Returning to school to study for a bachelor's degree or other qualification can help adults find their voice in life and open the door to a better life.

For many, juggling the demands of work and family mean there is little time left over to pursue perhaps long-held ambitions to gain a degree.

However, single mom Mary Platero said on Seattlepi.com that making the decision to return to study had "helped give me a voice".

Ms Platero, who has four children, said a desire to move up in the world - as well as the inspiration provided by her mother's battle with cancer - convinced her to follow her dream and return to school.

"I knew there was something else better," she said.

In June, the 47-year-old celebrated her graduation with her family and friends.

According to the US Department of Education, there are a number of initiatives to help adult learners return to college learning.

The College Is Possible program includes advice on paying for college, choosing where to study and preparing to return to education.

Federal Student Aid also offers a number of guides to returning to college, financing an education and finding the right school.