A Sluggish Economy Forces Many Older Adults to Return to School

Nowadays it’s not uncommon to find adults 30 years and older returning to school. That’s right; many non-traditional students are sitting in the same classrooms alongside traditional students. Unquestionably, more adults are finding it necessary to return to school today in order to stay competitive in the job market. The economic recession has caused many to explore other options such as: career changes, enhance current skills, pursue a degree(s), or attain required certifications…thus finding it necessary to go back to school to obtain such.  Nevertheless, the main reason many older adults are returning to school is due to the sluggish economy.  The economy has made it extremely difficult for many to find suitable work.  Some have even lost their jobs because they lacked the necessary skills required to effectively perform certain job functions. Some are unable to advance in their career because they don’t have the educational background that is required prior to employment. And yet some lack basic job skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Frankly, many of these individuals are nearing retirement age but simply cannot afford to retire at this point in life.  So the best option for these adults is to go back to school to acquire advance knowledge and skills in the proper discipline. Bottom line, the older worker must endeavor to become strategically competitive in this ever-changing job market.

 

However, returning to school can be quite challenging for many adults.  Some are sure to face outside obstacles that might interfere with pursing their goals. Many adults work during the day but would like to go back to school. Adults who care for school aged children or a sick love one might find it difficult to go back to school. Not to worry, schools today target and are geared toward assisting the older adults. College programs have been modified to accommodate the older workers. Colleges and Universities offer online classes, evening classes, and weekend classes for those individuals who work during the day or have other commitments. Some adults may find that they need face-to-face interaction with an instructor in the classroom, whereas those individuals who are computer savvy may opt to conveniently complete their education online.

Fear is another factor that might impede the progress of older adults desiring to return to school.  Some older adults may not feel comfortable with attending class with students who are much younger than they are.  Some might fear that they would not be successful in keeping up with the younger students academically and may perhaps find them rather intimidating as well.  And some might fear that they won’t fit in but would stand out like a sore thumb. Keep in mind that the enrollment for non-traditional students has increased significantly over the past few years. There are many older adults such as you- who are either contemplating going back to school, have recently gone back to school, or have already completed the required course work to receive their degree or certificate.  And you can do the same. If this will make you feel better…according to the 2005 Census Bureau, 17 million students are enrolled in college and more than half million of these students are over the age of 50.  And these students do quite well academically!  Simply put, you’re never too old to return to school.

Actually, older individuals who are enrolling in school for the first time might do better enrolling in a community college or a Junior college to take relevant classes or to pursue an Associate's degree or a certificate because they might find it more challenging to succeed at a university.  Junior colleges and community colleges offer more outreach programs for adult students. After spending time at a community college they will find it easier to navigate around a university should they decide to transfer credits over to pursue higher education.

Another concern for the older students might be financing their education. Education is not cheap!  With the cost of education constantly on the rise…there are many federal grants program and loans and also some private loans that can assist you with your tuition needs. If you feel you will need financial assistance check out FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov, www.scholarship.com, or www.fastweb.com to complete an application online to determine how much financial assistance you might qualify for.  You should do this prior to registering for your classes so that the allotted funds will be available for you when you select your classes and register, should you qualify. Actually, it’s best to apply for federal tuition assistance early in January when there are more funds available.

And finally, aspiring adults students should connect and network with current and former adults students to gain insight on what to expect in college, to seek guidance and direction, and for general support.