Going Back to School: A Guide to Programs, Careers, and Money from WPU

Whether you skipped college or trade school the first time around and set to working right out of high school or you spent a couple years in undergrad before hitting pause to start a family or get a job, choosing to go back to school can feel daunting. Most campuses and colleges seem to cater mostly to late teens and early twenty-something college students looking for that “college experience” as much as — if not more than — an education.

Don’t worry. At William Peace University we provide a great college experience and education for traditional students, while also making it easy for working adults to re-enter college, either full-time or part-time, and get a degree. We know the questions you have — How will I pay for it? What if I need to keep working? How will I juggle family responsibilities with studying and class attendance? What degree should I get? How much money will I make when I graduate? What will the job market be like when I finish? — and we have answers.

Here’s a look at some of the opportunities, degree programs, career possibilities, and salary expectations for anyone looking to go back to school with WPU.

The School for Professional Studies Program (SPS)

William Peace University’s School for Professional Studies is a chance for adults who want to finish up a community college degree, chart a new career path, or get more schooling and advancement in a career they love. The SPS Program is designed with adult learners’ needs in mind because their day-to-day lives already include work, family, community responsibilities and more, and none of that can be put on hold. Flexible and affordable, adult students can take classes in-person, online, or both. There are six different class starts throughout the year, and many classes meet in the evenings or on Saturday. Classes are small, so older students can receive the attention and instruction they need to succeed at their coursework. If you already have college credits, you can transfer them — up to 90 hours’ worth. Even better, there are a wide variety of disciplines offered and many of those have an accelerated program component that includes licensure, so you can finish up even faster. All you need to get started is a high school diploma or GED.

BS in Business Administration

An accelerated program, students who get a BA in Business Administration through SPS will be educated and trained in proper business management and strategy. Students will also gain practical experience that will ready them for new opportunities in their professional worlds.
Concentrations include:

• Global Business
• Marketing
• Leadership
• Management Studies
• Sports Management

According to recent salary data, graduates with a BA in Business Administration make an average of $58,623 a year with top earners making six figures annually. From Sales to Finance to Banking and Market Research, job searches are flush with opportunities for graduates with a Business Administration degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in business and finance are expected to grow at 5% through 2029, which is better than average.

BA in Elementary Education with Licensure

When you earn your BA and/or get licensed in Elementary Education through WPU’s SPS Program, you’ll learn valuable educational tools and insight from faculty who have experience as K – 12 teachers. You’ll also gain hands-on learning with placements in local Raleigh schools if you aren’t already teaching. With the accelerated program, students with associate’s degrees can earn their licensure in as little as three semesters. The median pay for graduates with a degree in Elementary Education is just over $60,000 a year.

Nursing RN to BSN

If you’re an RN wanting your BSN, WPU’s 12-month accelerated and flexible program is for you. Choose between 100 percent online classes or a hybrid course model, so you can easily keep working while you earn your degree. In addition to top-quality nursing classes, William Peace University also has partnerships with Wake Med, the UNC Physicians Network, and UNC Rex Healthcare so you can further your education with practical, real-world experience.

On average, nurses with their BSN make $8,337 per year more than their RN counterparts, but that’s not the only reason to get your bachelor’s degree — more and more nursing jobs are requiring the BSN, which means you’ll open many more doors of opportunity if you get one. Once you have your BSN, you can also make the choice to continue your education with a more advanced degree that will provide additional opportunities.

Choose William Peace University

There are many other degrees and accelerated program opportunities at William Peace University for working adults who need a flexible, affordable solution. If you’re interested in continuing your college education and earning your license or degree on a schedule and in a format that works for you, contact William Peace University’s SPS Program today. We have financial aid available for adults and non-traditional students, too.