Investigate various online programs that appeal to you and are run out of accredited universities. Decide if you'd like to start working towards a degree or if you just want to take enrichment and job-training workshops. Online classes that don't earn you academic credits are less expensive, but they can't be applied to a degree track or transferred to another school.
Work the costs of an online program into your monthly budget to see if it's possible. Remember that if you're self-employed, study time may cut into your work hours and have an effect on your net income. Estimate how much time you'll need to spend at the computer each week to continue your education and be sure that you can still meet your financial obligations.
Fill out your online application and submit it to the continuing adult education department. Also, contact the school's financial assistance office to begin working on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Note that the FAFSA form has strict deadlines; you could compromise your eligibility for financial assistance if you miss them.
Check the system requirements of the online program to be sure that your computer will be able to run everything. Many courses need only a web browser with a few common plug-ins installed, but others may require additional software that may only be available for certain operating systems.
Set up a strict schedule that allows you to work on your education online at the same time every week. Many programs have weekly deadlines or message posting requirements, so be sure that your school-related email is forwarded to an account that you check regularly. Alert your instructors ahead of time if you have a work or family obligation that will make it impossible for you to turn in an assignment on time.
Continue your adult education online by downloading free course information from some schools. For example, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has an open-source learning project (see Resources below). You may still need to buy textbooks to take full advantage of these programs.