It used to be that it was rare to see adults past their twenties attending college, but this is definitely no longer the case.
Many adults decide to go back to school later in life to get the education they were unable to afford while younger.
Others decide in their youth that they're not interested in attending university, only to change their minds later on.
Of course, a lot of people make the decision to return to school as adults in order to increase their career opportunities or their earning potential.
Having additional education can help individuals secure better paid or otherwise more attractive employment, even for those who already have a degree.
Furthering your education also happens to be an excellent way to keep ones mind active; and according to studies, those who are more educated have a lower incidence of mental health problems.
Deciding to pursue additional educational opportunities later in life can also help to prevent age related decline in cognitive abilities.
It is known that keeping your body and mind active as you age is the best way to keep this from happening.
Much like a muscle, the brain becomes weaker when it is allowed to idle.
When you learn new things, new connections are formed between nerves in your brain; and the more of these new pathways you form through learning, the clearer you'll think and the stronger your cognitive abilities will be.
There are now many different educational opportunities available to those who are interested in continual learning, with many colleges and universities offering classes in the evenings and on weekends as well as during the week.
This offers non-traditional students the flexibility they need to fit classes around their work schedule.
Financial aid and other assistance is also available for older students, making it easier to pursue these opportunities for personal growth and education.
If you're interested in taking courses of study which are relevant to your career, your employer may even be willing to pay for your continuing education.
Many employers offer this benefit, though often on the condition that you continue to work for the company for a certain specified period after completing your studies.
Other options include taking classes online - there are now a number of accredited college programs which are available this way.
This offers the maximum in flexibility for those who want to keep their minds sharp and earn a college degree.
Taking classes online allows you to complete your coursework at any time which is convenient for you.
Many students say that online college courses have given them the ability to finally earn a degree or second degree which they would never have been able to otherwise.
The more education you have, the more opportunities will be open to you.
Since your studies will keep your mind active and in shape, as it were, you'll find yourself thinking more clearly and better prepared to face new challenges whether in your work, your social life or of course, in your college coursework.