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NPR Ed
Thinking About Returning To College? A Guide For Taking The Leap
Elissa Nadworny
January 21, 2020
Have you been thinking about going back to college? Perhaps you're
looking to change jobs, make more money or simply finish that degree
you started.
Maybe there's a program you've already checked out, or you're just
starting to explore your options. Wherever you are on your journey,
here are six tips to help you take that leap.
Listen to Life Kit
This story is adapted from an episode of Life Kit, NPR's podcast with
tools to help you get it together. Listen to the episode at the top of
the page, or find it here.
1. Figure out why you want to get your degree
Higher pay, a better job — economic reasons drive many people to go
back to school. Research has shown that someone with a bachelor's
degree will earn $1 million more over their lifetime than someone who
has just a high school diploma. Other credentials — like an associate
degree or a technical certificate — can also help you move up, get a
different job or change careers completely.
If you're returning to school because you want a specific job or
because you want to break into a new field, do your research. You want
to make sure the school or program you decide on will actually help you
get where you're trying to go, jobwise.
2. It's not as expensive as you think
"If we were to do a word-association game with somebody and say, 'Give
me the first word that you think of when you hear the word college,'
there are a lot of people out there that would just say 'expensive,' "
says Becky Klein-Collins, author of Never Too Late: The Adult Student's
Guide to College.
Yes, college can be expensive, but it rarely costs as much as the
school website says. That's because most schools, states and even the
federal government offer lots of ways to pay through grants,
scholarships and loans.
To access much of this money, you have to fill out the FAFSA — that's
short for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It's a form
used to determine eligibility for federal student loans, but many
schools and states use it to divvy up their money for college, too.
It's always a good idea to fill out the FAFSA — even if you think you
make too much money or you won't qualify. You might be surprised.
3. Set up your support network
"Before you actually start that first day of class, get some things in
order at home," suggests Denise Whittaker, an adviser at the Graduate!
Network in Philadelphia. When Whittaker went back to college in her
50s, she leaned heavily on her family. She says, "I had the support of
my husband, who knew that on nights I had class, don't expect me to
cook."
Remember, your pre-college life hasn't changed. You're simply adding on
— and that's important because it means, going forward, life will be
different. Letting people in on your schedule — and asking for help —
can go a long way.
If you're nervous about reentering the classroom after time away,
Whittaker suggests "practice school." Maybe do a little extra reading,
because you'll soon be doing more reading, in a different kind of way.
If you're scared about learning math — perhaps it's been years since
you've done algebra — try a free online course as a refresher. Khan
Academy offers a ton of videos to dip your toes back in.
"Go back to the basics to just kind of rejuvenate what's already in your brain and to bring it forward," says Whittaker.
4. Pick the right school (and program!)
"Do your homework and don't sign up for the first college that answers
your call," says Klein-Collins. She suggests looking at a school's
graduation rate and earnings data. You can find that information — and
a lot more — using the College Scorecard.
Ask the admissions office very blunt questions and see what they tell
you, she says. For starters: How do you serve students like me? How do
you support somebody who is working full time? How do you support
somebody who is juggling work and family?
"If they don't offer ways to support you, you might want to just keep looking," she says.
And don't forget community colleges. Many are doing innovative and
interesting things. They can offer an affordable first step to an
associate degree and ultimately a bachelor's.
On the question of taking classes online or in-person, there's no right
answer. Online courses have become far more sophisticated in recent
years, with video components and mechanisms for feedback and questions
in real time. Check with the schools you're looking into; you may be
able to try some sample classes or modules before enrolling.
5. Get credit for what you've already done
You may be way closer to that degree than you think! Maybe you've had
previous college experience, you were in the military or you've had a
job where you've grown and mastered skills.
You can get college credit for all of that.
Nearly 3,000 schools accept CLEP, a standardized test offered for
multiple college courses. If you have military experience, you can
request a Joint Services Transcript that helps translate your training
into civilian language. Some schools also use assessments like
presentations or portfolio reviews to award credit for your prior
learning from work or life.
6. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it
"I knew I wanted this. I've wanted it for 20 years," says Janet
Hubbert, who recently earned her associate degree from Shasta College
in California. Her advice: Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't
college material.
"It's OK to be afraid," she says. "You have to take that leap of faith.
You have to go for it, because if you want it, then it's up to you.
Nobody else is going to make it happen except for you."
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