Going Back to College? Overcoming the Roadblocks to Get Your Degree
In today’s competitive job market, going back to school to get a degree is not only a good way to sit out the recession, but it will also make you more competitive when the recession finally comes to an end. Have you been thinking about going back to school? If you’re like most people, you’re probably thinking about it, but something just keeps holding you back. There are a few roadblocks most students hit before going back to school, read this to find out how to overcome them.
Money – College is affordable. Be aware of both the Hope and Lifetime Learning tax credits and that you can still file for the FAFSA. There are also several scholarships specifically for adult students, so check with individual colleges, community organizations, and online. Attending only part-time is another way to reduce the tuition load. Also, see if your employer has a tuition reimbursement plan or other incentives for furthering your education. Remember, your education is a marketable asset to their organization. Anne Strange, a non-traditional student in her junior year at Seattle University, recommends the simple concept of making sacrifices where you can. “Nobody can ever take your education away from you, and it’s worth living modestly, because that’s temporary.”
Time – Truly evaluate whether this is the right year for you to return to school, and factor in not only class time, but studying and group projects. How will the added stress of going back to school affect your other commitments to work and family? That said, there are still plenty of solutions. You can ease into it by starting off with a light schedule as a part-time student. If the night courses at your college of choice don’t mesh with your schedule, consider online classes. This post and this post also offer advice for those concerned about managing college with a family.
Social Anxiety – You are not alone. Many colleges and universities have several programs, student groups, and resources for non-traditional undergrads, including veterans. Glenn Schiro, Adult Student Services Coordinator at the University of New Orleans’ Metro College, says his job is to “lessen their fears or apprehension about coming back to school” through advising and by working with students to set up an action plan. University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire has an honors society and scholarships for non-trads, an Adult Student Peer Mentor Program, and other resources. You can also feel confident that other students have much to learn from you. Adult students add much-needed determination and diversity in perspective to the classroom that students and professors appreciate.
As Seattle University student, Anne Strange, says: “Don’t give up. There are going to be times when you have a ten-page paper and meetings, and your family is needing you, but if you have a good solid foundation and you know you can do this, everything else will fall into place. In the end, you will have greater self-esteem, greater pride, greater reward, and an education that far exceeds what you ever imagined.”
February 9th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Great article. A lot of bloggers lately have been quick to say ‘hiding’ back to school is prolonging the real world for many professional students. But really now, when is there a better time to do it? I know tons of folks that did this same strategy in the early 80s and they came out on top – instead of rushing back to school with an already cramped work schedule, they already had their degrees/grad degrees free & clear and could devote their time solely to work. Again, great article! -Paul
February 11th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Excellent article, I especially like the point “no one can take your education away from you.” Some things to note as well: Data from the U.S. Census Bureau showed that in 2007 people with a bachelor’s degree earned 90 percent more than high school graduates. That’s considerable, yet it is actually down 6 percent than it was in 2000. College debt, however, has risen. It is important to make informed decisions on your career — such as will your career afford you the ability to repay your loans without struggling? Another important factor is that if you do decide to better your education level, make sure you’re willing to follow through. Dropping out will ruin your return on your investment.
February 28th, 2009 at 4:28 am
I like the positive spin you have put on this article, plus the quote from Ms. Strange saying not to give up.
I totally agree that support services at the schools can help a nontraditional student succeed. Many schools are adding this kind of service to their Student Services areas.
With more and more nontrads going back to school today, I think that schools will offer more and more help for them.
Thank you for a great article!
October 5th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Striking!!! Bookmarked this page that has this excellent details. Will come back to see if there are any updates. You, the author, are a master. Thanks
October 29th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
Excellent article, I especially like the point “no one can take your education away from you.” Some things to note as well: Data from the U.S. Census Bureau showed that in 2007 people with a bachelor’s degree earned 90 percent more than high school graduates. That’s considerable, yet it is actually down 6 percent than it was in 2000. College debt, however, has risen. It is important to make informed decisions on your career — such as will your career afford you the ability to repay your loans without struggling? Another important factor is that if you do decide to better your education level, make sure you’re willing to follow through. Dropping out will ruin your return on your investment.