College is an important part of many people’s lives. It provides them with a sense of identity and belonging, as well as a place to explore their interests and passions. College is also an important step in the process of becoming an adult, which includes learning how to live on your own, make decisions about your life, and take responsibility for yourself. Lastly, college is often a stepping stone into a career and is usually a job requirement for many employers. Because college will have such a profound effect on your professional career, choosing a college is more important than ever.
Adult Learners, College Degrees, and Ongoing Initiatives
Many people leave college without completing their degree. The number of adults who fall into this category is around 37 million. In fact, around 58% of adults who are 25 and older do not have a college degree. That figure includes those who never attended college, as well as those with some college credit. Because of these staggering numbers, there are companies that have been partnering with colleges to help them bring back students who may have dropped out before completing their degrees. Additionally, there are companies that partner with employers to help push their tuition reimbursement benefits program to their existing employees. The goal of both of these initiatives is to get more people to enroll in college and complete a college degree.
How to Choose a College as an Adult
Choosing the right college is an important decision for anyone. But it’s especially important for the adult learner when time is money and you want to earn your degree quickly so you can move up in your career. Being able to balance work and school is critical for working adults. It’s a decision that will affect their future, and it can be difficult to know where to start. What’s important to someone entering college straight out of high school is not the same as an adult who is either going to school for the first time or who is returning to finish their degree. As the push to get a number of adults to return to college increases, so does the need for colleges and universities to create programs that are welcoming and inclusive of these students.
When you’re researching colleges, you need to make sure that what the college offers in terms of flexibility, affordability, and outcomes align with your professional goals and personal goals. If you can’t find some of this information directly on the college website, then be sure to ask the college’s enrollment advisor. Here’s our list of the top five most important things every adult learner should consider when choosing a college.
Identify Your Goals and Priorities
Choosing the right college starts with understanding your own goals and priorities. This self-reflection will help you focus on schools that truly align with your interests, values, and long-term plans.
Academic Interests and Desired Majors
Think about the subjects that excite you the most. Are you drawn to sciences, business, the arts, or social sciences? Identifying your intended major—or at least a field of interest—will help you narrow down colleges that offer strong programs and resources in that area.
Career Aspirations and Professional Outcomes
Consider the career paths you hope to pursue after graduation. Some colleges excel at preparing students for specific industries or professions, while others offer a broader liberal arts education. Researching alumni outcomes and internship opportunities can give you a clearer picture of which schools align with your professional goals.
Campus Culture and Student Life Preferences
College is not just about academics—it’s also about your personal growth and social experiences. Think about the type of campus environment where you’ll thrive. Do you prefer a vibrant social scene, a smaller tight-knit community, or a diverse and inclusive atmosphere? Clubs, organizations, and extracurricular opportunities can play a big role in shaping your college experience.
Location, Size, and Type of College
Decide what kind of setting suits you best. Are you looking for a college close to home or far away? Do you prefer a large university with many programs or a smaller college with a more personal feel? Also, consider the type of institution—public, private, community college, or online—since this can affect tuition costs, class sizes, and available resources.
How Much Can You Afford
Finally, be realistic about your financial situation. Compare tuition, fees, and living expenses, and explore scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options. Creating a budget early can help you focus on schools that are both academically and financially attainable, reducing stress and ensuring a manageable student debt load.
Accreditation and Reputation
When choosing a college, it’s important to consider both accreditation and reputation, as they directly impact the value of your degree and your future opportunities.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a formal recognition that a college meets certain educational quality standards. There are two main types:
- Regional Accreditation: Generally considered the gold standard in higher education. Degrees from regionally accredited schools are widely recognized by employers and other colleges, making it easier to transfer credits or pursue graduate studies.
- National Accreditation: Often applies to vocational, technical, or online schools. While these schools can offer specialized programs, credits may not transfer as easily, and some employers may prefer degrees from regionally accredited institutions.
Evaluating a College’s Reputation
A college’s reputation can offer insight into the quality of its programs and student outcomes. However, it’s important to look beyond rankings:
- Research the school’s success in your field of interest, including graduate outcomes and employment rates.
- Check reviews from alumni and current students to get a sense of academic rigor, campus culture, and support services.
- Consider industry recognition, partnerships, and internship opportunities that can boost your career prospects.
Academic Programs and Resources
The academic offerings and resources at a college play a crucial role in shaping your educational experience and preparing you for future success. When evaluating schools, consider the following factors:
- Availability of Your Desired Major: Ensure the college offers strong programs in your field of interest. Look at course offerings, specializations, and the flexibility to explore related areas. A well-rounded program can help you develop both depth and breadth in your chosen discipline.
- Research and Internship Opportunities: Hands-on experiences like research projects, labs, internships, and cooperative education programs provide practical skills and networking opportunities. These experiences are often critical for building your resume and gaining a competitive edge in the job market.
- Faculty and Class Sizes: Check faculty qualifications and expertise in your field. Smaller class sizes often allow for more personalized attention and mentorship, while larger programs may offer a wider variety of courses and resources. Consider which learning environment suits you best.
- Student Support and Academic Resources: Strong academic support can enhance your learning experience. Look for tutoring centers, writing labs, career counseling, and access to technology and libraries. Schools that invest in student success resources often help students stay on track and achieve their goals.
- Online and Hybrid Learning Options: If flexibility is important, explore colleges that offer online or hybrid courses. These options can help balance work, family, and education commitments while still providing access to quality programs and faculty support.
Campus Life and Environment
College isn’t just about academics—it’s also about personal growth, social experiences, and finding a community where you feel at home. When evaluating schools, consider the following aspects of campus life:
- Housing and Facilities: Look into on-campus housing options, dining services, recreational facilities, and study spaces. Comfortable living arrangements and accessible facilities can greatly enhance your overall college experience.
- Clubs, Organizations, and Extracurricular Activities: Participating in student organizations, clubs, or sports can help you build friendships, develop leadership skills, and explore personal interests. Think about the opportunities available for involvement and whether they align with your passions.
- Diversity and Inclusion:l A campus that values diversity and inclusion can provide a richer learning environment. Consider how the college supports students from different backgrounds and fosters a welcoming, inclusive community.
- Support Services and Student Resources: Access to resources like counseling, health services, academic advising, and career centers is essential for your well-being and success. Schools that invest in these services help students navigate challenges and make the most of their college experience.
- Social Environment: The overall atmosphere of the campus can influence your comfort and happiness. Some students thrive in lively, bustling environments, while others prefer smaller, quieter settings. Visiting the campus—or taking a virtual tour—can give you insight into the student community and culture.
Cost to Attend College
Cost is a major factor when choosing a college, and it’s important to plan carefully to avoid unnecessary debt while still getting a quality education. Consider the following:
Tuition, Fees, and Living Expenses
Compare the total cost of attending each school, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, textbooks, and other living expenses. Understanding the full cost helps you make a realistic decision and avoid financial surprises.
Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid
Explore scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options. Many colleges offer merit-based or need-based aid, and external organizations may also provide funding. Applying early can maximize your chances of receiving assistance.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Think about the long-term value of your degree. Consider how the school’s programs prepare students for careers, average graduate salaries, and job placement rates. Investing in a college with strong outcomes can make the cost worthwhile.
Budgeting and Financial Planning
Create a budget for your college expenses, including tuition, living costs, and personal spending. Careful planning can help you minimize debt, make informed choices, and focus on your studies without financial stress.
Admissions Requirements and Application Process
Understanding a college’s admissions requirements and process is essential to ensure you meet deadlines and submit a strong application. Here’s what to consider:
Academic Qualifications
Review the GPA, standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, or test-optional policies), and prerequisite courses required for your intended major. Meeting or exceeding these requirements increases your chances of acceptance.
Application Materials
Most colleges require several components for admission:
- Completed application form
- Personal statement or essay
- Letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or mentors
- Transcripts from previous schools
College Application Deadlines
Stay organized by noting application deadlines, including early decision, early action, and regular decision options. Missing deadlines can limit your opportunities and reduce chances for financial aid.
Additional Requirements
Some programs may have supplemental materials, such as portfolios for art or design programs, auditions for performing arts, or interviews for specialized programs. Make sure you understand these requirements early to prepare adequately.
Transfer Students
If you plan to transfer from another college, research transfer policies, credit transferability, and deadlines. Understanding these requirements ensures a smoother transition and helps you stay on track toward your degree.
Top 5 Things to Consider When Choosing a College in Your Adult Years
1. Learning Formats
Knowing how you learn best coupled with how quickly you want to finish your degree will help you better understand the right learning format for you. You should also know your own limitations and abilities to grasp information.
Online colleges traditionally offer synchronous learning formats where you have weekly deadlines, a specific cohort of students that are going through the course the same time you are, and your professor is actively guiding you through the learning experience and material. In this type of learning format, students can ask questions as they go along and learn from each other as well as their teachers. This also helps with retention because students are more likely to remember what they learned if they have been able to engage with others on the material while they are still trying to learn it.
Some colleges nowadays also offer self-paced, or asynchronous, learning formats. This type of format is traditionally associated with MOOCs (massive open online courses) and education providers who offer these programs such as Coursera and edX. Colleges, however, are realizing the value this type of learning format has for adult learners. You can learn at your pace and on your own time without the burden of meeting deadlines. Self-paced learning isn’t for everyone, though, and many adults prefer synchronous learning when it comes to getting a college degree.
The bottom line on college learning formats for adult learners…
Synchronous learning provides learners with the opportunity to interact with their instructors and peers in real-time, which can be beneficial for those who learn better when they can ask questions and receive immediate feedback. In addition, synchronous learning offers the opportunity for learners to form relationships with their peers and instructors that can lead to increased engagement levels.
2. Course Work Requirements
When it comes to how you will be evaluated in your college courses, what usually comes to mind? Multiple-choice exams, open-ended question exams, pop quizzes, and so on. Those types of evaluations are traditionally associated with college. And while they are a great way to evaluate how much you’ve retained throughout the course, they don’t tell the whole story. They don’t give you the opportunity to showcase what you’ve learned. And lastly, they don’t allow you to apply what you’ve learned in the course. However, that’s changing.
More colleges are requiring you to complete a final project that takes the place of multiple-choice final exams. These projects are usually broken down into phases in conjunction with the course material that culminates into a final, and much larger, project.
This type of evaluation gives you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned to real-world projects and emulates what you might be doing on the job. And that’s why they are so important and should be implemented into all college learning models.
Most importantly, you want to make sure that colleges incorporate the following into their coursework:
- Real-world project portfolio (are you creating and participating in projects that you can include in a portfolio that you can show to future employers?)
- Use or suggest current technologies and platforms in their field
- Professors provide detailed feedback
- Use updated content/materials to account for technology advances in their field
3. Professor Background
If you’re not considering who your professor or teacher is, you should be. The professor’s background is an important factor when it comes to the quality of their knowledge. A professor who has a background in the industry they are teaching will have more insight into the subject and can teach in a more practical way. They are also in a great position when it comes to providing the student with career guidance. This is because they have first-hand experience of what it’s like in the real world and can give students advice that will be relevant to them both in their job search and career. A professor who has experience in the industry that the student wants to work in will have a better understanding of what skills are needed, what challenges they will face, and how they can overcome them.
It should no longer all fall on the career services department when it comes to helping students in their career search. Yes, those services are extremely valuable. They can provide you with useful job-searching tips and resume writing help. However, those working in career services might not have the expertise in the career path the student is pursuing.
That’s why it’s becoming more important that universities and colleges hire more educators who can teach students how to effectively plan for, prepare for, and succeed in their careers. The educator should be able to offer expert advice, provide a wide variety of real-world projects to work on and teach practical skills that will ultimately help the student be more successful when they embark on their career.
4. Course Terms
Another important factor to consider when choosing a college as an adult is the course or term length. When you think of traditional college terms, you probably think of the three most common ones: there’s a fall term, a spring term, and a summer term. Some schools might even offer a winter session. Now, you can find schools offering shorter terms – as short as 4 weeks.
Short course terms are better for students who want to finish their degree in less time or simply need more flexibility in their schedule. You can take more courses in a shorter time. Shorter course terms are also helpful when you need to take more advanced courses as part of your major. These advanced courses are likely to have prerequisites that you’ll need to complete before you are eligible to enroll in those higher-level courses. So, the sooner you can complete those pre-requisite courses, the sooner you can enroll in the advanced courses.
With shorter terms, you might have a sense of urgency to plan for the next one to three terms. Since schools will release course sections and availability well in advance of the subsequent terms, you’ll need to plan which courses you’ll be ready for and enroll in them as soon as you can. Many classes tend to fill up fast, especially the general education courses.
5. Cost
We live in a time where there is a significant divide between the haves and the have-nots. There are many people who cannot afford to go to college because they simply cannot afford the tuition. The cost of college has been rising steadily over the past few decades and it has become an issue for many people. So, it’s no surprise that most adults are going to consider a more affordable education option to complete their degree. Tuition rates at the per credit level can range anywhere from $100 to over $1,000. Those schools that charge separate tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state usually favor students living in the state the college is based in. Florida is notorious for having a large discrepancy between in-state and out-of-state tuition so be sure to confirm the tuition rates with the school if you’re not located in the same state.
Pathways tip: If you need to fulfill general education requirements, you have some options that could drastically reduce the overall amount of money you pay for college. Consider taking college courses for credit with a company like Straighterline or Sophia.org. These companies partner with universities to offer college courses for credit at a lower cost that you can easily transfer to their partner colleges.
Additionally, you’ll want to check with the school’s payment options. If you’re paying out of pocket, check to see if they have a flexible payment plan. This could help tremendously because it allows you to pay in installments throughout the length of the course. You’ll usually have to pay a percentage upfront. Your final payment will most likely be due before the course ends.
Making Your Decision
After researching colleges, visiting campuses, and evaluating your priorities, it’s time to make a final decision. This step requires careful comparison and reflection to ensure you choose a school that aligns with your goals and values.
- Comparing Pros and Cons of Each School: Create a list of the advantages and disadvantages for each college you’re considering. Include factors like academic programs, campus culture, location, financial aid, and career opportunities. Comparing schools side by side can help you see which options best meet your needs.
- Considering “Fit” Versus Prestige: While rankings and reputation can be influential, “fit” should take priority. A prestigious school may not be the right environment for everyone. Focus on where you feel most supported, challenged, and motivated—where you can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Final Tips for Narrowing Down Your Choices
- Revisit your goals and priorities to ensure your top choice aligns with them.
- Seek input from family, mentors, or current students—but remember the final decision is yours.
- Trust your instincts about where you feel comfortable and excited to learn.
- If you’re torn between a few schools, consider additional campus visits or virtual sessions to gather more insight.
Wrapping It All Up – Choosing a College as an Adult Student
The college search is a difficult process for anyone, especially adults looking to go back to school. It can be hard to know where to start and how to narrow down your options. A lot of people use university rankings as a way of finding out which universities are the best, but they can also be misleading. This is especially true when most college rankings are geared toward high school seniors. Their priorities and college must-haves are not the same as adult learners.
When choosing a college, you’ll need to make sure that it aligns with your career goals, your personal preferences, and financial situation. We hope these considerations and tips help you in your search to choose the best college for you. And if you can’t easily find the answers to your questions, make sure to ask the admission advisor at your school.
