If you enroll to further your education after age 24, universities consider you a non-traditional student. While younger college students may need to make money through part-time jobs at fast-food restaurants, your age enables you to land a better job. Look at your school's job board. Many schools offer work-study programs. Find one that interests you and apply. You can also look at retail stores and businesses in your area for part-time jobs during school.
Regardless of age, if you have a child, the higher education institutions consider you a non-traditional student. If the school offers work-study programs, take advantage of as many of them as possible. You may land enough to make a full-time income. You can also look into online work. The Internet provides full-time income for thousands of people. This type of work allows you to stay at home with your child while still making enough money to get by.
According to the Business Directory, someone who is financially independent "can provide for, from [his] own resources, at least two of the three major expense categories: housing, food and other living expenses." If you fall into this type of student, a university will consider you non-traditional. Consider a job as an administrative assistant in an office. Alternatively, you can work your way up in a commissioned sales position working part-time after school.
Homeschool students and students that wish to graduate from high school early may choose to take a General Education Development exam. Students take a series of tests and, once passed, have the equivalent of a high school diploma. These students will have the best luck landing a part-time job working in a fast-food restaurant. You may also look into finding a part-time job in a local small business.