Going back to school with kids in tow is no small feat. Whether you’re pursuing a degree to level up your career or to fulfill a personal goal, the decision comes with unique challenges and meaningful rewards. If you’re considering returning to school while raising a family, this guide breaks down the real-life pros and cons for nontraditional students like you.
A college degree can be a gateway to greater financial stability and job satisfaction. In fact, the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities states that bachelor’s degree holders earn 86% more than those with only a high school diploma. For working parents in school, this translates into long-term financial security and upward mobility for the whole household.
Beyond salary, a degree often brings increased job satisfaction and access to more fulfilling, purpose-driven roles. From transitioning into a new industry to leveling up in your current one, your educational investment can reshape your professional life and serve as a stepping stone for future achievements.
Higher education can stretch household finances, especially when factoring in childcare. Full-day care for just one child can take up between 8.9% and 16.0% of a family’s median income, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. And that’s before considering reduced work hours for school commitments.
Meanwhile, the cost of public university has more than tripled since 1980, outpacing wage growth. That makes it harder to offset expenses even with full-time work. Together, childcare costs and reduced income can significantly impact your budget.
The good news? Many nontraditional students qualify for federal financial aid, grants, or institutional scholarships. Student loans often have delayed repayment terms until graduation. Plus, local programs, family support, and employer tuition assistance can help ease the burden. While the upfront financial strain is real, the long-term payoff of a degree can be well worth it.
Your decision to pursue education while raising a family sets a powerful example. Children learn by watching, and when they see their parent working hard, pushing through challenges, and staying committed to a goal, it teaches them perseverance, dedication, and the value of education.
This influence can shape your child’s mindset around school, ambition, and grit. A study by Lamar University found that highly educated parents tend to raise highly successful children. Your journey becomes part of their foundation — an everyday lesson in resilience and growth.
Pursuing a degree while raising a family takes both money and time. With more nontraditional students (like parents!) enrolling in college, earning a degree now takes an average of six years.
That’s not taking into account revolving your studies around work and family.
Juggling coursework, job duties, and parenting often means time with loved ones gets cut. You may miss bedtime routines and weekend trips to the zoo due to study sessions and looming deadlines. The guilt can feel heavy, especially when you sense your kids noticing your absence.
Acknowledging these feelings without letting them derail your progress is important. Remind yourself that this sacrifice is temporary and intentional. By doing so, you’re modeling the importance of long-term planning and goal setting, even if it means making short-term sacrifices.
Being an adult learner isn’t just about career advancement — it’s about personal growth and reclaiming a sense of identity. After years of prioritizing family and work, diving into education can reignite your passions and sense of purpose.
Completing coursework, mastering new skills, and crossing the graduation stage can boost self-esteem and prove to yourself that it’s never too late to invest in personal growth. That sense of achievement spills over into every area of life, from parenting with renewed confidence to setting a positive example of lifelong learning.
Earning a degree is a long-term investment, and the payoff isn’t always immediate. It may take years before you complete your program, and even longer to see significant changes in your career or income. The slow trajectory can feel frustrating when you have to juggle the financial pressure and time constraints of parenthood.
You may wonder at times whether the effort is worth it. Staying focused on your end goal and remembering why you started can help keep you motivated through the waiting.
You don’t need to let the struggles of balancing your family and school hold you back from achieving your goals. Here are some ways you can set yourself up for success:
Between commuting, classes, homework, and exams, returning to school can be harder and more demanding than a full-time job. And as a parent, it’s not easy to blend in with a student population often composed of 18- to 22-year-olds.
Many schools offer online degree programs, which provide you with more flexibility in your schedule and eliminate the need to pack up the family and move so that you can attend classes in person. Asynchronous classes — meaning students learn the same material at different times and locations — allow you to learn on your schedule without uprooting your family or commuting.
If you’re in the position, take time to create a support network to help carry the load. Lean on trusted family and friends for childcare, meal swaps, study help, or even moral support. Connecting with other student-parents can also help you feel seen and supported.
Staying organized minimizes surprises and ensures everyone in the family is on the same page. Create a schedule outlining school responsibilities (classes, tests, homework deadlines, study time) and parenting must-dos (school drop-off, parent-teacher conferences, Little League game snack duty).
Don’t forget to pencil in downtime for yourself! You’ll be putting in a lot of hard work and deserve some rest and relaxation.
Some weeks will be chaotic. That’s okay. Celebrate small wins — a submitted paper, a passed quiz, or simply surviving the week. Share those moments with your kids and let them cheer you on.
Returning to school while parenting requires courage and careful planning. It’s a deeply personal decision that depends on your career goals, family support system, and financial situation. Ask yourself: Can I manage my time effectively? Do I have a reliable support network? Will this investment bring long-term value for my family and me?
Only you can determine if this is the right season to pursue higher education. Take stock of your current situation and consider what success looks like for both you and your family.
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