Should I Go Back to School in a Recession?

Economic downturns have historically been a popular time to further one's education. During the Great Recession, the number of students who returned to college after being in the workforce grew by 30%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Most students had either been in the labor market or otherwise out of school.

With a country in a recession, enrolling could improve your job prospects significantly. Research from the last recession revealed that individuals with associate or bachelor's degrees maintained higher levels of employment (and smaller earnings reductions for women) than those without degrees.

Recently, people with at least a bachelor’s degree have had far lower unemployment rates compared to those without a degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Of course, school tuition and books add up. While financial aid opportunities exist—including scholarships, grants, and private and federal student loans—carefully weigh the pros and cons of a classroom return.

Go Back to School vs. Search for a Job

Should you keep looking for a job or sign up for classes? Recessions usually extend unemployment periods, and getting hired is challenging—especially for workers that have to shift to new industries—according to a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report.

"Weigh how many available jobs you qualify for without going back to school," said job search expert Ron Auerbach, author of “Think Like an Interviewer: Your Job Hunting Guide to Success.”

During recessions, you’ll face tougher competition for the few available positions. If you find you're likely to have few opportunities or don’t have the skills necessary to compete, returning to school may be the ideal option.

"Use this time productively by going back to school and positioning yourself for your next career move for when the economy opens up more," said Atlanta-based career coach Hallie Crawford. Schooling also can prevent a gap on your resume if you can’t find work now.

The Right Program for Future Career Prospects

Any courses or future degrees should help you find a new career (or advance your current career) after the recession ends. Reach out to people in your chosen field to research job prospects, and investigate the long-term outlook for the field.

"Consider informational interviews with people in your industry or the industries you're exploring to gather information about what it takes to transition into the field," Crawford said. An informational interview is an informal conversation with someone in your field to get career tips, experience, and advice. This conversation can tip you off as to whether school—or how much school—serves your long-term career goals.

Research salary data and probable demand for your chosen profession or industry through sites such as BLS, Salary.com, or Glassdoor.

Working Part-Time as a Student 

Deciding to return to school doesn't need to be an all-or-nothing proposition. You can still conduct a job search while taking online or in-person courses, or attend school while employed part-time.

Even if you’re working, you won’t feel out of place in the classroom, as many schools today have enrollees who also hold down jobs. Taking classes that fit into your work schedule could be easier than ever before due to the proliferation of online courses that can be taken anywhere in a variety of time zones.

"Since many schools are offering online courses, it can be a great opportunity for many professionals," Crawford said. For example, many schools offer evening and part-time MBA classes.

Finding Money To Return to School

If you plan to return to school, many federal financial aid options exist—despite a recession.

Federal loans require you to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which asks about your financial resources and income. If you've been working full-time until a recent layoff, it may seem like you have more money available for college than you actually do.

In this situation, the Department of Education urges returning students to contact the financial aid office at their chosen school—ideally even before completing the FAFSA. With proof of an income change, the school may be able to recalculate your financial aid package.

Grants and scholarships may also be available from academic institutions, state or local governments, private companies, or nonprofit organizations. You should explore these sources of funding first as they do not have to be repaid.

The Bottom Line

Whether you should return to school in a recession depends on your situation. If further college could advance your career prospects, look into your options. You may find that a return to school full-time (or part-time) will boost your career. Do what's right for you over the long term.