Myth: Going to college doesn't pay - education doesn't translate into increased earnings.

Reality: Nothing could be farther from the truth! The average earnings for bachelor's degree holders is 50 percent higher than the average earnings of those with a high school diploma. For many adults, the road toward success begins with postsecondary education.

Myth: College is for young people. Adults don't fit in.

Reality: Today, college is for everyone. Forty percent of American college students, or almost 6 million people, are 25 years of age or older. Further, the U.S. Department of Education estimates that 90 million individuals participate in some form of adult education each year, including training and basic education offered outside traditional higher education. To serve this immense market, most colleges have structured programs and services specifically for adult learners.

Myth: There's no financial aid for adult students.

Reality: The vast majority of student aid programs have no age restrictions. Anyone who demonstrates financial need can qualify. In fact, many of the neediest students are adult single parents. However, it is also true that many programs require students to attend on at least a half-time basis.

Myth: There's no way to juggle parenthood, work, and going to school.

Reality: While it certainly isn't easy to manage the competing demands of family, work, and school, many adult students do just that. Increasingly, colleges are organizing themselves to help students manage their many obligations. Classes are offered in the evening, student services are available at night or over the internet, and low-cost childcare is provided on many campuses. When choosing a program, adult learners should investigate whether the campus has designed its services with the needs of busy adults in mind.

Myth: Unless you live near a college, there's no way to attend.

Reality: For years, colleges have offered courses via extension campuses, correspondence, and television. Recently, the Internet has opened up new horizons in distance learning. Hundreds of colleges and other organizations offer courses via the internet, satellite, video teleconferencing, and other media that bring higher education right into students' homes and workplaces. Check out Learning from a Distance for more information.

Myth: Going to school part-time, you'll never complete a degree.

Reality: One of the ways that institutions have accommodated adult learners is by devising alternate schedules that allow students to complete more classes in the same amount of time. For example, a class may meet four times on Saturday for the entire day, allowing working students to take four classes over the course of a sixteen-week semester. Adult students also can earn credit for training and learning acquired through the workplace. See Credit for Previous Experience for more information.

Myth: Colleges expect you take the SAT or ACT, years after high school.

Reality: Many institutions have modified admissions criteria for adults, and may not require an admissions test. Check out Applying Yourself for more information.