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Fortunately, you’re never too old to learn. The right mindset and preparation can lead you to success when pursuing your college education. Everyone’s journey looks different, but this guidance on how to go back to school as an adult is a great place to start.
Identify Your Motivations for Returning to School
Knowing why you want to go back to school will guide all your decisions moving forward, including what type of program you attend and what degree you pursue. For example, if you’re hoping to earn a college degree to qualify for new career opportunities, consider what type of jobs you’re interested in and how different schools would prepare you for them.
Set Clear and Achievable Educational Goals
Pursuing a college education as a busy adult is intimidating if you only focus on the final objective. Instead, break your path down into more manageable goals that you’ll reach along the way. You might aim to complete a certain number of courses per year or earn a certificate before completing your degree. Charting a specific path and reaching milestones will increase your adult learner confidence.
Assess Your Current Schedule and Commitments
For many, one of the biggest obstacles to attending college as an adult is juggling other obligations. Unlike many younger students who can focus primarily or exclusively on their education, you also have to consider all your other responsibilities that require your attention.
Be realistic about how much time you have available and think strategically about whether there are certain times of year that are already overloaded. For instance, if you have a child who plays football in the fall, consider taking a lighter load of courses during those months and increasing your course load in the spring.
Choose the Right Major and Degree Level for your Career
To ensure your degree puts you on the right professional track, look for a major that closely aligns with the job you want or already have. Talking to a supervisor at your workplace or a career advisor can give you a clearer idea of what major will be most beneficial.
In addition to your major, you’ll also need to decide what degree to pursue. Colleges and universities offer several options:
- Certificate: Certificate programs are shorter than degree programs, with some lasting only a few months. They can help you develop new career skills in your current field or introduce you to a different career path.
- Associate’s degree: An associate degree program usually lasts two years and requires a high school diploma or GED for admission. This degree may help you qualify for entry-level jobs in fields such as healthcare, web development, and cybersecurity.
- Bachelor’s degree: Bachelor’s degree programs often last four years and prepare you for a wide range of career paths, including teaching, engineering, and business. A high school diploma or GED is usually the minimum level of education required for admission. In many programs, you can also earn an associate’s degree and apply the credits toward a bachelor’s.
- Master’s degree: You will need a bachelor’s degree to apply for a master’s program. This degree offers advanced education in an area you want to specialize in, allowing you to seek senior positions with employers.
- Doctoral degree: Most doctoral programs require a master’s degree, but some offer combined master’s and doctoral programs. The highest degree you can obtain, a doctorate is often necessary to work in highly specialized fields like medical research or academia.
Think carefully about which type of degree will offer the most value for your career. For instance, a bachelor’s degree is a core requirement for some professions, while other jobs only require an associate degree. If you want to be a nurse, you might start with an associate degree and later work toward a bachelor’s to increase your job prospects and pay.
FIND THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOU
Research Different Types of Schools: Traditional vs Online
One of the most crucial decisions you’ll make when planning your academic future is whether to attend an online or traditional school. Taking online classes is one way to make an educational program fit with the rest of your life. You can study courses from home, the local library, or your favorite coffee shop, and you can often complete your classwork at the time that works best for you rather than meeting at a set time on campus every week.
However, online programs aren’t a perfect fit for everyone. Taking courses online generally requires more self-discipline and internal motivation. If you feel you’ll be more successful in an environment where you see and speak to your instructors and classmates face to face, a traditional school might be a better choice.
Engage With Admissions Counselors for Guidance
College admissions counselors are a go-to resource when planning your college education. They can explain admission requirements and help you schedule placement tests. They can also tell you what paperwork and applications you must complete — and when you have to submit them — for the school to admit you as a new student.
Overcome Financial Concerns Related to Education
Finding the money to pay for a college degree is a significant barrier for many adults returning to school, especially if they need to provide for their families and their homes. Evaluating your financial options is a critical step in your educational planning.
Explore Financial Aid Options and Scholarships
For most adults going back to school, the first step to obtain financial aid is filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines whether you’re eligible for federal loans and grants. Your state may also offer separate aid programs, and the financial aid office can provide more detailed information about these options.
In addition to submitting a FAFSA, it’s also worthwhile to look for scholarship programs using an online database. You may find programs designed specifically for adult students or for certain college majors, such as technology or healthcare. If you’re currently working, your employer may also offer tuition reimbursement.
Assess Your Financial Situation and Apply for Aid
Attending college is a long-term investment, and paying as much as possible out-of-pocket helps minimize your debt. However, most students need at least some financial aid to pay for their tuition, fees, textbooks, and other expenses, with some borrowing thousands of dollars to pay for their degrees. Look closely at your income and bills to determine what you can pay without aid.
When you know how much financial support you’ll need, gather the required information for different aid opportunities. For example, the FAFSA application requires you to submit your recent tax documents, checking and savings account balances, and information about your investments.
Understand the Application Process and Requirements
Most colleges have strict deadlines and specific steps to follow to earn admission. The items you have to submit with your application may include:
- High school transcripts or GED scores
- Standardized test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement or essay
- A resume or CV
- An application fee
Keep in mind that these are not universal requirements. For example, City University of Seattle doesn’t require students to submit standardized test scores like the SAT or GMAT for most programs.
Colleges also typically have two separate application processes based on whether you’re a first-time or transfer student. If you previously attended a college and earned credits after high school, you’ll have to apply as a transfer student. This could accelerate your education timeline, as you might have credits from a previous school that will count toward your new degree. You will need to submit your college transcripts for review to determine which of your credits will transfer.
Prepare for Assessments or Entrance Exams, if Necessary
Many colleges no longer require admissions exams like the SAT, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have to take any assessments to attend. Placement tests help schools determine what courses you can take and, in some cases, whether you can receive credit for skills you’ve already developed.
Before your testing date arrives, ask for details about what material the assessments will cover. Some colleges offer practice exams and sample questions to help you prepare.
Develop a Time Management Plan for Studying and Coursework
Whether you attend an online or in-person school, you’ll need a plan for completing your work. Along with determining what times are available for you to attend class, think about when you’ll have time to study, prepare for exams, and complete assignments. If you have a family, talk to them about blocking out specific hours each week for these tasks.
Another strategy is starting with fewer classes to avoid getting overwhelmed at the beginning of your program. This will allow you to judge how time-consuming your classes are and how they affect your other commitments.
Stay Engaged and Become an Active Participant in Your Education
Your college education is what you make of it, and active participation is vital. Beyond attending your classes and completing assignments, answer and ask questions, participate in out-of-class activities, and reach out to your instructors when you need extra support.
If you struggle to stay motivated, remind yourself what you’re trying to achieve. Your extra effort now could pay off for years to come in your professional life.
Utilize Student Services and Resources
Colleges want their students to succeed, and many offer a variety of services and resources to help make that happen. Strong student services and programs are among the most important things to look for in a college, and you should take advantage of those opportunities. They can make a significant difference in your educational experience.
Resources your college offers may include:
- Career services
- Mental health counseling
- Library services and research support
- Tutoring
- Accessibility services
Although these resources can enhance your college experience, career counseling and guidance are especially useful for adult students. They can help you update and fine-tune your resume, polish your interview skills, and find the specific career path that you want to pursue.
Build a Support Network With Classmates and Instructors
Adult students sometimes feel isolated because they’re older and have different life experiences than their peers. Establishing a network of supportive people combats that loneliness and helps you feel more connected to the people around you. You’re probably less alone than you think — in the fall of 2021, more than 6 million adults over 25 were enrolled in colleges and universities nationwide.
Your network building can begin on the first day of class: Exchange contact information with a few classmates so you can reach out to one another to study, share ideas, and review your assignments. Your instructors are also important figures in your experience. In addition to helping you understand the course material and improve your work, they might also have connections in your field that can build your career.
Balance School With Work and Family Responsibilities
Many adult students don’t have the option of dropping their other responsibilities to focus exclusively on their education. Fortunately, you don’t have to give up everything else in your life to obtain a degree.
Find ways to balance your education with your family, social, and professional needs. Avoid overloading on courses, which can make it difficult to divide your attention. Perform your best at work and save studying for breaks or the evening after work. To stay engaged with your family, take breaks where you give your full attention to your loved ones without being distracted by your coursework.
Seek Career Advancement Opportunities Post-Education
Once you have a degree, you can leverage your new skills to pursue your professional dreams. If you’re staying with the same employer, talk to them about your recent accomplishments and how they might help you take on new responsibilities or positions in the company. If you’re looking for a new job, use your resume to highlight your degree and how it reflects your commitment to your continued professional development.
Embrace Personal Growth Through Continued Learning
Returning to college as an adult allows you to grow personally and professionally. As you learn, you might look at the world, your career, and the hurdles you’ve faced in a new way. This dedication to your ongoing development also reflects well on your priorities and interests when applying for jobs or promotions.
Take the First Step Toward Going Back to School
The college experience often looks different for adult students, but that doesn’t make it any less valuable. With the right degree program at a reputable university, you can strengthen your knowledge, professional network, and confidence.
City University of Seattle offers many different degree programs for college students of all ages.
Request information to learn more about our admissions process and the majors that interest you.
Reviewed by Daria Lall, Senior Academic Advisor at CityU of Seattle.
