Realize what you're most afraid of. The first step in conquering any fear is admitting you're afraid. There are many scary details about returning to school as an adult: tuition and financial aid; trying to balance work, school and home life; not fitting in; and having to recover old study habits. Figure out what your specific fear is, and it will be much easier to pinpoint a solution for it.
Determine a solid career goal. As an adult, you have little time to waste in working toward your ultimate goals. Decide on a career path that you can realistically embark on upon completing your degree. Having a solid goal in mind will help you stay focused and determined when the going gets tough.
Apply for financial aid as early as possible. One of the biggest fears non-traditional students have is the cost of tuition and the possibility of not receiving enough financial aid to cover it. According to US News, there are many options for adult students. You can borrow up to the entire cost of your graduate education through programs such as the federal Stafford loan and Grad Plus loan. But most schools have limited financial aid funding, so it is important to apply for financial aid as early as possible to increase your chances of receiving an ample award package.
Take online classes. Online classes can reduce the anxiety one may have about returning to school, and more and more classes are being offered virtually. Taking one or two of your classes online can substantially cut down on the time you have to spend traveling to and from campus. This will free up more time to spend working at your current job and taking care of your house and family. One thing to note is that online courses aren't typically any easier than traditional courses. Without a physical class location and time, it can be easy to put off class assignments and procrastinate on studying. Manage your time wisely and online courses can work to your advantage.