New year, better you: Why continuing your education should be on your resolutions list

Returning to learn in 2024 could lead to new skills, career advancement or your dream job

With 2024 on the horizon, many of us have already started to reflect and re-evaluate our life choices and brainstorm new ways to create the future we dream of. Oftentimes, our New Year’s resolutions involve adopting healthier daily routines, picking up new skills, finding a new job or building a better financial future. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, just know that deciding to start or return to college can help you achieve each of these goals.

Returning to school as a nontraditional student may seem out of reach, but fear not as this population of students is growing on college campuses. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that about 73% of students enrolled in higher education can be categorized as nontraditional students. In general, most non-traditional students are over the age of 25 and typically have work and familial obligations as well as other life circumstances that may interfere with the completion of educational objectives. 

Earning your degree has plenty of benefits, including increased marketability in the workforce, higher earning potential, larger networking opportunities and a sense of personal accomplishment. It’s the perfect time to start thinking about what your new year, new you will look like in 2024. Keep reading to discover why going back to school should top your New Year's resolutions list.

1. It can elevate your personal and professional life in more ways than one.

A new year means a new start. What better way to start fresh than to acquire newfound knowledge? Building upon your academic knowledge can open the door to job advancement or lead you to the job you want. As a student, you’ll have the chance to learn new techniques from your coursework and potentially apply them in your current position, bring new value to your organization, explore existing interests or discover new ones, and increase your personal and professional networks. Once you earn your degree, the credential can increase your overall upward mobility and help you land a higher salary. 

Going to college also offers greater opportunities for mentorship and networking from the faculty and your fellow students. At Rider, you’ll gain professional guidance in the Career Development & Success Center, which offers a variety of free resources to students including one-on-one career coaching.

In terms of networking, once you join the Rider community, you’ll be connected with our extensive alumni network with more than 60,000 grads, over 900 of whom are CEOs, presidents and top executives at leading organizations. The career services office also hosts various in-person and virtual networking events to help students build their networks.

2. It allows you to upskill or reskill

Most companies have adopted skill-based hiring practices. Forbes reports that 92% of companies view skills-based hiring as more effective. The new year is a great time to upskill, reskill and develop in-demand skills that will set you up for success in your current position or prepare you for something new. Rider offers career-focused academic programs taught by industry professionals who are focused on preparing students with the necessary training to stay relevant in today’s workforce. As you’re thinking about which major to pursue, consider the following:

• Rider’s programs in information systems, computer science and cybersecurity offer comprehensive opportunities to help you develop the hard skills specific to careers in IT, data science, software engineering and research technology.
• Our business, communication and media, human resource management and organizational psychology programs offer a myriad of courses to boost your leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking and other soft skills optimal for careers in public relations, marketing, business management, HR and counseling-adjacent roles. 
• Rider’s allied health studies major allows students working in health care professions to build upon their experience and advance their careers across multiple areas of health and wellness.
• If you’re undecided, Rider also offers the option to take courses as a non-matriculated student if you are unsure of which major to pursue but want to begin working toward expanding your skillset. 

3. It’s easier than ever with flexible education pathways.

Getting your degree is less complicated with Rider’s flexible pathways designed to help you incorporate your education into your busy life at your own pace. Rider offers convenient online, hybrid and in-person format options, and daytime, evening and accelerated year-round course scheduling. Whether you’re balancing a full-time job, taking care of your family or juggling other life responsibilities, we work with you to find practical, guilt-free options to make returning to school a reality.

4. It is a sound investment in your future.

Long term, the ROI on a degree pays off. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, people with a bachelor’s degree had an average weekly salary of $1,432, approximately 68% more per week than those with just a high school diploma. At Rider, 96% of bachelor's degree recipients are employed, enrolled in a graduate program, volunteering, or seeking additional opportunities within one year of graduation within one year of graduation. 

We know that a college education requires a large financial commitment, but Rider offers accessible financial aid options that make returning to school more affordable than ever. We offer a variety of scholarships specifically for adult learners and employee tuition discounts through our qualifying partners to make earning your degree more attainable.