Current college students are quite different than they were years ago, but many colleges are still structured as if all students were 18- to 21-year-old, full time students. According to the Lumina Foundation, about 34% of college students are 25 or older, and about 80% of them work.
College is more accessible than it used to be, but there are still unique challenges that come with going back to school as an adult learner – and balancing life’s responsibilities with coursework. Find out how you can get the most out of your college experience as an adult learner.
Can You Go Back to School as an Adult?
Absolutely! Educational institutions have evolved beyond traditional, in-person classes with students fresh out of high school. Whether community college, four-year university, or alternative online learning platforms, there are countless programs that cater to the diverse needs of adult learners – including balancing school with work, family, or other responsibilities.
Why Go Back to School as an Adult?
Making a Career Change
Rapid technological advancements over the past few decades present both opportunities and challenges. Some may find new avenues for upskilling and future career development, while others may face stagnating careers and the need for a career change.
The motivation to return to school isn’t always directly related to a current career, however. Some people took college classes in the past with a dream job in mind, only to have life changes take them in another direction. Others may have put school on the backburner while they relied on a steady career to establish themselves and start a family.
No matter your unique reason to return to school, don’t ever think it’s too late to pursue your passions.
Better Study Skills
Some people transition from high school to college easily, while others may struggle to focus. If you tried college in the past and decided to take a break, it may not be about college being “the wrong choice” for you. It could’ve been an issue of maturity and not realizing the importance of education at the time.
If so, going back as an adult can be an entirely new experience. You likely have some social and career skills under your belt, more life experience, better stress- and time-management skills giving you the tools to succeed in your learning journey.
Filling Skills Gaps
Even the best education can become outdated when you’ve been out of school for decades – especially in industries like tech. The workforce is receiving an influx of new talent – young, eager, and fresh out of college – armed with the most in-demand and current skills.
As an adult learner, you can sharpen your skill set and stay current on your industry’s best practices. Combined with your real-world experience and soft skills gained from your career, you can stay relevant and position yourself as a valuable asset to your workplace.
Completing a Degree Program
Even with the best of intentions, life can throw you curveballs that prevent you from finishing your degree. Financial challenges, illnesses in the family, having children, and other life events can cause you to put your degree on hold.
Now that you’re established, you may want to finish what you started and earn a degree. While it may be more difficult as an adult with more responsibilities than a high school graduate, you’ll have the sense of accomplishment of finishing what you started all those years ago.
How to Go Back to School as an Adult
Going back to school as an adult can open new doors, help you advance your career, and give you the satisfaction of reaching your goals. It’s important to plan and choose the path that works best for you – both now and in the future.
If you’re considering returning to school as an adult learner, here are some steps to take:
Determine Why You Want to Return to School
Going back to school as an adult comes with unique challenges, including juggling your coursework with your job and your personal responsibilities to family. You need a practical plan with a goal in mind and concrete steps to achieve them.
Set realistic goals and timelines to achieve them. You may have to make sacrifices in pursuit of your degree, such as missing out on some family events, having less time for socializing, or cutting back on your hours at work in exchange for the job you really want in the future.
Having a plan in writing can help you stay on track and reach milestones that get you closer to your dream.
Find the Right Program
There are numerous programs in higher education that you may choose to pursue, such as a bachelor’s degree, professional certifications, or post-graduate degrees. Depending on your career goals, any of these may be appropriate for you.
For example, if your goal is to advance in your career, you may have enough work experience to leverage a professional certification in a subspeciality in your field. However, keep in mind that certifications can be just as stringent as degree programs (or more so).
A bachelor’s degree has a broader focus and takes about four years to complete if you attend full time. Some careers only require a bachelor’s degree, while others may require post-graduate degrees, certifications, or professional school. Make sure you understand the requirements for your career goals before you select a program.
Traditional or Online Learning?
Many institutions offer on-campus only, online-only, or hybrid learning environments that give you options. On-campus programs have set class schedules, commute time, and participation requirements that can be difficult to manage with your existing schedule. For example, if you have a 9-5 weekday schedule, it may be difficult to fill your degree requirements if the courses are only mornings and afternoons.
Online programs and online learning platforms offer a lot of flexibility compared to traditional learning. You can complete coursework on your own schedule, save on campus fees and commute costs, and with some programs, work at your own pace. However, online learning requires discipline, focus, and time management. Some students struggle to stay motivated without in-person interactions and the dynamic environment of on-campus courses.
Hybrid learning combines on-campus and in-person learning to give you some person-to-person interaction and instruction with the flexibility of some online assignments and lectures. Think about your schedule, your learning style, and which option you think will work best for you.
Choose a School
Once you’ve decided on the degree program and learning environment, research schools that offer these options. You can learn more about what each school offers for degree programs, curricula, and resources to aid in your decision. Check reviews of the school and programs as well to see what students thought of their experience.
Make sure you’re prepared for the admission process before applying, and that you are aware of enrollment deadlines. You may need to complete an academic assessment or evaluation to be eligible, or you may need to complete some prerequisite coursework to enter the program. Many schools have a non-refundable application fee as well.
Develop a Financial Plan
College is an investment in your future, so you want to get the best return possible. Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for grants and loans.
In addition to federal student grants and loans, you may be eligible for scholarships that are based on merit, degree program, or your chosen institution. Apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances of getting an award.
If you’re looking into programs that give you skills for your current field, check if your current employer offers tuition reimbursement or other types of financial or tuition assistance for higher education. Discuss your options with your company’s human resources department.
Tips for Balancing College and Work as an Adult Learner
College can be grueling, especially when you’re fitting lectures and assignments into a packed schedule of work and personal life. But it can be done! Here are some tips to balance college and work as an adult learner:
Manage Your Time and Workload
Adult learners tend to be busier than students in their late teens and early 20s attending college full time. As an adult, you may be balancing full-time work, parenting, caring for a family member, or other time-intensive demands.
Online courses offer flexibility for those with limited scheduling options.. However, you still have to manage your time and do the work. Set a schedule that includes a few hours for studying everyday or every other day. Plan this time for when you tend to have “downtime,” such as early morning before the kids go to school, evenings after dinner, or before bed when the rest of your family sleeps.
Sharpen Your Study Skills
Personal and professional demands will compete for your time as an adult learner, so you need to get the most out of the work you do. Work smart, not hard. Spacing out your study sessions with short, intensive periods is more effective for learning than cramming everything into one night.
Try study aids like physical note taking or flashcards to study and retain information.
Complete the practice questions, quizzes, and exercises in your courses to test your understanding of the concepts.
Enhance your understanding of concepts by taking a question-and-answer approach to your study sessions. Create basic questions and see if you can answer them, then gradually increase the difficulty to challenge yourself.
Use the school’s support resources. Your academic advisor can help you access online tutoring, study tools, and other resources that can help if you’re struggling with course concepts.
Pursue Your Dream as an Adult Learner
Going back to school as an adult can be exciting and rewarding, but there’s no shortage of hard work. If you’re considering returning to school as an adult, start your free trial at Sophia Learning or explore our courses!
