- Inability to advance in your current position without additional education
- Sudden unemployment (such as a layoff) and difficulty finding a new job without a degree
- Need to make a career change when current career runs out of opportunities
- Fulfill a lifelong dream of achieving a college education
Accountant
Accounting is a recession-proof career path that offers benefits to workers of all ages. This field is also recommended by the Plus 50 Initiative because a number of colleges across the country offer degree programs in this area specifically for older adult students. Yahoo reports that an associate degree in accounting could lead to positions as a bookkeeping clerk or accounting clerk.
Computer Specialist
Eight community colleges on the Plus 50 Initiative list included degree programs in computer science and technology. This field teaches older students more about the ever evolving technology field and prepares them for many different career options.
Business Administration
According to the Plus 50 Initiative recommendations, a degree in business administration raises the workplace value of an aging workforce. The field can branch out into management positions in human resources, accounting, and international business. This is a good choice for workers who realize they need additional training to move up in their current field.
Degrees with Salary in Mind
In addition to degree programs specifically chosen for the over-50 crowd, there are many community college offerings that provide excellent starting salaries for adults who have already built their income level over many years in the workforce. According to Forbes, some of the best degree options for adults with specific salary requirements include these positions and average annual salaries:
- X-Ray Technician ($52,000)
- Registered Nurse ($55,000)
- Dental Hygienist ($57,000)
- Computer Support Specialist (between $46,000 and $60,000)
- Solar Panel Consultant ($50,000)
- Funeral Director ($52,000)
- Graphic Designer (up to $50,000)
- Business (Accounting, Administration and Marketing)
- Criminal Justice
- Dental Studies
- Computer Information Technology
- Public Administration
- Teaching Assistant
- What is your ratio of adult students vs. recent high school graduates?
- How flexible is your course scheduling? (Schools that offer evening and weekend courses tend to cater to adult students.)
- What type of job placement services do you offer?
- How quickly can I earn my degree? (Some schools wanting to attract adult students offer accelerated degree programs to get students into the workforce faster?)
- Can I get credit for my practical work experience?
