Adult Learners
It’s My Turn 2 Learn
As an dult learner, you actually may need more counseling and more assistance than a traditional high school student. You may have the added responsibilities of balancing work, financial and/or family obligations. You may not have been in a classroom in several years. You still have 2 follow many of the same steps 2 apply for college. If you need financial assistance, there are more steps involved.
You may wish 2 seek counseling from programs in your area that target adult learners. Colleges may have a special department or personnel designated to work with adults entering the college. Some college access programs provide services and scholarships for adult learners.
Below are some tips and resources 2 help get you started:
Assessment
Initial counseling 2 assess what your educational experience has been up 2 this point in your life. Typical assessments may include asking questions such as:
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Will you be a first-time college student or returning 2 college?
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Are you seeking a degree or new/improved skills for a career change or just seeking personal growth?
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Do you have a high school diploma?
If you don’t have a high school diploma, you need to be familiar with options in your area for acquiring a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). The GED or an equivalent may be necessary for admission to some colleges. Community colleges may often admit students without any version of a high school diploma. Community colleges may be one of the best starting places for adult learners since they typically offer technical and transfer programs, have day/evening/weekend class options and have a student body more reflective of lifelong learning.
Service Options
You may need access services made available to you at times other than Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Many colleges that service adults have evening and weekend hours. You should also inquire if the option of communicating with representatives from the colleges is available through email.
Web Resources
There are a variety of web resources that you can utilize to help you with information about careers, the college process, financial aid, etc.
Many of these websites can assist you with information as well as tips for success and links 2 other sites and resources. Make sure you check the website for individual colleges as they often have sections devoted 2 information for non-traditional students.
Financial Aid
Depending on your previous college enrollment history, many federal and state financial aid programs may be available. Eligibility for federal and state programs often is dependent on meeting the federal/ state eligibility requirements. Click on this link for eligibility requirements.
If you have defaulted on a student loan or exhausted the period of eligibility, you may no longer have these federal and state programs available 2 you. In addition, many aid programs may be restricted 2 full-time enrollment status. Adults who need 2 balance work and school may be looking at part-time enrollment. This can have a dramatic effect on the types and amount of financial assistance available. It is critical that you become familiar with or directly contact any college you are considering 2 get a clear picture of the financial aid options available.
Alternative Financing Methods
You actually may have some financing options available 2 you that the traditional undergraduate does not. Explore your area for options such as workforce development programs.
Local human service agencies, mayor’s offices, community agencies and/or state agencies may coordinate or have these types of resources available 2 adults. These programs may have guidelines for eligibility that are completely different from federal or state financial aid guidelines.
However, if you can meet eligibility guidelines and complete all the paperwork for these various programs, this may help you get adequate resources to help with college tuition.
You may have some form of tuition assistance available through the benefits program of your employer. Make sure you check with your current employers 2 see if any such options exist. Partial or full tuition assistance often is available. Note that many employers offer these programs in the form of a reimbursement program. Employees may have 2 cover the initial expenses and then show proof of satisfactory completion of the courses in order 2 receive reimbursement. Employers also may have guidelines for these programs that require the degree program be related 2 a company’s focus area or that continued employment with the company is an expectation upon receiving the degree.
Career Exploration
You may be interested in developing new skills in order 2 change careers, or you may feel the need 2 be retrained in order 2 compete for ever-changing workforce opportunities. Click here for some websites that contain career information.
Support Services
It may have been a long time since you were in a classroom setting. You may need support services to keep you on track 2 a college degree. Sometimes you may have 2 begin in remedial coursework at a college. You may also need options for childcare while you attend class. Find out what types of academic assistance or special services such as child care are available at your area colleges.
Hang in there. It is never too late to learn. Check out the Resources area of this website for additional types of information. You need 2 learn how if you want to go now!
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