5 Tips for Adults Going Back to School

 

 

Simply put, one way to make more money is to get a higher paying job. If you don’t have a college degree, you may be at a point in your life where you’re ready to go back to school. For adults who started college and stopped before completing a degree or those whose career paths demand a higher level of education, heading back to school can be a great challenge. Here are some tips to help you succeed in rebooting your college career.

1. Financial Help From Employers
Find out if your current employer offers a program for furthering your education. Some companies offer college scholarships, or they will reimburse you for your classes if you meet certain guidelines. This might include getting a minimum grade average for the classes you take, staying within applicable fields of study or pursuing an education in a related line of work that could benefit the company.

2. Scheduling

Finding a way to take college classes while you’re working a full-time job can be challenging. Choices include taking nighttime and weekend courses or pursuing online classes. Online college classes can be taken in the convenience of your home, but you may need to upgrade your computer or Internet connections to do it. Online classes are your best option in most cases, especially if you’re also holding down a job or career. There’s no need to worry about constantly balancing a schedule, as online schools allow you to study when you want, and even where you want. You can even obtain a graduate degree through online schools like Benedictine University. They offer accelerated MBA degrees, as well as health related degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing. There is no obligation associated with requesting information, and it just may put your career on the right track.

3. Distractions
Taking university courses will probably result in a lifestyle change, whether you have to move closer to campus, make time for online classes or adjust your work schedule. Be prepared for distractions that will take you away from your goal of completing a degree so that you can make more money in a successful career. Stay focused on your goals. There will be time later for going out with your friends and spending a week on holiday.

4. College Scholarships
Not all college scholarships go to first-year and full-time students. Some are made specifically for people pursuing higher education in designated career fields, those in the military or students with certain ethnic or religious backgrounds. There are many different types of graduate program scholarships available for students who have already achieved lower level degrees.

5. Extra Credit
Some universities cater to adults returning to school. Their admissions process is more flexible and is geared toward the working adult. Ask the admissions officer about getting credits for life knowledge and work experience as part of your curriculum. You may be able to take an equivalency exam for certain courses instead of sitting through them. This will save you both time and money.

Going back to school can be an adventure. It’s becoming more and more common among working adults who want to make more money and need more education and training. Adapting your budget, finding creative ways to pay for college and adjusting your schedule can make reaching your goals a little bit easier.

Nicole is an independent writer for CollegeAnswer.com. College Answer offers information on saving, planning and paying for college.