Gone are the days of college lecture halls being filled only with those fresh out of high school. Today, there is a growing population of what are called non-traditional students. They are people over the age of 30 who are attending college for the first time. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 37 percent of all college students are over the age of 25, and more than half of those students attend on a part-time basis. If you’ve been dreaming of earning a degree but think it’s too late, think again. You just need to look at your options and decide what will work for you. There are many options for parents today, whether looking to take classes online or in person.
“As adult learners return to college, they find different ways to consider earning a degree,” explains Lori Schmidt, the marketing coordinator at Hodges University. “In weak economic times, some students decide to take full-time classes in order to have more education to add to their resumes. Many more choose to either change careers, or continue in school to earn a Master’s degree.”
DISTANCE EDUCATION: Technology has made getting a college education convenient to the point that one never has to leave the house to do so. Distance education is offered by most community colleges and universities. Taking classes online is quickly becoming an ideal avenue for people who want to earn a degree but don’t have the time to attend classes on campus. The classes are offered in a variety of formats, including online, on television and through videotape or DVD. Other convenient options for parents to explore include attending classes at off-campus sites and on Saturdays.
Jodi Gootkin, a Naples mother, is one many moms earning a degree online. She’s currently completing a Master of Science in Education and she’s accomplishing it online.
“Being a full-time working mom and wife, online was the only option for me,” explains Gootkin. “My days are already long, commuting from Naples to Fort Myers each day, so attending class on campus somewhere just did not fit.”
After her daughter goes to bed each night, Jodi logs into her class, ready to continue her studies. In addition to timing convenience, she and others find that it also saves drive time and gas. Taking courses online also allows the flexibility to study anywhere.
“I also maximize my study time by not having to travel just to get to class,” she says. “I find that online participation allows me to preserve my important and enjoyable role as a mom, while incorporating my responsibilities as a student – and, of course, this is all around my full-time job.”
The traditional route: While online learning is growing in popularity, there are many people that would still prefer to attend classes on campus. Attending campus classes can provide a lot of opportunities that online courses cannot. Many students prefer the face-to-face contact with their instructor and instant feedback from having questions or concerns addressed. Attending campus also opens up the doors to interaction with classmates and the option of getting involved in extra curricular activities or social groups.
Having children at home does not mean there is no way to attend classes on campus. Most colleges offer support systems for nontraditional students as well as a variety of classes scheduled either in the evening or on Saturday’s. They also usually have satellite campuses for those that don’t live in close proximity to the main campus, thus reducing the drive time. College campuses are also supportive in offering career services, counseling, library services, access to technology tools, and student organizations.
Parents returning to school also have the option of doing a combination of online and on campus courses. For example, Hodges University, which has several campus locations, also offers 17 degree programs online, making it possible for students to opt for a combination of taking courses online, as well as in person. This may be an ideal option for the person that wants a little more flexibility in scheduling courses, but still likes the idea of feeling like they are a part of the campus, as well as getting an in-person learning experience.
“Realizing that many adult learners may not have been in a classroom for several years, the University also offers an Academic Achievement Services department which assists in making the transition back into the classroom easier,” says Schmidt. “The department gives students the support they need in order to be successful, and with the many changes in the classroom over the years, it’s a welcomed resource for new students.”
What does it take? One of the things people need to do if they are thinking about going to college is evaluate what is involved. As a parent, it will be harder and there will be some organization necessary. But just because something will be more challenging doesn’t mean it should be avoided.
Naples-based mom Katty Wozniak Beard is also earning a degree online. She’s working toward a Master of Public Administration with the goal of working for a non-profit. What she finds the most challenging is the juggling act.
“I still volunteer at my kid’s school, and pick them up every day, and play with them in the afternoon, so I am up late, trying to get everything else done,” says Beard. “I think giving myself permission to want something outside of my kids is important, and doing it online helps to alleviate the guilt.”
Here are some key points to ponder when considering going back to school as a parent:
MONEY. Classes can be quite costly. Students will either need cash to pay for the courses or the ability to qualify for financial aid. Other options include inquiring about tuition reimbursement through employers, and scholarships. Online courses may cost more, especially if you are taking them from out of state. You may want to factor this in when deciding which route to take.
TIME MANAGEMENT. Whether taking courses online or in person, managing time will be essential to success. Online education requires students to be very proactive in keeping up with required assignments, while campus courses require a great number of in-person hours. Students also need to take into account their preferred learning style. If they do better being in a classroom, then online courses may end up being more time consuming.
OBLIGATIONS. Adults who want to earn a degree have other issues to which they also need to give their attention. Let’s face it, the spouse or kids may not be very excited about your time being taken away from them while you focus on classes and studying. Have a family meeting and evaluate how others feel about it. Others may be called upon to help pick up the slack, so they should be in on the plan from the beginning.
REASONS. Make a list of the reasons why a degree is wanted at this time, and see if it is worth the sacrifices. For some people, it can increase yearly earnings and/or earn promotions, while for others it’s more about personal achievement. There is no wrong reason for wanting to go to college. But it is important to understand the reasons, in order to know what to expect once finished.
MOMMY GUILT. One common thread between moms who want to earn a degree seems to be mommy guilt. Many women have a hard time putting themselves before anyone else, even to pursue something they are interested in or to advance their career. Most moms find this aspect to be the most challenging aspect of earning a degree when they have kids at home.
“I feel that I skimp on my role as a mom. Everyone tells me this is completely not true. But I still beat myself up about not spending enough time with my daughter and my husband,” says Gootkin. “Finding balance is the key, and convincing myself that I’m maintaining it is a personal struggle. I think that often, as moms in whatever we do, we question whether it is enough.”
GETTING STARTED. After evaluating the details of why you want a degree, how you will pay for it, and you have ironed out the family dynamics of it, it is then time to get started. The first step to take is to research schools and programs you may be interested in, then contact the schools and departments to inquire with any questions. Once you have found the right program for you, fill out the application and submit it to the school to get the ball rolling. After the first semester any kinks will be ironed out and it should be mostly smooth sailing until graduation day.
