Adult Learners
Going back to college, or going for the first time, can seem like a huge task! You may ask yourself:
- "Which college is best for me?"
- "Will I fit in as an 'older' student?"
- "Will the school know how to work with an adult student with a disability?"
To be honest, there is a lot to think about upfront, but it's not an impossible task. The most important thing to think about is what your goals are.
Do you want to finish a degree you started years ago? Are you branching off into a new interest area or a new career? Do you need a graduate degree to pursue a professional career? Maybe you need a certificate program, and taking just a few classes to help you focus on work skills.
Colleges and universities offer a wide variety of programs for Adult Learners, often through their "Extension" or "Continuing Education" programs. So, it's a good idea to look for those terms when you're searching for a college program. Community and Technical Colleges enroll a lot of Adult Learners, so that can be a comfortable setting for many. Online Education may be another choice, especially if distance, transportation, or work/family responsibilities are factors.
Check out the resources below to help you get started or to learn more about your choices.
Preparing for College
The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) has put together tips to help you think about your choices and prepare for college opportunities.
Community College
The American Association of Community Colleges has put together a no-nonsense College Finder that lists the schools and gives you information about each one.
Online Education
There are thousands of online college programs out there, so no one resource will list them all, so check with the colleges or universities that you're interested in. The Peterson's Guide is helpful for searching by state.
Disability Resources & More
Check out our Paying for College and Current College Student pages for information on attending college as a disabled student.
Information for pregnant students and students with children