Before we get into a long list of things an adult student should do before making their next move to improve their life, let’s loosely define who such a person is. An adult student could be considered any of the following:
- Someone who never went to college, yet wants to do so now.
- A person who started college, but never finished.
- A worker who wants to expand their skills or knowledge to advance in their field.
- Someone looking to start all over and find a new career.
If any of those situations seem familiar, here are several things worth looking into that can provide clarity and guide you closer to your goal:
Get Your GED
If you don’t have your high school diploma, get your GED certificate from your state, as you may need it if you want to go to school or jump into a new career.
Research Jobs
If you’re looking for a new career, this tool from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics can help you pick one with a bright future. You can browse occupations by group, such as healthcare, to see jobs in each sector, a summary of what’s expected, required education, and median pay. You can also discover what the highest-paying jobs are right now and where growth is likely to occur so you can pick an occupation that’s in-demand.
The Federal Student Aid website has a similar tool that can help you search for careers to discover the following:
- Job descriptions
- Required education
- Required skills, abilities, and knowledge
- Average annual salary
- Projected demand
Research Schools
The College Navigator tool from the National Center for Education Statistics can help find the right college for you. You can look for schools in your area, browse different programs, and more to see where you may want to attend.
The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard is another tool worth using. It can also help you find the right fit by giving you insight into a school’s costs, admissions, programs, and more. It’s quite handy when you need to compare different schools so you can make your final choice.
Get Help From Your Employer
If you want to advance in your current career, your employer may be able to help you finance your education. Ask if they have tuition assistance, as it could make going to college much more affordable.
Besides employer help, you may be able to cut your college costs due to your work as an employee. You can learn more about this by reading the IRS’ Publication 970 on Tax Benefits for Education. It details information on tax credits for students, plus how tuition fees and deductions work.
Look for Scholarships
Besides a current employer, scholarships are another great way to cut college costs. You can search among thousands of scholarships using the CareerOneStop site from the U.S. Department of Labor.
If you’re not familiar with the different types of student aid besides just scholarships, go here to learn more.
Fill Out Your FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a form that can show schools your level of financial need. With this information, they can offer you scholarships, and you can see if you qualify for any federal grants that you won’t have to pay back.
Get To Know the Financial Aid Office
Once you settle on a school, contact its financial aid office to see what forms of assistance are available.
Pay Attention to Deadlines
Whether you’re going to community college, a four-year university, a career school, or applying for financial aid, keep an eye on those deadlines. If you miss one, you could put your dream on hold.
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