You may be eyeing that exciting, new job description on this website and realize it is just out of reach. You are missing the essential educational credential necessary to compete. Should you complete that B.A. degree? Are you looking for a new challenge or second career that requires more education? How can you determine whether continuing your education is worth the time, money and, yes, hard work, needed to make the commitment?

Let's look at the facts.

The Census Bureau reports the higher your level of education, the better your earnings. You know it's true. Let's say you have a bachelor's degree and know more doors will open for you with a master's. The difference in median earnings between a bachelor's and a master's is $9,600 a year.

The same holds true if you want to finish your bachelor's degree. The difference in median earnings between some college and a bachelor's degree is $12,300 per year. Your education pays for itself in a few short years.

Consider Your Options

Look for a program that can get you where you want to go.

If you need to finish a B.A. degree, find out if the program:

• Offers the flexibility to tailor your degree to fit your goals
• Accepts your prior academic credits, which will save you time and money
• Gives you credit for your hard-earned life experience
• Allows you to apply what you learn immediately to real-life situations
• Offers an accredited and well-established curriculum
• Provides an accepting atmosphere for diverse backgrounds and learning styles

If you are looking for a graduate degree, find out if the program:

• Is well respected and accredited in the field you would like to enter
• Has a tradition of working with a diverse population
• Employs faculty who respect your knowledge as well as merely sharing their own
• Builds in opportunities to apply theory to real-word situations/scenarios
• Offers a schedule that fits with your life

Research the program to make sure it is a good fit for you personally as well as professionally.

You can research programs online, in the library or, better still, by visiting the campus and speaking with admissions staff, faculty and students. Many schools host open houses or information sessions where you can ask lots of questions to help you decide if the learning atmosphere is right for you. If you are considering online education options, ask to attend an online session to assess the learning style and the user-friendliness of the technology.

This is one the largest investments of time and money you make in your life and it should be a positive and truly transformative experience for you. Make sure you feel welcome in the program you choose.

Investigate financial aid, scholarships or work/study programs.

You may already be able to afford an education, your employer may have a tuition reimbursement program or you may have veteran's benefits. However, most people find they need help in the short term to go back to school.

Several types of assistance are available through the federal and state government, the school and private organizations. Eligibility for financial assistance usually is based on need, although there are loan options that are non-need based. Your individualized aid package may include multiple types of assistance.

Talk with the financial aid office to discover all your options. You may be surprised by what is available.

Find a way to balance school with work and family.

Many programs offer evening and weekend classes, part-time as well as full-time schedules and give you the opportunity to work at your own pace. Your fellow students are probably in the same situation. The important thing is to find a program that gives you the flexibility you need to accomplish this major, new undertaking.

NEXT: Seattle University Master of Public Administration program

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This content was provided by Antioch University.

Antioch University Seattle: A 155-year Tradition Of Inclusiveness and Innovation in Education

Antioch stands out among universities and colleges in Seattle for its exclusive focus on adult learners. The 32-year-old campus has intentionally remained small, with about 900 students, and is located in downtown Seattle.

Whether you pursue graduate studies or complete a bachelor's degree, limited-size classes and strong support from dedicated, expert faculty can enhance your life. Plus, with Antioch’s flexible programs, you can tailor your education to personal and professional goals.

Antioch’s programs include:

• B.A. Completion (www.antiochseattle.edu/ba)
• M.A. in Education (www.antiochseattle.edu/ed)
• Graduate Teacher Preparation (www.antiochseattle.edu/ed)
• M.A. in Psychology (www.antiochseattle.edu/psych)
• Art Therapy (www.antiochseattle.edu/psych)
• Doctor of Psychology (www.antiochseattle.edu/psyd)
• M.A. in Environment and Community (www.antiochseattle.edu/enviro)
• M.A. in Organizational Psychology (www.antiochseattle.edu/orgpsych)
• M.A. in Strategic Communication (www.antiochseattle.edu/academics/strategiccommunication)
• M.A. in Whole Systems Design (www.antiochseattle.edu/wsd)
• M.S. in Management (www.antiochseattle.edu/gmp)

When you choose Antioch, you find:

• An ongoing, university-wide commitment to inclusiveness and welcoming people of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints
• An emphasis on social justice and community involvement
• Cooperative, holistic and experiential education that integrates work experience with classroom learning
• Student-centered, personalized learning
• Broad perspectives embraced as a basis for developing critical thinking skills and preparing students to create and manage change

For more information on Antioch and its programs, visit www.antiochseattle.edu or speak with an admissions adviser by calling 206-268-4202 or e-mailing admissions@antiochseattle.edu