Going back to school as a parent is an economic necessity for many students. It may also be an opportunity to achieve goals that otherwise would have been out of reach.
If you are a busy parent, returning student, or just not interested in traditional on-campus programs, your options are growing. Many institutions now offer flexible programs that cater specifically to work schedules and other limitations of working adults.
Online colleges with rolling admissions accept applications all year long, so prospective students can choose the time of year they wish to see if they have been admitted or denied. As a result, prices are usually lower than traditional on-campus institutions — and can help keep scholarship funds at a manageable level.
The following guidelines will assist you to succeed as a full-time parent who happens to be a college student; your situation is unique, and no one way is the answer.
Do your research
You’re probably experienced with beginning college applications if you’re a prospective student. However, if you want to return to school and consider returning to the classroom full- or part-time as a parent, do your homework, then start your hunt for schools.
Don’t forget to check out in-state and community colleges; some offer credit for life experience. When it comes to online bachelors in education, your options are endless. Each school has different admission requirements and methods.
Relax it is flexible and self-paced
With a few exceptions, accredited online colleges allow students to enroll in any class from the start, regardless of their work schedule. In addition, most offer flexible schedules, accelerated programs with fewer classes per week, and part-time options.
Degree tracks are often designed to enable students to complete a graduate program in as little as 1-5 years (with some schools taking much longer).
You’ll also benefit from small class sizes, online courses, and exceptional faculty who serve as mentors and industry leaders who advise on our curriculum.
Make the financial roadmap
If you’re a nontraditional student, you might wonder how you’ll pay for college. In fact, financial aid is available to help students of all ages and backgrounds get a degree.
Financial aid comprises of scholarships, loans, work-study, and federal education tax benefits. Nontraditional students can even qualify for some scholarships that other students don’t have access to.
Prepare a timetable to work and study
One tip I can recommend is to point out items that need to be done at certain times because of your child’s age and things that need to be done regularly but not necessarily at the same time every day, like mowing the lawn, for example. This way, you can see which are time-constrained and more flexible in terms of when they can be done. Then, if possible, you can even involve your kids in some of those tasks and get help from your partner or friends.
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