For many adults, returning to college is something they’ve been thinking about for years. Maybe it's sparked by a missed opportunity at work or a goal that was postponed while raising a family.Sometimes it's simply the desire to finish what was started years earlier.
Adult learners often approach higher education very differently than they would have in their late teens or early twenties.
By the time they return, many already have careers, professional experience and a clearer understanding of what they want their education to accomplish.
"A majority of our students are already working in an industry," said Dr. Raylynn Henry, executive director of Degree Forward.
Adult learners often bring practical knowledge into the classroom that helps them connect coursework to real-world situations. They're not just learning concepts but they’re evaluating them through the lens of their own experiences.
Degree Forward Admissions Manager Kelly Blunden, who attended the program, remembers feeling anxious when she returned to school while working and raising young children.
"I spent probably half of the first term overly nervous, anxious and everything," she said. "Fear of starting school again, fear of failure."
Today, she helps guide students through many of those same concerns at Degree Forward.
For adults considering a return to college, one of the biggest lessons may be that they do not have to figure everything out on their own. Through its focus on working adults, Degree Forward provides the support, flexibility, and practical learning experiences many students need to succeed.
With the right guidance and a program built around their lives and careers, taking that first step can feel a little less daunting.
Learn more:
● Why Flexibility Matters So Much For Adult Learners
● Why Project-Based Learning Resonates With Adult Students
Start your next chapter with Degree Forward and learn how personalized support can help you finish your degree.