Did you know that 60% of adult Americans have considered going back to college? If you’re one of them, know that you’re not alone in the quest to further your education.
Returning to education can bring lots of opportunities to you. But it can also be understandably intimidating.
For instance, you have so many more responsibilities now than when you were in your 20s. How are you supposed to juggle them all and be successful with your grades?
Thankfully, we’re here to help. Read on to find out everything you need to know for adults returning to higher education.
Work Out Your Financial Situation
One of the main reasons why people don’t return to higher education is because they feel like they can’t afford it. Either they have a good job they can’t afford time off of or they just don’t have enough money to afford tuition.
But even if you can only return to school part-time, it’ll be worth it, and it’ll certainly be doable.
First, figure out how much tuition is exactly, and approximately how much you’ll have to spend on things like books and other material. If you have other special circumstances, such as children, you’ll have to also figure out how much you need to spend to take care of those things (such as childcare).
Once you’ve figured out how much you need to spend to go back to school, then you can look into financial aid. For instance, there are many grants and loans that are available to both regular and mature students. These can help immensely in supplementing the income you lose by taking fewer hours at work and going to college instead.
Speak With Your Loved Ones
It can be helpful to inform your loved ones on what you’re about to embark on. Not only will they be happy for you, but they’ll also support you fully. This can be in spirit or with tangible assistance.
For example, they might offer to help with childcare, which can significantly reduce your expenses when you go back to college. Or they might straight-up offer you financial assistance, which can be a huge burden off your shoulders.
At the very least, they’ll give you moral support for going back to school. This can be enough motivation to ace all your classes and graduate with a diploma in your hand.
Sort Out Your Paperwork
Maybe you’ve gone to university in the past but never finished. Or maybe you actually finished but want to further your education even more. Those credits can actually be useful, especially if you’re planning on continuing education on the same path.
If you have a lost college diploma, then look into getting a replacement ASAP. That way, you can prove to your current college that you’ve actually been through the proper classes and earned the right credits to get into the classes you want to attend now.
Otherwise, get in touch with the colleges you’ve gone to previously so you can get proof of those credits. It may help you get ahead with your degree so you’re not wasting precious time on things you’ve already done beforehand.
Take It Easy
You might feel like diving into things head first when you return to college. Some people may feel intimidated by all the younger students and feel like they have something to prove.
However, keep in mind that your education is for the betterment of your own life. You shouldn’t feel like you have anything to prove to others.