Adults return to education for all kinds of reasons: to finish a degree they started years ago, to change careers, to move up in their field, or simply to learn something they’ve always wanted to. Whatever your reason, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s a practical guide.
Step 1: Start with a specific goal
“Go back to school” is a starting point, not a plan. The more specific your goal, the easier everything else becomes. Ask yourself:
- What do I want to be doing in two to three years?
- Does that role require a degree, a license, a certificate, or demonstrated skills?
- Who is already doing that work, and how did they get there?
Talking with two or three people in your target field is one of the most valuable things you can do before enrolling anywhere.
Step 2: Choose the right kind of credential
| Option | Typical length | Good fit when… |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Weeks to a year | You need a specific, in-demand skill |
| Associate degree | About two years full-time | You’re entering a technical or health field |
| Bachelor’s completion | Depends on prior credit | Your target roles require a degree |
| Master’s or graduate certificate | One to three years part-time | You’re advancing or pivoting within a profession |
| Apprenticeship | Varies | You want to earn while you learn a skilled trade |
Step 3: Check accreditation, format and outcomes
- Accreditation: choose institutions accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It affects financial aid eligibility, credit transfer and how employers view your credential.
- Format: online, evening, hybrid or full-time. Many programs for working adults offer accelerated terms and several start dates each year.
- Outcomes: ask what graduates go on to do, and how long students typically take to finish.
- Adult-learner support: advising, tutoring and flexible policies make a real difference.
Step 4: Plan how to pay for it
Federal student aid
There’s no age limit on federal student aid. File the FAFSA to see whether you qualify for grants, such as the Pell Grant for eligible undergraduates who don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree, as well as federal loans. Many states and institutions also use the FAFSA to award their own aid.
Employer tuition assistance
Many employers help pay for education. Under Section 127 of the tax code, employers can provide up to $5,250 a year in tax-free educational assistance to employees, and qualifying plans can also be used toward student loan payments. Ask your HR team about your employer’s policy, including any requirement to stay with the company after you finish.
Other sources
- Scholarships specifically for adult and returning students
- State programs for adult learners or high-demand fields
- GI Bill benefits for veterans and, in some cases, their families
- Workforce development programs through your local workforce board
Step 5: Get credit for what you already know
You may already have learning that counts toward a degree:
- Transfer credit: request transcripts from every college you’ve attended, even briefly.
- Exams: CLEP and similar exams let you earn credit by demonstrating knowledge.
- Portfolio assessment: some institutions award credit for documented work experience.
- Military training: many colleges award credit based on recommendations for military training and experience.
Step 6: Build a schedule you can sustain
The most common reason adult learners pause is time, not ability. Before you start, map out a realistic weekly schedule, talk with family and your manager about support, and choose a course load you can keep up through busy seasons. Starting with one course is a perfectly good plan.
Our free lifelong learning assessment checks your readiness across goals, time, funding and prior credit, and our lifelong learning page explains how we help.