It’s rough out there when you don’t have a college degree. But going back to college as an adult is much easier now that many online degree options exist. You can study anything you want online, and you may even be able to get financial aid to help pay for your tuition. Use these tips to navigate the application process and be successful in your new life as a student.
Be Honest With Yourself About How Much You Can Take On
Returning to college as an adult can be a big commitment, especially if you can’t afford to take four years off work to earn your degree. You may have a family that depends on you or maybe you’d just like to get your degree with a minimum of debt. Returning to school full-time may be too much of an ask if you also work full-time and care for a family.
Be honest about how much work it will take to return to college and how much time you can free up during the week to devote to coursework. Even if you can’t find the time to attend classes in person, you can still attend online and fit that coursework into your schedule wherever you can.
Get Tuition Help
Federal student aid has no age limit, so file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by your school’s deadline. This will determine your eligibility for subsidized federal student loans, grants, and other financial aid. Talk to the financial aid office at your school about potential scholarships and other aid that might be available from the school, and look for outside scholarships you might qualify for, too. Apply for as many scholarships and grants as you can.
Learn Time Management Skills
Time management skills will help you juggle your responsibilities as you proceed with your studies. You’ll need to block out time for coursework without neglecting your full-time job or other responsibilities at home. Use calendars and alarms to keep you organized and on track with your studies. Time how long it takes you to do new tasks so you can plan appropriately in the future. Organize your time to tackle more challenging tasks first and save easier tasks for later.
Choose the Right Program for Your Needs
What credentials do you need to get where you want to go in your career? A four-year bachelor’s degree may not be the right option. You might be able to achieve your professional aims with a professional certification or an associate’s degree instead. While certification can have stringent requirements, an associate’s degree is typically a narrower, more career-focused option than a bachelor’s. 
Some programs may also be accelerated, which can be a benefit if you want to get your degree out of the way as soon as possible. Choose an accelerated degree like the University of Arizona with a bachelor in behavioral sciences degree and complete your degree sooner.
Meet the Admission Criteria
Admission criteria for an online degree program is typically going to be just as strict as it would be for any in-person program. That’s because online degrees are usually offered by the same schools that offer those degrees in person. You must take entrance exams like the SAT or the ACT, provide your previous school transcripts, prepare an admissions essay, and pay an application fee. You should plan to apply to a few degree programs just in case you don’t get admitted to your favorite. Research admission criteria well in advance so you can have your test scores and other materials ready for application deadlines.
Time Your Application Properly
When do you want to start taking classes? Some schools have rolling admissions, while others only admit students at the start of a new semester. Figure out when you want to start school and when you need to have your application submitted to make that happen. Most schools will also give you a deadline for filing the FAFSA so that you can be considered for further student aid from the school. Don’t miss this deadline if you want to qualify for grants and scholarships from your school.
If you’re considering returning to college as an adult, it’s time to take the plunge. You can earn a degree in any field online, even if you can’t afford to attend classes on campus. It’s just a matter of choosing the right degree program for you.
