How Returning to School Can Advance Your Career

By Mariama, USCI Alumni | Update: December 2025

Education is powerful. It can help us better understand the world around us, cultivate new ideas that lead to innovation or inspiration, foster personal growth, and advance our career (among other benefits). If you’re here, you’re probably wondering how returning to school can help you advance your career, so let’s dive into that.

Increase salary expectations

Your education level and newly acquired skillset can serve as a key factor in conversations about promotions and salary negotiations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics clearly shows the direct correlation between educational level and salary potential. For example, someone with a high school diploma may earn a median salary of $38,376 (based on $738 per week), whereas someone with a bachelor's degree can expect to earn a median annual salary of $80,236 (based on $1,543 per week).

Investing in your education is not wasted. Your return on investment can be seen in a higher salary over the course of your career.

Build credibility and authority

Earning a degree, certificate, or industry certification is a great way to showcase your knowledge and skills in a specific area of study. Often, credentials are a sign of mastery and experience, earning you added credibility and authority. For example, someone may have some experience with taking vital signs or handling various administrative tasks within a physician’s office, but they won’t have the same level of authority and credibility as they will when they earn a training certificate or degree as a medical assistant.

With greater credibility and authority, you will likely be given additional responsibilities and opportunities to advance in your career.

Be more marketable in you job search

Educational achievement, whether in the form of a degree, certificate, or certification, can help you stand out in your job search. Often, employers are looking for candidates with the right blend of qualifications, which includes level of education or certification. By highlighting your formal and continuing education on your resume, you are not only sharing your achievements but also demonstrating your commitment to continuous improvement. This can give you a competitive edge in the resume review process (yes, even with AI!) and in conversations with the hiring team.

Access and leverage more networking opportunities

Going back to school, in many ways, is just as much a social experience as it is an educational one. You will meet new people in your classes who share similar interests and career aspirations, or who may be able to connect you with someone in their circle. You also may reach out to tutors or subject matter experts who can help you in your studies (and who may stay within your network long after you graduate).

Additionally, you may find that someone at work or an event had a similar experience in the same program, or who is simply eager to learn more about you and your experience. Education is a great point of conversation, especially when you’re trying to establish yourself in your career. Don’t be shy about sharing your educational achievements. You never know who may be listening. That person could be the one to recommend you for a great career opportunity!

The old saying, “it’s all about who you know” certainly rings true in many instances. Some studies report that approximately 70% of jobs are filled through personal and professional connections.

Taking the leap: Going back to school

Going back to school is a great opportunity to acquire new knowledge and skills, demonstrate your commitment to your career, and create new opportunities for career advancement. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or even 50s or 60s, going back to school can feel exciting and intimidating at the same time. But with the right study habits and commitment to yourself and your growth, you will be able to achieve your goals.

If you’re ready to take the leap for yourself and your career, U.S. Career Institute can help!

Do you like animals? You may want to check out our online veterinary assistant certificate program. Is healthcare more your speed? We have several great career training options, including:

If you’ve always dreamed of getting into business, you may find our business management associate degree is the perfect step to help you get there. These are just a few examples of the career paths you could choose with high-quality, online, self-paced education from U.S. Career Institute.

So what to you say? Are you ready to go back to school and advance your career?