Returning To College

Many students qualify for financial aid, including loans, grants, and scholarships designed for working adults and returning college students. Additionally, some employers offer tuition assistance programs to employees. Federal student aid, including the Pell Grant program, does not come with an age limit.

Many careers require a college degree, and college graduates often earn higher salaries than professionals without a degree. Compared to people with some college but no degree, professionals with a bachelor’s degree earn $22,000 more every year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. College graduates also benefit from a lower unemployment rate.

No student qualifies as “too old” for college. At 96 years old, Giuseppe Paterno earned a bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy. Today, colleges offer specialized services for returning students to support learners of all ages.

Identifying your reasons for returning to college can offer motivation to complete the application process and start earning credits. Consider your specific goals, like qualifying for professional opportunities or increasing your earning potential. Also, consider the personal benefits of graduating from college, such as a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

College requires a time commitment. Consider your schedule and ask yourself whether you can find time for college. Do you have enough time to travel to the school? Is there flexibility in your schedule for study sessions? Do you need asynchronous classes with no set meeting times? For working adults, a flexible online learning option or a part-time program may be ideal for their schedule.

Many Americans possess some college credit but never earned a degree. In 2019, that number reached 36 million Americans. If you have prior college credits, research whether you can transfer them to your program. For example, many colleges offer degree-completion programs, often allowing students to apply up to 90 transfer credits toward a 120-credit bachelor’s degree. Reach out to prospective schools to learn more about their transfer credit policies and to request a transcript evaluation.

Understanding the type of school you want to attend will help you narrow your options. Would you rather attend school online or in person? Are you interested in public or private college? Once you understand your interests, consider other factors, like cost, course schedules, and major options. Students with college credits should also research transfer credit policies to maximize their prior learning.

Application requirements vary depending on the school. However, college applicants typically must submit transcripts; standardized test scores; and supplemental materials like a resume, letters of recommendation, and an essay. Research the application process early and understand what documents you need to provide. Set aside time to work on applications and retake standardized tests, if necessary.

Many colleges do not require standardized test scores for applicants with at least one year of college credit — or applicants over the age of 25. However, in some cases, applicants need standardized test scores. At the undergraduate level, the SAT and ACT represent the most commonly requested standardized tests. Some schools set minimum scores for admission. Applicants with low scores can enroll in college-level courses to bolster their application.

During the admissions process, applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges that awarded credit. Adult learners who attended college in the past should reach out to their prior institutions to request transcripts. Admissions counselors use these transcripts to understand an applicant’s prior experience and award transfer credits. Most schools require official transcripts, so make sure to allow time for the transcripts to arrive.

Most colleges require at least one letter of recommendation as part of the application process. Supervisors, mentors, and former teachers make excellent candidates for recommenders. Make sure to reach out to your letter writers at least 2-3 weeks before the due date to give them time to write the recommendation.

Submit your college applications early, if possible, and plan to apply for financial aid as close to October 1st as you can. That’s when the federal student aid program makes the FAFSA available. Students can submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.