Despite the obstacles, an increasing number of full-time workers are heading back to school for higher degrees and additional training.
There’s no firm data on how many working adults are pursuing advanced education, but the Education Statistics Association said there’s anecdotal evidence that the numbers are increasing, driven by the need to expand skills amid economic uncertainty and the rise of more flexible online educational programs.
Online programs allow students to work toward a degree in business administration, law and countless other areas, all without seting foot in a classroom.
Experts, however, recommend working adults do some prep work before going back to college, even if it is online:
– Check into financial aid before applying–your options could affect your timing and budget. Many companies pay for all or part of an employee’s tuition if the courses are job-related.
– Talk to your family about the time commitment involved. Many spouses think about the class time but not about the time their husbands or wives will spend studying outside of class.
– Talk to your employer to make sure the company will be supportive of you occasionally leaving early or taking a personal day when midterms hit.
– When you get into school, take a breath and relax. Most returning students haven’t been to school in a few years and are a little anxious about class work. They tend to overdo it with how much they study.
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