How to Go Back to School as an Adult: The Steps Explained

Are you among the 36 million Americans with some college education but no degree? Or maybe, for one reason or another, you never had the chance to attend college in the first place. Either way, it’s never too late to consider going back to school as an adult. In fact, in 2020 there were 7.5 million college students enrolled who were over the age of 25.

These are encouraging numbers, but what about you and your unique circumstances? How can you find the time, money, and motivation to reach your goals?

In this post, we’ll explain how to go back to school as an adult and provide actionable steps you can take to make it happen. Your educational journey begins now, so keep reading!

Clarify Your Goals & Expectations

We all have different reasons why we didn’t finish (or start) college right out of high school. Likewise, we all have different motivations for deciding that “now” is the time to go back to school.

Do any of the following scenarios apply to you?

You took time off for personal reasons and now you’re ready to finish your education
You need specific training or a higher degree to advance your career path
You want to increase your earnings and move into a higher income bracket
You want to switch to a career field you’re truly passionate about
You need further qualifications to remain competitive in your current field

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers here. It’s all about defining your reasons and getting clear on your “why for returning to school.

Do you want to open your own business? Enter a field you love? Achieve financial security? Or just broaden your horizons and learn for the sake of learning? The more specific your goals, the more likely you are to achieve them.

Consider Your Current Commitments

This is often the biggest hurdle when many adults first consider how to go back to school. After all, when you’re 18, it’s pretty easy to center your life around the college campus and your studies.

But as an adult, it’s a little more complicated. You may have a spouse, children, or aging parents to care for. You likely have rent or a mortgage to pay, not to mention other bills and debts you’ve accrued over time.

Before you apply for a program, take a long, honest look at your other commitments.

Do you have enough time to care for your family responsibilities while attending classes and completing homework?
Do your family members support you in your goal, and are they willing to be flexible while you study?
Do you have the financial means to pay for your tuition, along with transportation, childcare, and other costs?

Of course, there will never be a “perfect” time when you have perfect circumstances to return to school. There will always be a reason or excuse not to start. Still, make sure that your decision to return won’t place too much of a burden on you or your family.

Research Learning Options

Once you’ve taken stock of your goals and circumstances and you’re ready to move forward, it’s time to do some homework.

How much schooling do you need to meet your goals? Are you seeking a two-year degree or a four-year degree? Can you get by with vocational school or a certificate program?

Next, consider whether you want to attend school on campus, online, or a hybrid option that combines both. Take a tour of local campuses if you plan to study in-person. If you plan to study from home, some schools offer free online courses to get the certificate or diploma you desire.

As you narrow your options, consider schools that offer a schedule that’s compatible with yours. For example, can you attend night or weekend courses while your spouse watches the kids? Can you complete some or all of your classes remotely?

Understand Admission Requirements

To find the right school for you, make an appointment with student services or an admissions counselor. This is your chance to find out exactly how to apply for the program, as well as what documents and prerequisites you’ll need.

Consider asking questions such as:

What prerequisites do I need to apply to the program?
Will my existing credits transfer?
Will I need to show standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, etc.)?
Can I use my professional work experience as credit?
Is it possible to test out of lower-level courses?
Are there any incentives or accelerated options for adult learners?

Exact requirements vary, but you’ll usually have to provide your high school transcripts, along with any previous college, vocational, or military transcripts. Requirements may be different for applicants over the age of 25, so don’t hesitate to ask for details.

Finally, find out if you’ll apply online or in-person. Someone in the admissions office should be more than happy to provide assistance with your application if you need it.

Apply for Scholarships or Financial Aid

Your final step in returning to school is financing your education. Start by filling out the Free Application for Student Federal Aid (FAFSA). This is open to students of any age and could reveal grants and scholarships you weren’t aware you qualified for.

Next, talk to the school about financial aid packages or scholarships you can apply for. Make sure you understand everything involved, such as how your aid is affected if you’re enrolled part-time or full-time.

Don’t forget to factor in other costs beyond tuition, too. Books, course fees, transportation, and childcare costs all should be included in your back-to-school budget.

How to Go Back to School: Now You Know

Going back to school as an adult may seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be.

Start with an honest assessment of your circumstances and commitments. Research different schools in your area or online, as well as the requirements for admission. Finally, figure out how you’ll finance your education and get ready to start learning!

Now that you know how to go back to school, what’s next? Keep browsing our site for more great tips and advice.

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