Should You Complete Your Degree 4 Questions to Consider
                     Should You Complete Your Degree? 4 Questions to Consider 
 
As a working adult, you probably wonder if enrolling in a degree completion 
program and earning a degree will improve your career. Going back to school will 
demand time and might drain your finances until completion. So, you need to 
determine if it is a worthwhile investment. 
 
Here are four questions to consider that will help you decide if completing your 
degree is a good move for you; 
 
Can You Afford the Tuition Fees? 
You probably have numerous other bills to sort. Therefore, you need to start by 
determining if you can manage the costs of completing your degree. 
 
The high tuition costs are a source of concern. Where will you source the funds to 
return to school? What resources can you make use of to make your education 
more affordable? 
 
You can start by consulting the financial aid office. Some colleges like William 
Paterson University have scholarship offers that are awarded to almost 2000 
students each year. There are also alternative financing options or programs that 
encourage students to do well. 
 
Is The Program Flexible Enough to Fit My Busy Schedule? 
Earning a degree will need commitment to your schoolwork. As a student with 
work and family, these responsibilities can be overwhelming and interfere with 
your schoolwork. 
 
You can check with the school to see if flexible reading options are available, like 
online classes. These methods of learning can make schoolwork easy and more 
manageable. In addition, we offer flexible programs in our adult degree 
completion program to help our students learn comfortably at their own pace. 
 
School of Continuing and Professional Education at William Paterson University 
offers students immense flexibility to ensure they complete their coursework at a 
comfortable speed. In addition, it makes learning more enjoyable as students 
obtain all the necessary skills to become competent in the job market. 
What Am I Looking to Achieve? 
Why did you decide to complete your degree? What goal do you have in mind 
once you enroll or complete the program? Take a step back to identify what 
motivates you, and analyze whether going back to school will help meet this goal. 
For example, you may be going back to school to get a degree to help you secure 
a promotion or lead to a pay rise. Therefore, it is essential to do your research and 
be sure that you will achieve your goal after going back to school. 
 
An excellent way to research is gauging the local market. Make time for 
informational interviews and talk to people in the field you are looking to get into. 
Ask them whether, with a degree certification, you can get to your dreams. 
 
Like the School of Continuing and Professional Education at William Paterson 
University, some colleges offer our prospective students support and timely 
information and advice. In addition, you can schedule an appointment with our 
career coach at the career center to understand whether a degree can help meet 
your goals or advance your career. 
 
Is My Support System Steady Enough? 
Considering you have a lot going for you, you need a stable support system. For 
example, going back to school is a big decision you might need to discuss with 
someone in your life. Having people in your life that can help you make sound 
decisions and support you through them will significantly help you throughout 
your education journey. 
 
With work and studies to deal with, some days may be challenging and others 
overwhelming. Knowing a support system ready to help you succeed will motivate 
you to work hard, remain focused, and complete your program. 
 
If you are your cheerleader and thrive in your environment, you should also enroll 
in your program. When things get tough, you can always consult our student 
counselor to guide you through. 
 
Do an Honest Evaluation 
When answering these questions, be honest with yourself. The answers will help 
determine if enrolling is the right choice for you.