Learning should be a lifelong pursuit. All too often, however, people restrict academic growth and development to a few specific phases of life, namely childhood and young adulthood. As adults, we still crave new insights — and thankfully, these do not need to feel out of reach.
Your new journey can all begin with going back to school as an adult. Many college programs guide you through this valuable experience, offering not only fascinating coursework tailored to your personal and professional goals but also support services and other resources custom-designed to reflect the unique needs of today’s adult learners.
Feeling nervous about taking the next step? To make this process easier, we’ve compiled a helpful guide, revealing how to go back to school as an adult and be successful. Read on as we detail why lifelong learning matters.
What Is an Adult Learner?
Technically speaking, most college students are adults and, therefore, qualify as adult learners as well. That being said, there remains an outdated perception of what a ‘typical’ college student looks like: a young adult who has recently graduated from high school and may not be quite ready to transition into the workforce. Increasingly, however, students and professionals recognize that learning is not limited to young adulthood and that the pursuit of knowledge always remains worthwhile.
What, then, is an adult learner? Simply put, this term describes students who are older than today’s average college attendee. These averages can vary considerably from one college to the next, but insights from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reveal that those under the age of 25 make up 87% of the full-time student body at private nonprofit colleges.
How to Go Back to School as an Adult
Returning to school can prove both exciting and nerve-racking. This is your chance to gain new skills and elevate your resume — but you’ll also need to navigate scheduling challenges while improving your study habits so you can make the most of every minute. To improve this experience, follow these tips for going back to school as an adult:
Define Your Goals
First things first: why do you want to attend college, and what do you believe you will gain from this experience? Determining your why will provide a sense of structure and can also help you stay motivated even when your coursework feels intense.
Many adult students focus on professional goals that reveal where their careers are headed and how college coursework will prepare them for new roles or responsibilities. Others are more concerned with personal growth, which, although desirable, can be difficult to define or quantify.
When in doubt, opt for SMART goals. This simple acronym can guide the goal-setting process while ensuring that you set meaningful goals that actually make a difference. Every SMART goal looks a bit different, but these are always: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For adult learners, the most motivational goals often center around skill development. This means selecting a desirable competency and determining how it can be acquired through college coursework and activities.
Choose the Right School and Program
With your goals clarified, you should feel a renewed sense of purpose. Now, build on these powerful intentions by choosing a program that promises to meet your unique needs. This begins with finding a college that accommodates adult learners, along with a degree program that feels relevant to your chosen field or learning objectives.
Prioritize flexibility, but remember: There are numerous ways to pursue a flexible education. Many adult learners favor online formats that limit the need for commuting, but part-time coursework and even evening or weekend sessions can help, especially if you are unwilling to forgo the in-person experience.
Explore Credit Transfer and Prior Learning Assessments
If you are determined to complete your degree, aim to gain as much credit as possible for previously completed classes or even past job experiences. Your ability to build these into your degree will vary dramatically between colleges, so take a close look at credit transfer policies. Many colleges offer prior learning assessments (PLAs), which could potentially shorten your path to graduation while acknowledging that your previous experiences carry both academic and personal value.
Apply and Get Organized
You’ve found the perfect college program and are ready to get started — but first, you need to apply. Gather essentials such as official transcripts so you can complete applications with ease. Be mindful of application deadlines and aim to apply early, if possible.
If you’re interested in applying but struggling to take the next step, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from admissions counselors. Many specialize in adult learners and are happy to offer extra support in navigating this process.
Tips for Going Back to School as an Adult
Once you receive your acceptance letter, take a moment to congratulate yourself and reflect on the opportunities that lie ahead. Now, it’s time to embrace your classes and to make the most of your college experience.
Time Management Is Everything
As an adult learner, you will almost certainly need to juggle major commitments — ranging from full-time work to childcare, homeownership, and more. Create a realistic schedule that reflects these many commitments. Prioritize to ensure you have time available for the most urgent and important tasks. Follow a structured yet flexible routine that helps you adjust when needed, and don’t forget to set aside time for breaks, which are just as essential as focused study sessions.
Lean on Support Systems
The cliché, “It takes a village,” is relevant to adult learners, who may need both practical and emotional support while navigating various college challenges. For example, parents might require additional childcare so they can attend classes and complete productive study sessions. Meanwhile, veterans may seek not only targeted student services but also empathy from loved ones and fellow veteran students, who can better understand the challenges of returning to civilian life. Take stock of your support system and don’t be afraid to discuss your true emotions. Simply chatting about your experience can feel validating and empowering.
Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back
Fear of the unknown prevents many promising adult learners from returning to college. This is a shame, as the actual college experience is rarely as overwhelming as potential adult learners assume. If you’re feeling nervous, lean into those emotions, trusting that they reflect your overarching desire to succeed. Shift your focus away from the fears that surround the big picture of returning to school, and, instead, consider small steps you can take to feel more confident along the way.
Ask for Help When You Need It
Colleges offer many student resources, but these are only useful if you make active use of them. This means taking the time to know which services are available — and actually reaching out when you need help. There is no shame in seeking assistance, which faculty members, advisors, and even fellow students are eager to provide.
Celebrate Small Wins
SMART goals are helpful, but these alone should not determine how you feel about your college accomplishments. Consider also setting smaller goals that allow you to feel accomplished after each week, each day, or each study session. Every victory warrants acknowledgement; this could be as seemingly minor as participating in a class discussion or submitting an assignment. Acknowledge your achievements and don’t be afraid to reward yourself to keep the momentum going.
Advantages of Going Back to School as an Adult
Returning to school is rarely easy, but all the work will ultimately prove worthwhile. This is your chance to gain new skills and a newfound sense of confidence, all while boosting your resume and preparing for the next step in your career. Benefits include:
Career Advancement and New Opportunities
A college degree is often key to career advancement and, in many fields, also necessary for securing entry-level positions. This reality is verified by results from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2023 Recruiting Benchmarks Survey, which, as NACE president Shawn VanDerziel explains, “point to the value employers place on the [college] degree.”
Students recognize the role of higher education in improving career prospects, too, with 41% of respondents from an EAB survey revealing an intention to “advance [their] career[s].” In fact, career advancement was by far the most commonly cited reason for returning to college.
Other students may focus less on the credential and more on the skills they stand to gain along the way. This is particularly crucial when transitioning to a new role or field, which may call for skills that may be more difficult or time-consuming to develop outside of the college environment.
Personal Growth and Confidence
Higher education holds considerable intrinsic value. Every new concept promises to expand your horizons — and every new skill will deliver greater confidence. Remember: despite its considerable career advantages, college is not merely a means to an end. Your journey as a student matters and it can be deeply meaningful.
Set an Example for Others
If you recognize the value of adult learning but worry about the limited age diversity on today’s campuses, why not spark change and defy stereotypes? As an adult learner, you can set a powerful example, demonstrating that higher education is worth pursuing at any age. Don’t be surprised if friends, family members, and coworkers follow your lead.
Build a Network of Professionals
College provides the ultimate opportunity to expand your network. In addition to connecting with adult learners from diverse fields and backgrounds, you’ll gain access to an inspiring new generation of students who can offer fascinating insights into workplace trends. Further networking is available through internships and experiential learning opportunities in the context of these career-focused college programs.
Scholarships and Grants for Adults Going Back to School
Financial concerns prevent some adults from returning to school. However, this can also prove limiting over time, potentially standing in the way of unlocking better career opportunities along with increased earning potential. Fortunately, many options make it easier to cover immediate financial obligations. Take time to explore scholarship and grant programs, but also be mindful of the actual cost of tuition (which, for some colleges, may be more affordable than you initially anticipate).
Federal and State Aid
There are numerous promising grants for adults going back to school. Typically need-based, this type of aid is desirable because it does not need to be paid back. Some adult learners may qualify for well-regarded opportunities such as the Pell Grant. Other grants are state-based, including several options made available through the state of Michigan. Examine grant programs carefully to determine eligibility.
Scholarships for Adult Learners
Not all adult learners are eligible for grants, and many prefer to avoid taking on student loans. Thankfully, another option exists: scholarships for adults going back to school. These may be available directly through colleges but are also frequently provided by various businesses and nonprofits. These scholarships can dramatically reduce the cost of attendance and are exciting to receive. Compared to grants, scholarships are more likely to be merit-based — but extenuating circumstances may influence who receives these awards.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
College training can pave the path to better workplace performance. Employers recognize this and often promote higher education through generous tuition reimbursements. This can be an optimal option but calls for pre-approval.
College-Specific Aid
Many colleges cater to adult learners with targeted scholarship programs. Opportunities such as the Back 2 Baker Scholarship can be especially helpful, removing potential financial barriers so that previous students feel confident about returning to college.
Why Choose Baker College as an Adult Learner?
Baker College offers many advantages for today’s adult learners, including resources that make the college experience not only easier but also enjoyable to navigate. As you plan your college journey, keep these advantages in mind:
- Flexible formats – With programs available online and on campus, Baker College provides options to suit every type of adult learner. This precise control over scheduling can lead to a greater work-school-life balance, even eliminating commutes if desired.
- Supportive environment – At Baker College, academic guidance is always well within reach, with academic advisors helping students choose and enroll in the right classes — and tutors helping students thrive in those classes. Career services are just as valuable, and, with options tailored to adult students, can provide a real boost for those eager to take the next step in their careers.
- Credit for prior learning – Baker College takes the prior learning concept a step further with our College Credit for Work and Life Experience opportunity, which provides the chance to reflect on previous life experiences and how these relate to college-based learning.
- Career-focused programs – Adult learners often share a desire for career advancement. Baker College supports these goals through career-driven programs that emphasize practical learning. From case studies and simulations to internships and other real-world learning opportunities, Baker promotes actionable learning that translates well to the modern workforce.
- Affordable tuition – In addition to offering generous scholarships, Baker maintains cost-effective tuition across the board, allowing all students to reap the rewards of an affordable education.
It’s Never Too Late to Invest in Yourself — Learn More at Baker
As a chance to invest in yourself and discover a whole new world of potential, your return to the college environment awaits. Baker College can support you every step of the way. Learn more about our curated resources or take the next step and apply for our adult-friendly programs.