Going back to school as an adult: it is possible, even when money is tight
There are lots of reasons someone might have chosen not to pursue higher education after obtaining their GCSEs or even after passing their A levels. Some have cited family obligations. Others have said that they simply didn’t fancy student life and preferred to go into a trade right away. Most, though, have said that it was money that kept them out of college and university. This is hardly surprising, seeing as 25% of UK residents haven’t even been able to build up an emergency fund.
It is no secret that higher education is expensive. That’s true almost everywhere. In the United States, students take out massive loans that take decades to repay in order to obtain those diplomas and degrees. The situation here in the UK isn’t much different.
What seems especially unfair, both here and across the pond, is that higher education is no longer truly optional. To get even simple entry level jobs, one must have a diploma, certificate or degree. Where does that leave the older worker who has been let go or downsized because his trade is simply not as “in demand” as it was when he was young?
Here is some good news. There are lots of ways to go after that much coveted degree. Yes, even if your budget is strict and funds are extremely limited!
Adult/Accelerated Programs
A lot of schools here in the UK are putting together higher educational programs that cater to “the working crowd.” These classes typically happen at night and on the weekends so that students can still hold down regular employment while going to school. Some of the programs operated on an “accelerated basis” where, instead of juggling several courses at once, they take just one but for a few hours each day so that they can complete the course in a few weeks instead of a few months. This is a great option for people who are just a few credits shy of finishing their programs.
Online Programs
Going to school online isn’t weird anymore. In fact, some students--both older returning students and those who are traditionally aged--choose internet based programs over their more traditional counterparts. There are lots of reasons for this. Some students perform better when they work and learn independently. Online courses and schools are also often much cheaper (the lack of facilities to maintain helps reduce the cost of tuition). Online programs also allow students to “attend” classes when it is convenient for them. This is particularly helpful for adults with families and jobs who might not be able to fit in a more structured class schedule.
Building Block Degrees
Basic level degrees aren’t the only things that are mandatory these days. Many fields, like education and medicine, require their professionals to pursue advanced degrees. For example, in the US, someone who becomes a nurse will have to get master’s level degrees in nursing if they ever want to move out of their entry level positions (and pay scales). These professionals take advantage of programs designed to work with their profession. In Pennsylvania, for example, there are Philadelphia nursing schools that have constructed curriculum tracks designed to build upon already-gained professional experience. This saves these professionals a lot of time that would have otherwise been wasted re-learning the things they learned in their original nursing programs.
The program you choose is going to depend on your specific situation. Are you trying to build upon a degree or an amount of work experience already gained? Or do you need to start from the very beginning? Do you do well in a structured environment or do you prefer a looser structure?
What matters most, though, is that no matter what you choose, there are options available. You can go back to school (or to school for the first time)--even if your budget is tiny!