Degrees for Adult learners

Education is for everyone. About 90 million individuals participate in some form of adult education each year, including training and basic education offered outside traditional higher education. Most colleges have structured programs and services specifically for adult learners.

Career Options

Why are you considering returning to school? By focusing on your reason, you can better determine your career and educational goals. Do you want to change careers, increase your earning potential, and/or resume your college education and finish a degree program? Which careers match your skills and interests? There are probably more than you can imagine. Visit our section on career planning for assistance.

Things to Consider

Getting training after high school may help you get a better-paying job doing work you enjoy. But going to school is a big investment. You're investing your time. Chances are you'll also have to invest your own money or take out a student loan to go to school. So you need to be sure that you're choosing the right school.

• Shop around. Contact more than one school. If you're looking for vocational training, check the Yellow Pages under "Schools" for phone numbers. If your area has a community college, call the admissions office and find out what kinds of training the college offers. For information about all the different types of postsecondary institutions, visit our section on finding a college.
• Visit the school. Call the school and schedule a visit, preferably while classes are being taught. Get a feel for the school; make sure you're comfortable with the facilities, the equipment, the teachers and the students.
• Don't be afraid to ask! A good school will be happy to answer your questions about its programs. Ask the school about its students: How many graduate? How many get jobs because of the training they received? What kind of job placement services does the school offer students and graduates?
• Check the cost. Make sure the school gives you a clear statement of its tuition and fees. Remember that any federal financial aid you get will be applied first to paying the school's tuition and fees. If there's any money left over, the school will give it to you to help you pay for things such as food and rent. Visit our section on paying for college for more information.

Useful tools and information to develop your degree goals:

What do specific occupations require?

• Find out the occupation requirements.
• Check out if your desired profession (doctor, lawyer, nurse, etc.) requires you to be licensed.
• Find out if your desired occupation (financial advisor, nursing assistant, public accountant, real estate appraiser, etc.) requires a certification.

What skills do employers want?

Do you have the critical skills employers want in their employees? Find out the skills needed in today's workforce and check out the Work Credentials for critical skills assessments.

Don't have a high school diploma?

If you did not graduate high school, the GED (General Educational Development Test) may fulfill that college entrance requirement.

Don't have a career goal in mind?

You want the greatest return on your education investment. If you are still deciding on a career, here are some questions and options to consider.

• What are the high-growth industries?
• What are the fastest-growing occupations?
• What are the occupations with the largest employment?
• What are the highest-paying occupations?
• Find out the wages and employment trends by occupation, job, and state.
• Find out the wages by educational level.