Deciding to go back to college later in life as a woman can be both exciting and daunting. You may have gotten married and started a family, which can cause college to seem out of reach due to financial and time constraints.
However, going back to college is a great way for you to pursue your goals and dreams and increase your earning potential if that may be a factor in your decision. The key is knowing what steps you need to take before starting this journey.
Below are 6 top tips for women who want to go back to college:
1. Decide what you want to study.
This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to focus on. Are you interested in pursuing a new career? Studying for an advanced degree? Taking classes for personal enrichment? Knowing what you want to study will help you find the right school and program.
2. Find a school that best fits your needs and goals.
Not all schools are created equal – some may be better suited for students who want to focus on their studies, while others may have a more social atmosphere. Think about what’s important to you and do your research before deciding. Also, you want to decide if in-person or virtual classes are right for you – there are many great online programs to choose from.
When looking for the best school for you, ask yourself the following questions:
- What are the requirements for an online degree in your area of interest?
- How much money will it cost to obtain a degree? What is included in tuition?
- Is financial aid available? How do loans, grants, and scholarships work with your school of choice?
- What are the deadlines for applying to programs or classes at this school?
- What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
- How are grades calculated, and what is the grading scale?
- What type of social activities or organizations are available on campus?
3. Apply for financial aid, scholarships, and grants.
One of the best ways to get funding for college is by applying for financial aid, which can be available through federal programs like Pell Grants and Perkins Loans. Scholarships are also provided by individual schools, professional organizations, and even companies such as the Nancy Etz scholarship.
If you want to try to receive scholarships, keep the following things in mind:
- Start early
- Do your research
- Follow the instructions carefully
- Keep a copy of everything you send in
4. Create a budget to help you manage your finances while in college.
One of the biggest concerns women have about returning to college is the cost. But with a little planning, it’s possible to make ends meet. One way to do this is by creating a budget and sticking to it.
Tips for creating a budget include:
- Making a list of all your expenses
- Tracking your spending
- Sticking to the numbers you’ve made for yourself
- Get rid of subscriptions that you no longer needed
- Consider meal planning to avoid spending money on takeout and delivery
5. Get involved on campus or with an organization.
Being active on campus can be a great way to make new friends, stay motivated, and even earn some extra cash. There are usually a number of student organizations to choose from, or you can start your own!
If you want to be involved on the campus to make some extra cash keep these things in mind:
- Most schools have a work-study program
- Look for campus jobs that match your skills and interests
- Check with the admissions office to find out about on-campus jobs
6. Stay motivated by making sure you have fun!
College can be challenging, but it should also be enjoyable. Make sure to set aside time for things that make you happy and help you relax. This could include watching your favorite TV show, reading a book or newspaper, taking a walk outside – whatever makes you happy.
Conclusion
Returning to college as a woman can be a rewarding experience. It can help you regain purpose in your life after having children or caring for elderly parents, or simply help you focus on what you want to do with your life. The six tips provided in this article should help make the process a little smoother and less daunting. Best of luck to all women returning to college!