It’s back to school time, but not just for kids. More and more adults are returning to school – and if you are one of them, here is some advice:
First, have a clear goal in mind and aim for it. Be well informed about job outlooks and what education is required for your area. Visit career websites like careervoyages.gob to get an understanding of the skills that are involved for jobs in various industries. Find salary breakdowns and projected growth charts to see what the future will look like.
Second, check your online options. Distance learning is gaining popularity and is worth a look. Over 1500 degrees are available online – 90% of colleges also offer online courses. Although costs vary widely (anywhere from $6,000 to $120,000) check out nonprofit public schools for the best deals. Online degrees can carry just as much credibility as residential students – both use the same textbooks, take the same tests and share the same faculty.
No matter what, inform yourself and stay away from diploma mills. These are false online sites that offer you fake degrees. If all you need in order to get in is a valid credit card, move on. Another red flag is if you are offered a degree for a lump sum. Credible programs charge per credit or course. Check out “Diploma Mill Watchdog” for more information.
Another common concern is how to pay for the education. Many turn to loans and forget that employers often contribute to college funding. However, financial aid for adults is just as easy to obtain as it is for high school graduates. There are also special scholarships available for students over 25.
