College for working adults is not something that has been prominent in the educational landscape. But adults who choose to return home to school do so often for economic reasons, job displacements, changing career goals or passions. However, it is not always easy to earn a degree. With multiple priorities and existing jobs, these students must find ways to manage their time and find ways to get a degree.
Reilly has never earned a degree from college.
Caitlin Reilly, who will graduate in May 2021 with a master's degree in parks, recreation, and tourism management from North Carolina State University with a minor in human dimensions of natural resources, has already been working in environmental education for several years. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Davidson in environmental studies, Reilly attended NC State's Environmental Education Lab. Kathryn Stevenson, her future coworker, was also a student at Davidson.
Jennie Harrop's adult degree program
Jennie Harrop's Adult Degree Program is designed to help adult learners learn the skills required to effectively communicate their message. Her program balances theory and practice to help students understand the basics of good writing. She focuses on the most important and least important writing rules, such as how to create meaning and structure in a sentence, paragraph and essay.
Assessment of learning prior
Adult students have the option to earn college credit through prior learning assessments. This technique can save students both time and money. Many students may have college-level skills and knowledge, but may not have the formal education to prove it.
Flexible schedules
Flexible schedules are beneficial for adults who need to manage their busy lives. Flexible schedules appeal to high school students who have multiple responsibilities and differing learning and emotional needs. Many high school students have jobs, part-time jobs, and it can be hard to schedule around school.
Financial aid
College adults have many financial aid options. These include grants, scholarships and employer tuition repayment programs. If your employer does no offer tuition reimbursement, you will have to search for other funding sources. Federal Pell Grants for adult students are the most commonly used source of college funding.
Access to education
Many adults struggle with balancing work and family obligations while still taking classes. These adults often lack the social infrastructure and college counseling programs needed to succeed in college. More colleges and universities offer targeted programs for adult learners.