By CHEYANNE MUMPHREY
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Whether you’re aiming to start a business, delve into artificial intelligence, or simply pick up a new hobby, there’s a course available for you.
Millions of adults across the United States are returning to college, opting for both credit and non-credit courses to gain professional certifications, acquire new skills, or pursue academic degrees. Many of these older students are looking for career progression, better salaries, and job stability, while others are driven by a passion to explore personal interests or embrace new experiences.
“They might have kids, they might be working full-time, they might be older non-traditional students,” said Eric Deschamps, director of continuing education at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. However, returning to school “opens doors to education for students that might not have those doors open to them otherwise.”
Older students, who often bring significant work and life experience, must balance courses with full-time jobs, caregiving duties, and other family responsibilities. This balancing act can be demanding but also rewarding, sharpening priorities and providing personal fulfillment.
Here’s what experts suggest considering before heading back to school and how to manage coursework alongside work and personal commitments.
Increasing Interest in Lifelong Learning
UCLA Extension, the continuing education arm of the University of California, Los Angeles, offers over 90 certificate and specialization programs. These range from interior design to early childhood education, accounting, photography, and music production. Individual courses also cover diverse topics such as retirement planning, novel writing, the business of athletes and artists, and the traditional Japanese art of ikebana, or flower arranging.
Last academic year, approximately 33,500 students enrolled, with nearly half being over the age of 35. During the same period, UCLA’s full-time enrollment was around 32,600 degree-seeking undergraduates.
“I prefer calling our (adult) learners not only continuous, but the new majority student. These are learners who tend to already be employed, often supporting a family, looking for up-skilling or sometimes a career change,” said Traci Fordham, UCLA’s interim associate dean for academic programs and learning innovation.
Experts note that some adults enroll in classes for professional development due to economic concerns, technological advances, and other workforce changes that create job insecurity.
“A great example of that is artificial intelligence. These new technologies are coming out pretty quickly and for folks that got a degree, even just 5 or 10 years ago, their knowledge might be a little bit outdated,” Deschamps explained.
Considerations Before Returning to School
Prospective adult students should evaluate their time, finances, and the potential benefits and challenges of returning to school, including the immediate costs versus long-term rewards, according to academic advisors.
Deschamps advises considering future goals and how additional education can aid in achieving them. For instance, if one aims to start a microbrewery, learning brewing or business skills can be beneficial. For promotions or career changes, acquiring new skills or industry knowledge may demonstrate qualifications.
Institutions like UCLA and Northern Arizona University strive to make continuing education affordable by offering courses at lower costs compared to degree programs and providing financial support. They also offer flexible learning options, including in-person, online, accelerated, and self-paced classes, to accommodate busy adult learners.
Katie Swavely, assistant director for academic advising and student success at UCLA, began her academic journey at a community college before transferring to UCLA for anthropology. Ten years post-graduation, she pursued a master’s in counseling with a focus on academic advising, completing it in 2020 with the help of employer-sponsored tuition assistance.
“I felt like in so many ways I didn’t really know who I was or what I wanted to do other than just pay the bills and survive,” Swavely said, reflecting on her decision to continue education while balancing family life. “It was hard. And I thought about quitting many times. We had to budget to the extreme and find additional ways to make it work.”
She continued, “There are questions of how are we going to make it work and do we have the money. As a parent, sacrifices are there all the time. You make those judgment calls every day. But making sure that you’re investing in yourself. There’s always gonna be reasons why it’s not today, not this month, not this year, but it’s also OK to just jump in and go for it and see how it works out.”
Swavely, an avid reader, now wishes to take a book editing course and plans to further her education through the university.
Overcoming Educational Barriers at Any Age
According to some experts, psychological hurdles pose significant barriers to returning to school. Concerns about outdated writing, math, or technology skills may induce feelings of self-doubt.
“I think this is tied to access. Many of our learners, not all of them, haven’t imagined themselves in any kind of higher education, post-secondary education environment,” Fordham remarked.
Swavely emphasized the importance of building a support network and utilizing available counseling and advising services.
She advises adults furthering their education to “find your community.” Having a supportive network at home and in classes helped Swavely navigate graduate school. She also recommends setting boundaries and being gentle with oneself when assistance is needed.
“The biggest piece of advice is for people to realize you’re never too old to learn,” she stated.
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