Flexibility and affordability: two of the strongest and most common values for any adult. Even if you don’t have a growing family or a rotation of jobs that keep you busy at all hours of the day, you’re doubtless very busy and don’t have a lot of extra time in your schedule. Going back to school, can sometimes feel like a non-starter.
Resist that mindset. The digital age offers more educational options than ever before to aspiring students of all ages. If you want to expand your career opportunities and knowledge base, you absolutely can. If you have a dream that requires an education, you can achieve it.
Barriers to Education Reentry
As they always have, barriers to education still exist. Affordability is one such barrier. Even if you’re financially stable, the amount of student loan debt with which you may leave college can seem overwhelming. According to Student Loan Hero, the average 2016 graduate has an average debt load of $37,172. Before you dismiss school as an option, though, keep in mind that a bachelor’s or master’s degree can significantly increase your salary potential in any field, making a degree more affordable than you think. And scholarships can make a significant change in the price you end up paying.
Another barrier commonly cited is flexibility. If you live in a low-population area without easy access to a physical campus, have a day job or family responsibilities, or travel a lot for work or pleasure, being on-location may not be possible or appealing to you. Luckily, you no longer need to commit to a campus environment in order to earn a degree.
The Range of Educational Models Available Today
Thirty years ago, if you wanted to increase your educational acumen, you either had to get yourself to a campus, or you needed to find a distance learning program and sign up for mail-order courses. Today, your options are significantly expanded, with fully online programs and blended models that take place both on campus and over the internet.
This likely accounts for the significant increases we’re seeing in students returning to school later in life. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there were 11.8 million college and university students under age 25 and 8.1 million students 25 years old and over. That’s a huge increase of students over typical college age, which for decades hovered between 18 and 24 almost exclusively. Not only is the ratio increasing, but the numbers of students attending college are increasing overall, says NCES: “younger and older students increased between 2000 and 2015.”
If you want to head back to school, whether online or campus, there are programs available. However, many adults find that a blended model works best for them.
The Upside of Blended Learning
Blended learning takes many forms, but its major selling point is the same across the board: Instead of heading to campus for each and every class and exam, you can instead complete courses from wherever you like with a huge degree of flexibility when it comes to listening to lectures, engaging with professors and turning in work.
Some programs enable students to work online all day and attend school once a week. Others allow you to attend class and submit assignments online, then travel to campus for a month in the summer. The program you choose will depend on what works for your schedule and lifestyle, as well as what’s available at your schools of choice.
Taking the Next Steps
If you’d like to learn more about achieving your goals with a biblically based, Christ-centered education at Geneva, we are happy to help you explore a plan that complements your work and family life. For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your career objectives, please give us a call at 855-979-5563 or email web@victorybreastimaging.com.
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
Sep 20, 2017
Geneva offers several Online Degree Programs designed to offer a flexible experience for working adults looking to complete their bachelor's degree. One of these online opportunities is the Management Program. Read here to learn about it!
Geneva offers several Online Degree Programs designed to offer a flexible experience for working adults looking to complete their bachelor's degree. One of these online opportunities is the Human Resources Program.
A traditional college experience can be especially difficult for adults who need to earn a full-time income. Geneva understands that some students require a more flexible educational experience, which is why we offer online degree programs.
Learn about Geneva's Online Associate's Degree Program! If you are looking to continue your education at a flexible pace, this program might be right for you!
Geneva offers Online Degree Programs for students that require more flexibility than an on-campus program provides. One of these programs is the Child and Family Services major. Read here to learn about this program!
Going back to school to finish your degree can really be a fantastic way to continue to grow and develop in one’s line of work and as a person. Geneva provides these students with various adult program options to choose from. Each major is offered fully online, allowing for greater flexibility for the working adult.
Going back to school as an adult learner offers a wonderful opportunity to broaden your knowledge and expand your career options, but earning your Online Degree from Geneva can be a challenge. When you’ve been out of school for years, getting back into a study routine can take some time to get used to. If you’re balancing studies with work, it’s important to find ways to manage your time efficiently so that you’re able to focus on both school and your job. The following time management tips are a valuable resource when you’re adjusting to school as a working adult.
Geneva College's Professional Studies in Child and Family Services program identifies the family as the most important institution in society. This is a view that is rooted in the Bible, and lived out in contemporary culture today. Students focus on the role that the family plays in childhood development, learning how to identify dysfunctional family practices, intervene in a respectful way, and help families to improve their relationships. Graduates of this program will have the tools and experience to strengthen the family, contributing to a happier, more stable society.
Human Resources is a highly competitive field for good reasons: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13-21 percent increase in job opportunities by 2020, and median annual wages for HR managers came close to $100,000 in 2012. HR positions are also perfect stepping stones up the corporate ladder if you're interested in top level management.
Learn more about Geneva College.
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