For Adults
Preparing to Return
Choosing the Right Program
Legitimate Learning
Applying Yourself
Credit for Prior Learning
Learning from a Distance
Footing the Bill
Myths and Realities about Going to College as an Adult
Best Sites and Books
College is Possible For Adults !

Choosing the Right Program

For most adult learners, choosing the right program means finding a good fit between an academic experience and the kind of skills, knowledge, and credential that will help them meet their career goals.

The first step is to determine your career goals. If you are returning to the workforce or think you want to change careers, many websites can help you explore your interests and aptitudes, including:

  • JobWeb from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (www.jobweb.org)

  • Quintessential Careers (www.quintcareers.com)

  • FamilyFriendly Opportunities and Careers (www.familyfriendly.com)

  • Indiana Career and Postsecondary Advancement Center (icpac.indiana.edu/careers)

  • U.S. Department of Labor (stats.bls.gov/opub/ooq/ooqhome.htm)

  • Mapping Your Future (mapping-your-future.org/)
Once you've decided on your career goals, the second step is to determine what type of educational experience will help you achieve your objectives. Do you need a few courses, a professional credential, an associates degree, a bachelor's degree, or a graduate degree? Set up informational interviews with people in the type of job you want. What type of education do they have and what training do they believe will be crucial in the future?

Once you've decided on a career and know the credential you need, the third step is to choose a program. The following websites will help you find colleges or other organizations that provide the degree or credential programs that meet your career needs and lifestyle:

  • The America's Learning Exchange (www.alx.org)

  • Find Your Community College (www.usnews.com/usnews/a
    edu/college/communit/commsrch.htm)
As an adult learner, you owe it to yourself to find a school that will be supportive of your busy lifestyle and adult needs. In "Financing your College Degree: A Guide for Adult Students," David F. Finney recommends that adult learners ask themselves certain questions when choosing a college or university. An amended list of these questions is below.
  • How many colleges are conveniently located in my area?

  • Do they offer the program of study or courses I want at times that are convenient?

  • Can I afford these programs? (See Footing the Bill.)

  • What are the relative reputations of the group of colleges I'm considering? Are they accredited? How does my employer view them in terms of reputation?

  • Are there any adult students I know who have taken courses there? How were they treated? How do they rate the experience? Were the classes worthwhile for them?

  • Is there an admissions process in place specially designed for adult students?

  • How many adults take classes there? How many are enrolled in an average class?

  • Does the college have a school or program that is designed primarily for adults and is this a feature you want?

  • What free services do they offer to help you get started?

  • Do they have an adult student advisement center?

  • How responsive are they to your questions about admission, enrollment, and financial aid?

  • Do the college advisers seem knowledgeable about your program of study? Can they answer your particular questions?

  • Will the college accept all my previously earned credit?

  • Can I get credit for life experience?

  • Do they offer programs via distance education?

(See Best Sites and Books for ordering information on this publication.)