College for working adults has not been a major focus of the educational landscape in the past. Adults who choose to return to school are often motivated by economic necessity, job displacement, changing career plans, or passion. It isn't always easy to get a degree. These students are often busy with their jobs and multiple priorities. They must manage their time to obtain a degree.
Reilly's college experience has no degree
Caitlin Reilly, who will graduate in May 2021 with a master's degree in parks, recreation, and tourism management from North Carolina State University with a minor in human dimensions of natural resources, has already been working in environmental education for several years. After earning her undergraduate degree, Reilly went on to study at the NC State Environmental Education Lab. Kathryn Stevenson, her future partner in crime, met Reilly during this time.
Jennie Harrop's adult degree program
Jennie Harrop has created an adult degree program to help adults learn how to effectively communicate their messages. Her program is a combination of theory and practice that helps students to understand the basics behind good writing. She focuses on the most important and least important writing rules, such as how to create meaning and structure in a sentence, paragraph and essay.
Prior learning assessment
Prior learning assessment is a way for adult students to earn college credit for prior learning. This method can save students time and money. Many students may possess college-level skills but lack the formal education.
Flexible schedules
For adults who work full-time, flexible schedules are a great option. For high school students, flexible schedules are especially appealing, because they have multiple responsibilities and have varying learning and emotional needs throughout the day. Many high school students have jobs, part-time jobs, and it can be hard to schedule around school.
Financial aid
There are a number of different financial aid opportunities for college adults. These include grants, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement programs. You may need to look for other funding sources if your employer doesn't offer tuition reimbursement. Federal Pell Grants are the most popular source of college funding for adults.
Access to education
Many adults struggle to balance family and work obligations with taking classes. Many adults don't have the support system or college counseling programs that they need to be successful in college. More colleges and universities offer targeted programs for adult learners.