Going back to College …. The inexpensive way

Going to College as an Adult Learner – Know your Options

I’ve been excited to write this post. It will be helpful for anyone wanting to start college or go back to college but thinks they can’t afford it. I have exciting news just for you. There are many options available to help you pay for school depending on your unique situation.

College looks much different today than it did even 5 years ago. Most colleges and some trade schools have programs that are convenient for adults who have full time jobs. Online courses are great and can often be taken anytime of day at your own speed and pace. For example, you will have weekly assignments and can get those done any time during the week. This is an excellent option for those with busy lives.

Many single moms want to go back to college but aren’t sure where to start. We have answers for single moms. Others aren’t single parents but rather adults who have decided that going to school will allow them the knowledge they desire to completer their jobs or gain different employment. There are several paths to achieve these goals.

Some adults have previous college credits from taking classes many years prior. There is good news! Some of these credits can be transferred and used towards your degree. Each school has different guidelines as for what they will accept. Dust off those old transcripts and see how far those old college credits can get you towards your new degree.

Trade School or College? What is Your Best Choice?

Trade School or College is a great question to start with. Some skills and education can only be obtained at a trade school while other job opportunities require you to have a four year degree. In order to a make that decision, you might want to ask yourself these questions:

Can I get the knowledge and training I need at a trade school?

Is a four year degree necessary to get the job I desire?

What will be the salary difference in the job I desire depending on the education I receive?

How much will college cost?

How much will trade school cost?

Are the courses I need offered online?

Does the school I want to attend have courses that will fit into my schedule?

The answers to these questions will help lead you to the best educational opportunity for you.

Work Experience can be Substituted for College Credit

Have you been in the work force / Corporate World but didn’t get your degree or finish the one you started? Are you looking to get your Masters without breaking the bank or spending years doing it? Are you an adult and wants to go to college but not sure where to start?

There are exciting options for you to consider. Exploring your college options can offer a big pay off in the end, once you know what all of the opportunities are. There are several schools / Universities that will give you college credit for your work experience. This is an excellent idea for adults who have been working and want to go back to school. You can earn up to 75 college hours for work experience. That is over half of the hours needed for a Bachelors degree.

Each of the schools below offer options for you to consider:

1. Colorado Christian University – I happen to be able to personally recommend this option. I chose to go back to school online to earn additional degrees with CCU.

2. Midway University

3. University of Maryland

4. Wilmington University

5. University of Phoenix

6. Colorado State University Global

7. Eastern Kentucky

8. Walden College

While this is not a comprehensive list of schools who offer life / work experience credit, it is certainly a great place to start looking.

I must tell you, it isn’t always easy getting the universities to recognize your efforts and transfer those into college credit. There is often an intense process that goes along with this but one that is worth it in my opinion. Usually a portfolio of the work done in your field of interest is considered for equivalent course credit. Be sure to know all the details of this option if it is something you want to consider.

Fill Out the FAFSA

One of the most important steps in going back to school is filling out the FAFSA. Many adults will qualify for grants and loans from the FAFSA. It opens every October 1st and the sooner you fill it out, the better. You have to fill out one each year that you’d like to receive aid.

Cheap Ways to Go to College

In addition, I’d like to recommend other options that can be used separately or in conjunction with the above programs.

There are a couple of sources that allow you to take college courses and gain credit that will possibly transfer to the school of your choice. For example, Colorado Christian partners with Straighterline.

1. Straighterline is a great option if you want to finish courses quickly and inexpensively. ($159) Make sure to know if they will transfer to the school of your choice. To use Straighterline is a fee of $99.00 per month and each course is between $59 and $79 dollars. There are also coupon codes online for free or discounted courses. This is a great option but many schools do not accept Straighterline as transfer credit so be sure to know your long term plan before beginning this path.

2. Study.com is a similar option to consider.

3. FEMA courses are another great option to consider. Some schools will allow you to take up to 30 hours of FEMA courses and transfer them in. This can be up to two semesters of college credit that you can do at your own pace through FEMA courses. Even though the courses are free to take, they each cost $88 to transfer into the college you are attending. Not all schools will accept these credits so again, know your long term plan before signing up for this option.

Whatever your stage of life, going to school for the first time or going back to school is an exciting option to consider. Trade school and college are both great options, choose the one that helps you achieve your dreams and goals. I hope you find these resources helpful.

Sherri Morrison Graf