As work becomes more complex and advanced, companies are increasingly expecting workers to have deeper analytical skills and knowledge. This shift is reflected in elevated levels of college enrollment. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 45.1% of high school or GED graduates ages 16 to 24 in 2022 were enrolled in a college or university that grants bachelor’s degrees, marking the second-highest percentage since the NCES began tracking that data in 1973.

The benefits of education are well known; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median earnings increase and unemployment rates decrease with higher levels of education. However, the challenges of going to college can lead some to join the workforce before pursuing higher education. Many of these individuals want to earn a degree, but they may feel that attending college as a working adult will be too expensive, too time-consuming, or too difficult.

A significant number of working adults find pursuing a degree later in life to be worth it, despite the challenges; the NCES reported that there were 6,418,366 students ages 25 and over who were enrolled in postsecondary education in fall 2021, accounting for approximately 33.7% of the total.

Here at Columbia Southern University, we’ve offered distance learning programs to students since our founding in 1993, so we’re intimately aware of what it takes for nontraditional students to succeed. Here are some of the challenges adults face going back to school, along with our tips for how to face them.

Finding a Program That Works With Your Schedule

One of the most common concerns that prospective students have when considering a return to college is the potential lack of flexibility and the demands of a full course load. If you’re working full time, it can be hard to imagine adding hours of classes and homework to your schedule, not to mention time spent commuting to and from class if you’re attending in person.

For adults going back to school, a common way to address this issue is enrolling in an online degree program. Flexibility is the key benefit, as online students can choose how to approach their studies and what works best for them. There is no typical day; some online students wake up early and finish their schoolwork before heading to work, while others finish theirs after putting their kids to bed.

Related: Online Degrees Are Worth It – Here’s Why

Figuring Out How to Pay for College

An unfortunate reality is that – for many students – college can be expensive. Figuring out how to pay for college can be a big challenge, but there are plenty of options that can help. For example, there is no age limit for federal student aid, and money you receive through federal student aid can be used for things like child care and housing.

The school you choose can also be a big factor. Some colleges may award academic credit for professional certifications, work experience and more, potentially reducing the number of classes you’ll need to complete for your degree. Additionally, there can be big variations in the costs for tuition and fees. Here at Columbia Southern University, we believe in transparency for college costs, and we offer a calculator that compares costs for various schools that offer degree programs online. For more information, check out our Q&A with CSU Chief Marketing Officer Dale Leatherwood:

Online College Tuition Comparisons: A Q&A With CSU Chief Marketing Officer Dale Leatherwood

(Re-)learning Good Study Habits

After years in the workforce, you may worry that you’ve forgotten how to be a student and all that entails. Working and studying are fairly distinct disciplines, so there may be an adjustment period as you get back into the academic routine.

On the positive side, many adults who return to school do so with a deeper focus and motivation than those coming out of high school, and they can bring this added enthusiasm to their studies. Additionally, many schools offer numerous support services to students. These may include academic advising, career services, disability services, math and writing support, and more. Schools often offer support designed for specific student populations as well, such as military students. Your school of choice will be motivated to help you succeed.

Related: How to Be a Successful Online Student

Balancing Work, School and Life

Maintaining work-life balance can support living a productive and happy life and avoiding constant burnout. This is equally true for anyone returning to school, as the added pressure of classes and studying can force you to change the way you approach your life and schedule.

These kinds of are topics are relevant to nearly all our students at CSU. Over the years, we’ve compiled several resources to help prospective students in their approach to work, school and life. Here’s a selection:

• 4 Tips for Crushing Your Career While Earning a Degree
• Stress Management for Online Students
• Time Management Tips for Online Students
• Tips and Considerations for Going Back to School as a Parent

Restart Your Academic Journey at CSU

Here at Columbia Southern University, our programs are designed to help you earn your degree in your chosen field at a pace that makes sense for you. Our online classes allow you to pursue your degree while giving you the time you need to work and meet your other responsibilities.

This testimonial may not reflect the typical or ordinary experience of CSU students.

To learn more about our online degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, visit our website.

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.

Amount of transfer credits is dependent upon transcript evaluation and pending Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process.