program (if possible). Some universities allow prospective students to take their first class without having to commit to an entire program. Or simply register for just one class, rather than diving into multiple courses at once.

Costs & Benefits

Your education will be an investment. To assess whether it’s a worthy one, consider the average salary of the career you are contemplating and how much you will gain from returning to school. Compare this to the cost of the education, and account for tuition, fees, and textbooks. In 2013, bachelor’s degree holders received $1,108 as a median weekly wage for full-time employment while workers who held only a high school diploma received $651, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Master’s degree holders earned up to $221 per week more than those with bachelor’s degrees.

Your Schedule

It is important to consider how schooling will fit between your current job and family life. Some programs can suit working parents with a flexible learning process. Explore options for virtual learning, practice quizzes, online instructors, and application to real-world situations through assignments. When possible, seek out professors who are also practitioners and, therefore, better equipped to offer advice on the modern-day work environment.

You remind your children before the start of each school year to not let their jitters get the best of them. Combat your own fear, too, if education is in your best interest!