Going Back to School: New Education for a New Career
If you never finished your college education, you may be considering going back to school in an effort to improve your financial situation and further your job prospects. While returning to school does require commitment, it is not nearly as difficult as some may perceive it to be. Financial assistance in the form of loans, financial aid and even scholarships are available, and even if you did poorly during your first attempt at higher education, it doesn’t bar you from getting a degree.
Going Back To School At Any Age
Some people may consider going back to school at 30 or older to be daunting, but the reality is increasing numbers of individuals are returning to school in their 40s, 50s and beyond. The current economic situation has caused many people to rethink their education and career options, meaning that classrooms are not solely filled with people in their early 20s. In fact, returning to school later in life provides advantages because you are more experienced, have greater confidence and self esteem and know what your goals are.
Going Back To School After Dropping Out
If you did well or had passing grades while in college, you may be able to return to the school you attended previously or have your completed coursework count at another school. Some schools are even offering GPA forgiveness in an effort to attract students who did not finish their education, so you may be surprised to discover what courses you already have credit for. Seeking a copy of your transcript and talking to the registrar’s office can help you determine where you are and what is needed to graduate.
If you did poorly, which is more common than you might think, it won’t prevent you from finishing your education. You may need to attend a community college or a state school to earn an associate degree, but doing so can open up doors to other four-year schools to earn your bachelor’s or master’s degree. A high school transcript is usually sufficient to earn you a place at a community college.
Paying For School
If you can’t pay for your tuition out of pocket, you still have a variety of options for financing your school education. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement, especially if you select a degree that relates to the company you work for. Additionally, scholarships are not just for recent high school graduates. You may have to spend a year or two in school to be eligible for them, but they can dramatically cut down on student loans and out of pocket expenses. There are also a number of options for people seeking financial aid, and most colleges are more than happy to help you find and apply for programs that will help you pay for your schooling.
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