In many ways, divorce can feel like the ultimate "back to the drawing board" event: back to dating, back to searching for your soulmate, possibly even back to an apartment into which you couldn’t have squeezed your wedding cake. But it may also be a good time to go back to the chalk board.

Yes, I'm talking about going back to school.

Consider this: A report in London's Telegraph newspaper found that while a man's income increases by 11 percent after a divorce, a woman's earning power actually decreases... by a hefty 17 percent.

So while going back to school might at first seem like further regression after the sting of divorce, it can actually be just the antidote you need. Whether you're seeking to boost your earning potential, change careers, or just stick it to your Ex by earning more than he does, it truly pays to be as educated as you can.

But, assuming you already have a college degree, what kind of program should you choose?

These days, the options seem almost limitless. In addition to the old stand-bys (a second bachelor's degree, a masters), there are vocational schools, community colleges, certification programs, and those tech schools that pop up on TV after 2AM, promising you wealth and happiness in only "18 short months" (much faster than 18 long months).

In this, the first of a three-part series on going back to school after a divorce, we'll look at the different options for post-secondary education, focusing on how well each program can prepare you for the job of your dreams:

• A Second Bachelor's Degree