Learn how to return to college as an adult, from credit transfers, balancing responsibilities, financial aid, and finding the right program in our guide.
Whether you pick up where you left off, build on a past degree, or start fresh, returning to college as an adult is exciting and challenging. You’re not alone in this journey. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), over 6.2 million students over the age of 25 attended college in the United States in 2023, each with their own story and circumstances. That’s 32% of all enrolled students!
Are you wondering if going back to school is right for you? Read our going back to college frequently asked questions.
Finding Your Starting Point
1. Returning After Some College
If you previously started college but had to pause your education, your existing credits could give you a head start. Many colleges have academic and admissions advisors who can help evaluate your previous transcripts to determine if any credits transfer, potentially saving you both time and money.
Even if your credits are several years old, transferring previous college credits to your new degree may be worth investigating. Look for guidelines about transferring previous credits on college websites. Your ideal school may be one that’s able to create a customized plan to fill gaps and move toward your goals.
2. Building on a Complete Degree
If you have a bachelor’s degree and are considering changing careers or advancing in your current field, you bring valuable experience to the table. Your prior education may allow you to pursue a post-bachelor’s or graduate-level certificate, simplifying your path to a new credential.
If you are considering earning a graduate degree in your field or a related area, returning to school as an adult adds a layer of wisdom and experience from your professional background, strengthening your application.
3. Starting Fresh
When you begin your college journey for the first time as an adult, you bring valuable life and work experience that can enrich your educational experience.
Many community colleges and four-year colleges and universities will offer assistance to first-time adult students and even accept credits for prior work experience or allow for testing to prove prior learning. At San Juan College, for instance, select programs provide credit for prior learning on the job or for professional licensure.
If this is your starting point, don’t let concerns about being “too old” hold you back. Our campus welcomes students of all ages and backgrounds, and many other universities feel the same in today’s world, where returning to school is the norm.
Choose Your Educational Path
Before jumping into applications, explore different programs and school options. Consider factors like:
- Program delivery method (online, in-person, mix or hybrid)
- Program length and time commitment
- Program level (associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, certificate)
- Location and commute time
- Available student support services
- Cost and potential salary outcomes (return on investment)
We advise you to connect directly with college counselors and admissions advisors at your schools of interest. These professionals specialize in helping all students evaluate their options and choose the right path. Get detailed program information and understand how your previous experiences might apply to different degree programs.
Balancing College with Family Life
Managing college classes while raising a family requires careful planning and support. When evaluating schools, look for these family-friendly features:
- On-campus childcare services
- Flexible class schedules, including evening, weekend, or online options
- Hybrid courses that minimize time away from family
- Advisors experienced in helping students who are parents or guardians
- Family-friendly study spaces and resources
Researching Financial Support for Adult Students
Concerns about paying for college shouldn’t stand between you and your educational goals. As an adult student, you have several options for financing your education.
For Working Parents
Working parents may qualify for additional grants and scholarships for students with dependents. The Federal Pell Grant often provides more substantial aid to students with children. Many schools also offer specialized financial aid counseling to help you understand your options.
For Those With Previous Student Loans
If you have existing student loans from previous college attendance and plan to take out additional loans, exploring your options before enrolling is essential. While you can obtain federal or private student loans while repaying previous debt, you should consider strategies for managing new aid alongside your existing loan obligations.
Contact the financial aid office at your school to inquire about consolidation options and to better understand your specific financial situation and available options.
For First-Time College Students
Adult students attending college for the first time often have different financial aid opportunities than traditional-aged students because their personal financial information, not their parents or guardians, will be the basis for financial aid offers.
As an adult student, you may qualify for federal financial aid, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs based on your income and circumstances.
Understanding the Admissions Timeline
The college admissions process varies from school to school, but it typically includes a standard series of steps. Here’s a typical timeline to help you plan, but adjust this schedule based on your specific deadlines.
4-6 months before classes start:
- Take note of final application submission deadlines.
- Request transcripts from previous schools (for older records, plan for extra time).
- Contact admissions offices to discuss your situation.
- Schedule meetings with academic advisors.
- Review specific documents needed for a complete application, such as personal identification or tax information, either on the school’s website or in the application portal.
2-3 months before classes start:
- Submit your application and required documents.
- Begin financial aid applications (Free Application for Federal Student Aid/FAFSA).
- Complete placement tests if required.
- Monitor email, phone, and application portal for admissions decision notification.
1 month before:
- If admitted, set up your student email and online accounts.
- Purchase or rent required technology, textbooks, and materials.
- Familiarize yourself with the online learning platform.
- Plan your work and family schedule around class times.
Technology and Tools for Success
Before diving into your studies, ensure you have the necessary tools. Most colleges require students to have reliable access to a laptop or computer for coursework. Not having a laptop doesn’t have to be a barrier—many schools offer laptop rental programs or technology assistance for students who need it.
Tip: When researching schools, ask about technology requirements and resources for adult students who need technology or financial support.
Connecting Your Professional Experience to Your Studies
As a working person returning to school, you bring real-world experience to the classroom. Consider these strategies for success:
- Using relevant work experiences as case studies or examples for assignments or class discussions
- Applying new classroom concepts directly to workplace challenges
- Sharing relevant work experiences to enrich class discussions
- Networking with classes who are also working professionals
- Completing any internship requirements in your current workplace if possible
Using Support Services Designed for Adult Students
Going back to school in your 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond is made that much easier when your chosen college or university understands the unique challenges adult learners face and designs programs with them in mind.
Academic Support
Returning to academics can require different strategies than you may have used before or in high school. Make your effort a success by taking advantage of the support and resources available to you. For example, San Juan College offers:
- Easy scheduling with academic advisors
- Tutoring center for more effective study strategies or writing assistance
- Technological support for using digital tools
- Test centers as a quiet space to take exams
Explore academic resources and support at San Juan College.
Career Services
College career services offices are teams of professionals trained to help connect your studies to your professional goals. Often, you can take advantage of college career services not just while you are a student but after you graduate and navigate the next steps of your career. Career services can help you:
- Find internships or part-time jobs on campus or related to your degree
- Optimize your resume and cover letters
- Practice job interviews
- Find open positions with special job boards
Personal & Mental Health Support
Deciding to return to school is just the beginning. Remember to prioritize self-care as you navigate this significant change in your life. The perfect college or program for you may offer services for personal and mental well-being, such as:
- Mental health counseling
- Work-life balance coaching
- Peer mentor groups of other adult students
- Commuter student services
- Emergency assistance programs
- Accessibility services
Taking the First Step to Return to College as an Adult
Whether you’re returning to finish college, seeking new opportunities with an additional degree, or beginning your college journey, San Juan College is here to support you every step of the way. Read our advice for frequently asked questions about returning to college as an adult.
Ready to explore options to match your goals? Explore programs or request personalized information.