After Divorce, Go Back to School

Cafferty said students returning to college after a divorce should focus on the positives in the long-term. "A big benefit is earning that degree really increases your earning power or to do a career that's much more closely aligned with what your interests are," he said.

According to Back2College.com, "The median annual income for employees with a high school diploma was only $27,915; for a bachelor’s degree $51,206. Individuals with only a high school diploma were twice as likely to be unemployed as those holding bachelor’s degrees. Those without a high school diploma averaged a yearly income of just $18,734."   

Beyond that, Caffery said, he's seen the real results of returning back to school. "...People are happier. They have achieved something," he said.  


5 MYTHS ABOUT RETURNING TO COLLEGE
 
The University of Idaho includes five common excuses older students use:

1. I can’t afford it.
Many grants, scholarships, and loans are available anyone who needs financial aid.

2. I won't do well in college.
When rating applicants, colleges look at letters of recommendations, special talents, past job experiences.

3: I need to get a job and make money.
 High-wage jobs require a college degree. 

4. No one in my family has ever gone to college.
While it can be difficult to be the first, it's not impossible. You will need to select, apply to, and enroll in a college, and apply for financial aid.

5. I'm too old.
Half of the students enrolled in college programs across the country are 25 or older.

Krystle Russin is a freelance journalist in Austin, Texas. She graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in government (pre-law), and minors in journalism and history.