If you have decided to return to school, kudos! Now, let’s look at the steps you should take.
- Choose a major
Before rushing to enroll in college, take some time to consider what you can study. By now, you probably have several years of experience, regardless of what you have been doing. Now, ask yourself whether you want to advance your career or want to pursue a different line. You should decide now before you invest your precious time, emotions and money in a career.
- Find the right school
For you to get that degree, you will have to enroll in a school. Now is the time to find the most suitable one. As an adult student, you should get an institution that accommodates non-traditional learners. For instance, do they offer flexible study modules? Do they give grants and scholarships to adult students?
- Choose between online and on-campus learning
You need to decide whether you will be attending classes physically or if you will be doing so remotely. Attending on-campus classes will give you the traditional campus experience and give you more face-to-face interaction with other students. However, you might prefer online because it is more flexible for you.
Go for the method that you feel will help you optimize the opportunity to acquire a degree. For instance, if you choose the online way, will you manage to study without interruptions? Will you be okay if you don’t network? If remote learning doesn’t seem like the right option, consider on-campus learning.
- Get financial aid
Just because you are 25 years or older, it doesn’t mean that you can’t be eligible for financial assistance. On the contrary, there are many grants and scholarships which you qualify. Apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and then see what you qualify for. Some institutions provide scholarships and grants for particular programs for adult students. Even if you opt for a private college, understand that they also offer generous financial assistance programs.