Strategies For Working Adult Students
Online education has opened new pathways to college for working adults. The flexibility and availability of online colleges and universities have resulted in more opportunities for adults to pursue higher education, either to complete a degree in progress or begin a new program of study.
Adding online coursework to an already busy schedule of work and family life can be challenging, but many people have found it possible with solid planning and determination. If you're contemplating college but have concerns about successfully blending academics, family life, and your career, careful planning may smooth your transition and help set you up for success. Identifying the skills and tools you'll need to manage the different areas of your life in advance can help you launch yourself into a successful college experience.
Here are some tips for adults returning to college:
Research Your Financial Options
Many institutions and organizations offer scholarships and grants designed to help adult learners return to school. Resources such as FastWeb can offer access to information about potential external scholarships specifically for adult students that match your background and educational goals. Devote some time to looking for college grants for adults, too. Unlike scholarships, which tend to be merit-based, grants often are distributed based on need or specific circumstances. When researching universities, be sure to explore the institutional grants available.
Evaluate Your Time Management Skills
Take a careful look at your current schedule and ask yourself how well you're using the time you currently have. If you're already rushing to accomplish important daily tasks, improving your ability to manage time before you return to school is a good idea. Adding several hours of courses and studying to your schedule will require you to re-prioritize and possibly cut back on some activities and hobbies during the semester. Using your time effectively is a skill that can be learned.
Explore Potential Employer Support
The idea of maintaining a full-time job as a full-time student might feel overwhelming, but it can offer some benefits as well. Often, adult students are hesitant to share their academic goals with their supervisors and colleagues, fearing it will make them look less committed to their job. Sharing your plans, though, can help your employer understand any scheduling needs and may uncover support options, such as tuition assistance or flexible scheduling.
Create a Study Space
We live in a world where we can work and study anywhere, thanks to portable technology and increased access to Wi-Fi. But just because you can study anywhere, it doesn't mean you should. If you're managing a hectic schedule full of family, career and academic responsibilities, you may feel the only way to succeed is to study on the fly. But you can create a more stable and controlled environment if you choose a specific space in your home for studying. Try to create a space for yourself that is quiet and well-organized with the needed materials. Even if you're only able to carve out a small corner for yourself, designating a spot may help you focus.
Ease Your Way In
Though attending school full-time can enable you to complete your degree program sooner, you may want to begin by attending part-time. If you've been away from school for an extended period, taking a smaller course load may be a good way to begin. This approach can allow you to make the change slowly, and may help identify any gaps in your education strategy. As you become acclimated to the life of a student, you can increase your academic load as needed.
With advance preparation and thoughtful planning, returning to college may feel more manageable. Explore AIU's online degrees and find a program that fits your academic goals.
AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states.
REQ2239582 06/2026