Life sometimes gets in the way of your higher education. Priorities shift. Relationships happen. Children come into the picture. Unexpected setbacks occur. Your job keeps you busy. You simply may not have had the option or interest to attend college or graduate school.  

There are many reasons why you may have delayed furthering your education, and all of them are valid. But none of them need stop you from resuming your educational journey. Now that you have a few more years of life experience under your belt, there are distinct advantages to returning to school in this modern educational landscape, as you’ll see below. 

Don’t Sweat the Time Gap  

If you’re still reading this, you probably fit into one of these categories: 

  • You never went to college. 
  • You started but never finished a degree. 
  • You finished an undergraduate degree years ago and are thinking about going back to college for a graduate degree. 

No matter which of these categories best describes you, there are compelling reasons why you should get a college credential: 

  • New credentials can help you advance in your existing career or pursue a new career. U.S. government statistics show that degree holders generally enjoy higher earnings and are less likely to be unemployed. 
  • Completing a degree gives you a confidence boost and bragging rights. 

If you’re feeling apprehensive about going back to school, understand that you’re not alone. Many others feel the same way you do right now. There are also many people available to guide you through the process right here at The University of Texas Permian Basin. In fact, the answers to some of the most common questions we receive from prospective students are much more straightforward than you might think: 

Where do I begin?  

The first step is to apply to your chosen program. For help with program selection, the enrollment process, program requirements, and more, reach out to our academic advisors

Will my old college credits transfer?  

You might have some credits left over from an earlier college program. Use our handy transfer credit calculator to see if they will transfer to your new UT Permian Basin program. 

Will I need to provide my SAT scores?  

SAT scores are not required. However, submitting SAT scores is recommended since they can qualify students for certain scholarships. If you have any questions, contact an admissions representative for answers applicable to your specific situation. 

How do I request transcripts? 

Contact any high school(s) and college(s) you may have previously attended and request to have your official transcripts sent to UT Permian Basin. In many cases, you can make transcript requests online. 

Been Away From College for Years? You’ll Love These Changes to the Learning Experience 

Some of our current students waited 20 years or more before going back to school for a degree. If you’re going back to college after a long absence, you may be pleasantly surprised by what’s changed! Online learning is now a widely accepted way to earn a degree. Employers don’t mind and often don’t even know that a college credential was earned online. The online learning format offers many distinct benefits that aren’t possible in a campus-based program, including greater convenience and cost savings. See for yourself: 

  • You can now access undergraduate and graduate programs online from practically any location in the world. You don’t have to live in Texas or even the United States to enjoy a quality UT Permian Basin education. 
  • Bloomberg reports that one of the primary reasons people don’t earn a college degree is “the difficulty of combining college with other commitments.” Our self-paced online programs enable you to complete exams and assignments around your professional and personal responsibilities.  
  • Online learning eliminates the costs typically associated with commuting to a campus-based program, e.g., parking, fuel, tolls, vehicle maintenance, etc. 
  • Due to its global reach, online learning offers expanded professional networking opportunities. Your classmates may be from any other state or country. 

The Time Is Now and the Choice Is Yours  

UT Permian Basin’s online programs are home to students ranging from recent high school graduates to empty nesters. There’s a place for you here! You may even find having such a diverse group of classmates rewarding.  

We encourage you to browse our broad range of in-demand online degree and certificate programs now. You’re bound to find one or more that suits your professional and personal goals or interests. 

Questions? Reach out to us today!