One of the great things about education is that you’re never too old for it. Even though the most common conception of a college student is a recent high school graduate or someone in their early twenties, higher education is suitable for individuals of all ages.
Learn about what it means to be an adult (or “nontraditional”) learner, including the many benefits of going to school as an adult and how to handle some of the challenges you might face.
Who Qualifies as an Adult Learner?
“Adult learner” doesn’t only refer to your age. Adult learners also often:
- Took at least one year off after high school before going to college
- Are employed full-time
- Have a family and dependents to support
- May have started college as a traditional student, but needed to take time off
- Want to enhance their professional lives or switch careers
- Have more life experience than traditional students, such as military or other careers
4 Common Qualities of Adult Learners
Due to the wisdom and maturity that come with age — even just a few years beyond the traditional college age — adult learners have a lot to offer the world of higher education. You haven’t just been a student all your life; you’ve lived in the adult world for at least a few years now and have the following qualities to show for it.
1. Autonomous
By adulthood, learning becomes more autonomous than it was when you were a kid. You have more choices on how, when, and what you learn, so you’re more likely to choose classes and paths that are relevant to you.
2. Experienced
Speaking of experience, yours comes in handy now! You have the context to make connections between what you know and what you’re learning. Your personal experiences give you unique insight that you wouldn’t have otherwise.
3. Goal-Oriented
As an adult learner, there are many reasons why you might pursue higher education: personal fulfillment, the realization of a dream, career advancement, or a career change. All of those reasons give you a tangible goal to aim toward. You’re no longer just trying to get through school; you have a direction to guide you.
4. Responsible
At this stage of life, you understand that grades aren’t just something you earn to impress your parents or compete with your peers for the top spot in your class. You know how to take responsibility for your classwork and homework, and you know that your assignments are part of reaching your goals.
4 Potential Challenges as an Adult Learner
Being an adult learner isn’t without its challenges. For many, those challenges might seem like obstacles to going back to school.
Here are the most common challenges faced by adult learners — and easy ways to overcome them.
1. Scheduling
Jobs, families, and other priorities can make going back to school full-time too tricky. Moreover, creating a schedule on weekdays during working hours might be close to impossible.
The solution is to look for courses taught during non-traditional school hours. Many community colleges offer evening and weekend classes. Online platforms like StraighterLine also have asynchronous courses that you can take at home and on your own schedule.
2. Imposter Syndrome
Going to college as an adult student might create a sense of “imposter syndrome” — that feeling of not belonging or of being unqualified. Whether you’re earning a degree for personal fulfillment or to advance your career, you may feel like everyone else is smarter, more successful, or better prepared than you.
One of the best ways to overcome imposter syndrome when pursuing a new degree is to remind yourself of all you’ve accomplished so far. Do you have a job? Are you raising a family? Did you save up money for years to pay for these classes? All of those are major accomplishments to be proud of. If you can do that, you can do anything!
And one more thing: not everyone is brave enough to return to school as an adult. If nothing else, your courage means you deserve to be there.
3. Finances
If it’s been a while since you’ve been to college, the cost of credits these days may surprise you. Or maybe you dropped out years ago because of the cost. And if you have to downshift your job from full-time to part-time or leave your job altogether to return to school, how will you be able to support yourself?
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to save money while going to college. Plus, you can use financial aid, scholarships, and grants, to put toward your tuition. There are even some specifically for adult learners. There are also community colleges and online platforms that offer affordable courses so you can start earning credits without spending a small fortune on tuition and other expenses.
4. Adjusting
Going back to college can feel like a major adjustment for many adults, especially those who never went to college after high school. Unlike a regular school schedule, college often offers the same class at different times, so you can choose the one that works for you. You can design your schedule around your other commitments and can often take as many or as few classes at a time as you want.
Online learning is one of the most significant recent advances in higher education. Some adults who haven’t been in school for a long time might find things like online learning a little harder to get used to, but it’s a great way for adult learners to ease back into college life.
Some online learning is conducted asynchronously, which means you learn when and where you’re most comfortable: in your car on your lunch break, at the kitchen table while the kids are at school, or in bed after everyone else has gone to sleep. By watching pre-recorded lectures, you can pause and rewind to make sure you understand the instructor. We’ll discuss asynchronous learning in more detail below.
Platforms like StraighterLine offer orientations and tutorials that help you get the hang of online learning so you can get the most out of your courses.
4 Benefits of Being an Adult Learner
There are so many benefits to adult learning that once you start, you’ll want to keep going! Here are four of the most common benefits of going back to school as an adult.
1. Career Advancement
Going back to school can open doors to new opportunities in your current field. As an adult learner, you'll gain a level of advanced skills and knowledge that can make you more competitive for promotions and leadership roles.
Many employers will even pay for some or all of your tuition if you go back to school specifically for the purpose of furthering your current career.
2. Career Change
If you’re looking to switch careers, returning to school can provide the education and credentials you need to enter a new field. Adult learners often bring a wealth of experience from their previous careers, which can be a significant advantage in learning new skills and adapting to different industries.
3. Personal Fulfillment
Even without the career aspect, pursuing further education as an adult learner can be incredibly rewarding on a personal level. You get to explore subjects of deep interest to you and achieve goals that you may have set aside earlier in life.
4. Inspire Others
By going back to school, you can inspire those around you, such as family members, friends, and colleagues. Your commitment to education and personal growth will serve as a powerful example to others to pursue their dreams.
3 Education Options for Adult Learners
As we’ve touched on before, there are several options for adult learners who are ready to go back to school. Whatever your needs and preferences are, there’s something for you.
Let’s take a closer look.
1. In-Person Classes
This is the more traditional method of learning and probably the one you’re most familiar with. Traditional in-person classes offer a structured environment with face-to-face interaction with instructors and classmates.
This can be beneficial if you prefer direct support and immediate feedback. It also provides opportunities for networking and engaging in group discussions and activities that can enhance your learning experience.
2. Online Courses
Online courses provide the flexibility to study from anywhere, making it easier for adult learners to balance education with work, family, and other responsibilities. These courses can be synchronous or asynchronous:
- Synchronous Online Courses have scheduled class times where you join live sessions, similar to in-person classes but conducted online. This format allows for real-time interaction with instructors and peers.
- Asynchronous Online Courses don’t require you to be online at specific times. You can access and complete coursework at your own pace within set deadlines. This option offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to fit your studies into your schedule whenever it’s most convenient.
3. Hybrid Learning
Hybrid learning, also known as blended learning, combines in-person and online learning activities. It can include a variety of teaching and learning methods and student participation modes, all supported by different technologies. The percentage of online and classroom learning can vary depending on the course content and faculty preference.
StraighterLine is Built for Adult Learners
We know you’re busy. That’s why StraighterLine offers online courses that can be completed on your schedule. Take as many or as few classes at a time as you want without pressure. With over 70 courses to choose from, you can fulfill common prerequisites or try something new!
