How To Go Back to School as an Adult (And Why You Should)

Apr282023

Various life changes may prompt you to change careers, learn new skills or continue your education. With universities and colleges offering more online and flexible learning opportunities, many people have a range of options for pursuing additional schooling. Understanding how to return to school as an adult learner may help you increase your annual income and experience more job satisfaction.

In this article, we discuss reasons for adults going back to school and explain how to return to school to help improve your chances of success in your education journey.

Reasons for adults going back to school

There are several reasons for adults going back to school, which can include increasing their salaries or finishing a degree they started years prior. When going back to school as an adult learner, you may have more flexible opportunities than you did before when attending classes. For example, depending on your major, you may have the choice to attend courses online or in person. Additionally, there might be more technology you can use to your advantage, such as conferencing applications that allow you to connect with your professors and classmates.

You may also return to school to:

Earn a degree that can help you move up in your current job or career
Gain specific training in an area related to your current job responsibilities
Pursue an entrepreneurial role
Get the required education or training to shift your career
Pursue studies that might not have been available while you were originally in school
Learn something you’re passionate about, even if it’s unrelated to your career
Prepare for a new role in an organization
Differentiate yourself from other professionals who share a similar background to yours
Fulfill a dream of attending school if you weren’t able to earlier in life

How to go back to school as an adult

Going back to school as an adult can increase your earning potential and give you the satisfaction of pursuing your passion. By researching and planning, you can choose the right program and school to advance your career. If you’re planning on returning to school as an adult learner, consider the following steps:

1. Identify your reasons for returning

Often, going back to school as an adult requires finding an achievable balance between school, work and your personal life. To ensure you complete your education successfully, it’s important to develop a practical plan by keeping your end goals in mind. Detail specific timelines to make sure you’re reaching your goals on time. Your decision to go back to school may also come with some advantages and sacrifices. For example, you may look forward to a more lucrative career and better job prospects, but the process may require you to quit your job temporarily or reduce your hours.

Consider every aspect of your decision and create a plan that helps you reach your goals on time. For example, you could create specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) goals to make sure the milestones you set are appropriate and manageable.

2. Manage your time effectively

You may invest a significant amount of time in your education when going back to school. Consider every aspect of a program before committing because it helps you ensure you have the time, resources and passion to complete it. Make use of time management tools, such as calendars, tracking sheets and automated reminders. Additionally, you may time how long it takes to complete certain tasks to help you develop an efficient schedule. Time management can also help you organize your time, such as completing challenging tasks at the beginning of your day and finishing with easier assignments.

Joining a full-time program may allow you to complete the degree quicker, but going for part-time enrollment can make it easier to continue earning an income while you study. Consider the time commitment and workload before determining which mode of instruction you prefer, such as online or in person, keeping your current personal life responsibilities in mind.

3. Determine the right program for you

There are several program paths you may decide to pursue, such as certifications, associate degrees or bachelor’s degrees. Professional certifications qualify you for specific positions in technical, medical and other specialized areas, especially those requiring a license. There may be opportunities to improve your employment prospects by obtaining a certification in a subspecialty within your field. It’s important to note that certifications can have more criteria and require more commitment than degree programs, which usually comprise broader education or training on a specific subject.

Associate degrees are more focused on the job and may take about two years to complete, while bachelor degrees have a broader focus and can take about four years. Online classes may allow you to earn a degree while continuing with a full-time job since you aren’t required to commute to in-person classes. On-campus programs can require you to attend classes physically but may provide a unique learning environment. Additionally, many schools offer a hybrid program incorporating the benefits of both online and on-campus modes of instruction, which you can ask the school’s admissions department about before applying.

4. Research the school

After you choose the type of degree you intend to pursue, research which schools offer programs in your desired field. Then visit each school’s website to learn more about the courses they offer. Make sure you’re familiar with the admission process before applying. Collect your previous certificates and supporting documents required to apply for admission.

5. Check the required admission criteria

When applying for schools, the admissions department may require you to complete a test, evaluation or assessment to be eligible. Admissions tests may help the school assess your current educational background. Before taking these assessments, you can research the school’s testing requirements and preferences to help you prepare. Additionally, schools may require you to pay a non-refundable application fee.

6. Decide when to apply

The right time to go back to school depends on your personal circumstances. Once you have chosen to pursue further your education, find an educational program and school that best serves your purpose. Do your research about the usability and reputation of the program. Check the school’s track record of the school and its alumni to gain a better idea of what you might receive for your time and money.

While the right time to return can vary, here are a few important factors to consider:

When classes begin
How you plan to pay for your education
How you intend to fit your coursework around work, family and other responsibilities

7. Develop a financial plan

Calculate the total education cost and determine a plan to pay for your tuition fees, textbooks, and other expenses. Depending on the length and type of your continued education, you may benefit from looking for external means to finance it. For example, you might ask your employer to sponsor your education, apply for a bank loan or seek a scholarship. External financial plans can help you come up with a workable payment plan while you pursue your additional education. It’s also important to note the interest in student loans you can collect upon graduation.

8. Enroll in your classes and get your course material

Once you have secured admission, choose your preferred mode of taking the courses. You may be required to pay additional fees for attending classes in person, such as on-campus parking passes. Whether you attend your classes in person or study on your own, you may need the course material to prepare for exams. You can borrow books from the library and buy some from the school’s store or online textbook stores.