OUTSIDE THE BOX
Adult School Can Be Cool
by Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig
In 1994, I returned to school—I like to say I was married with 3.5 kids (I gave birth to my youngest 2 days after my first semester and pushed on through after the winter break). Within 4 years, I earned both my associate and bachelor’s degrees in journalism. At one point, I drove more than 30 miles round trip every day, only to return home to put my “mom hat” on while doing schoolwork. There were times I thought I wouldn’t make it, but I knew for the betterment of my family—and to fulfill a personal dream I’d had since I was young—I had to keep going. If you are one of these adults who is returning to school or attending for the first time, or if you know someone who is doing either, I’ve compiled answers to some of the questions that often arise, as they did for me.
WHAT APPROACH IS BEST FOR ME?
If you already know what you wish to study (as I did), you will want to check out the best (and most affordable) school and program for you. If you’re undecided, do some research on what piques your interest and/or will fit into your future life plans. A couple of places to start are Education Connection or City University of Seattle’s How to Go Back to School as an Adult and Why It Is Never Too Late, which offers a great to-do list for beginners.
Online learning is almost universally offered. Not every course is virtual, but you can often complete your degree by doing all or most of your course requirements from the comfort of your home. According to Drexel University, online learning offers benefits such as flexibility, cost effectiveness, and a sense of comfort. If you have loved ones to tend to daily, you have more autonomy when you create a schedule that complements their needs. A digital device and an internet connection are all you need to complete your schoolwork. Online learning can sometimes cost less than an in-person education; even if it doesn’t, attending school at home eliminates commuting and dining costs. And for some, attending school can be scary. During online classes, you can dress comfortably and meet up virtually, taking away some of the pressure of in-person interactions.
HOW DO I BALANCE MY HOME LIFE WITH MY SCHOOL LIFE?
School-life balance is probably one of the biggest challenges that adult learners face. But it is doable if you’re flexible. Be sure to mix in some moments of calm and rest, and it’s essential to have a support system that is available mentally, emotionally, and physically when needed. Make sure you have a schedule that is accessible on a virtual calendar or in a planner that your support system has access to. It also should include your anticipated homework and relaxation times.
Always remember you are a student, and that means anything that typical college-age adults take advantage of is also available to you. A school’s student services department is a great place to begin to learn more about financial aid, career development, mental health and wellness services, tutoring, and more. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—even from a fellow classmate.
For many, life is busy enough, so taking care of your physical and mental health is more important than ever. Plan time for things that you enjoy, such as getting a mani-pedi, grabbing a bite to eat with friends, listening to music, or reading a good book. The most important thing is to find an hour or two that you are away from your home classroom. Even when you’re reading or catching up on social media, find a park, a beach, a coffee shop, or a local library that provides quiet spaces.
HOW WILL I PAY FOR EVERYTHING?
One of the reasons adults go to school is to improve their financial standing, so paying tuition can turn many away from the idea of adult learning. In 2024–2025, “Students are paying $11,610 per year on average in tuition and fees at public, in-state schools, and $30,780 for out-of-state undergraduates,” reports Bankrate, based on CollegeBoard data. However, there are ways to obtain assistance if you’re willing to do the research.
An individual’s financial need, gender, sexual orientation, heritage, and life experience can each be a factor in receiving a scholarship or grant. Scholarships.com lists more than 3.7 million scholarships and grants worth more than $19 billion in financial aid. You don’t need a profile to search, but you will have to create one if you wish to apply for something. The Niche platform is easy to navigate and does not require you to create an account to search. If you do sign up, you will be entered into a financial sweepstakes. Tallo disburses a reported more than $1.6 billion via 21,000 opportunities, and it offers direction on internships, apprenticeships, and jobs that align with your goals. And the USAGov site helps you find financial aid as well as assistance with childcare and other supplemental help for you and your family. Also visit your state’s online education department and look for groups on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social sites that provide information, advice, and guidance for both new and returning adult students.
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