Collge Bound

Tips can help working adults who want to go back to school for a new degree

Does hearing recent high-school graduates talking about plans for college this fall have you itching to get back in a classroom? Good news! A working adult can enroll in a new or advanced degree program at any time of the year.

If you’re considering enrolling in a new or advanced degree program as a working adult, here are some factors to consider as you make this big decision.

SCHEDULES

Balancing school, work and family might take a bit of planning and organizational skills.

“According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 39 percent of the estimated 21 million students heading back to school this fall will be over the age of 25,” said Tracy Lorenz, president of Western International University (West). “These are individuals with families, jobs, household duties and community obligations, which can often mean that making time to return to school is a challenge.”

Thanks to online delivery and flexibility in scheduling, students can start a class at many colleges, including West, at the beginning of any month. Prospective students should keep in mind the time they need for each class, not just for catching up on course materials and projects, but also for homework and online discussions with classmates.

AFFORDABILITY Financial planning is just as important when starting a new degree program as it is when managing the household budget.

Before starting a program, students should create a list of the expenses they’ll face for tuition and supplies, as well as financial-aid opportunities and the potential for reimbursement from an employer. Doing so will help students understand their net investment and how it can be aligned with other financial responsibilities.

Ultimately, this exercise allows students to select both the right degree program and the one that best fits their budget. SUPPORT

Working adults need support in their college endeavors just as much as students continuing their education directly from high school.

Working adults should let their employer know about their school plans, as well as friends and family who can help encourage them through each step of the process.

EMERGENCY PLANNING Suppose a child catches the flu, or the office schedules a business trip that conflicts with a working student’s course schedule. Having a backup plan can help students stick with their education plans and graduate on time.

Taking classes online is a big help, as this option makes education fully accessible at home — or even while traveling by finding a Wi-Fi hot spot to catch up on classwork over breakfast at a coffee shop or hotel.

Students who make sure they have the time to complete coursework, select a degree program they can afford, develop a support system of family and friends, and make sure they can continue their studies when life’s other challenges arise can help make their back-to-school experience a successful one.

Photo by Shutterstock Online classes can be a benefit for working adults, especially those who travel for their current jobs.