Adult learners return to school for an undergraduate degree for a variety of reasons, among them to increase career opportunities, to increase job advancement and to meet specific training requirements for certification. Older adults often return to school once finances increase, due to financial aid increases or reimbursement incentives from their employers making education more affordable. Accessibility is now better than ever. Online courses remove the problem of distance barriers and provide the flexibility adult learners need to balance multiple responsibilities. More institutions are offering credit transfers for previous courses taken and have diversified their pedagogy to meet the needs of varied learners (see Reference 3).
Time management is crucial for the success of an adult learner. Most undergraduate courses require a minimum of 10 hours of class and study time per week, so be sure to choose a college and program that will work with your schedule. Online programs are offered through most universities. If you prefer in-class, hands-on learning, many colleges and universities offer evening and weekend classes tailored to fit the needs of adult learners. Admissions and academic counselors and instructors are trained to work specifically with adult learners and offer needed support. Colleges may provide refresher courses in study habits, writing services to acclimate students to writing formal academic style papers, computer skills in order to succeed in the online classroom and tutoring programs.
The admissions process for adult learners can be easier in many respects. If you have been out of school for a long time period, quite often high school transcripts are not needed, just evidence of graduation or a GED. SAT scores are often not necessary. Many colleges or universities allow you to transfer any previous credits you have from earlier college courses taken. Look into whether the college you are interested in attending offers a prior learning or life experience portfolio, which may save you both time and money. Both the University of Masschusetts' University Without Walls program and Linfield College in Oregon offer adult learners college credits for prior learning shown through reflective essays in a portfolio evaluation process (see Reference 4 and Resource 1).
Make sure to fill out the government's Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA (see Reference 5). Low interest government loans such as the Stafford loans are available, as are Pell grants for qualifying students. If you are employed, check your employee benefit package as many companies offer tuition reimbursement to their employees seeking to further their education. Grant programs specifically designed for adult learners are available, as are private scholarships (see Reference 6). Check with the financial aid office at your college of choice; there may be special funding you can apply for there.