We may be well past back-to-school season. For kids. But what about back to school for parents? In 2013 the National Center for Education Statistics found that adults over 40 made up nearly 20% of all graduate students. That’s not a big surprise when you consider the advantages of continuing your education as a parent. Adults 50+ often have access to perks that kids could only dream of.

1. Potentially Lower Costs

There are a number of cost-saving strategies that exist for adults. One of the best places to look is your current benefits package at work. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement benefits for employees looking for some additional education. It’s worth talking to your HR department.

Even without employer assistance, there are scholarships and grants available to adults looking to go back to school. If all else fails, the tax breaks can help ease the financial burden. The Lifetime Learning Credit is equal to 20% of school expenses up to $10,000. That could get you as much as $2,000 back on your taxes.

2. Advance Your Career

The ROI of graduate school can vary widely by program and school, but advancing your education is one of the best ways to qualify yourself for that raise or promotion. Not only does it prove to employers that you’re qualified, it also shows them that you are dedicated to improving yourself in the role. In a tough employment climate, your education may be what separates you from your peers. Graduate school classrooms and study groups also happen to be great networking opportunities.

3. It’s Easier with Work Experience

Most admissions teams love applicants who have work experience. More and more, schools are finding that real on-the-job experience translates to better students and greater success rates for graduates-turned-job-candidates. Applicants with that kind of sought-after background are in such high demand that some programs have instituted policies like online MBA GMAT waivers for experienced candidates — so you don’t have to put your plans on hold to study for the test.

4. Learn Something You Enjoy

Older adults going back to school often have the luxury of knowing what they’re interested in. Many graduate students start in their early twenties – often immediately after they graduate from college. With this little real-world experience, it’s hard to know what you want to do and even what you would enjoy in a professional setting. Adults going back to school have had time to figure it out and can focus on a degree they care about with practical applications.

So don’t let your kids have all the fun at school. Get back there yourself!