Nontraditional Students: Choosing, Financing and Succeeding in College

A lot of people have vague plans to continue their formal education, but not many find the time, money and opportunity to fulfill their academic goals. It is tough to go back to school when you have a job, a spouse, children and hobbies. For the at-home parent, there has never been a better time to pursue a degree or certification. With more and more institutions offering online courses, class work can literally be completed during naptime. Web-based classes are not the only option; enrolling in evening or weekend classes gives the at-home parent adult interaction and his spouse some time alone with the children. 

Continuing education is an investment with potentially high economic returns. While the median weekly paycheck for full-time workers age 25 and over was $572 in 1998, those with at least a bachelor’s degree averaged $821 (Mariani, 1999, p. 9). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, new graduates with Master’s degrees earn an average of 28% more than those with Bachelor’s degrees (Cosca, 1998). A college diploma isn’t just a sheet of paper; for a potential employer it symbolizes a well-rounded education, perseverance and a level of expertise in a specific field. For the parent planning on returning to the office when the children are in school, finishing a degree may lead to a better-paying job and quicker promotions. 

Returning to the classroom – whether physically or virtually – has benefits beyond the financial. For the at-home parent a challenging course can offer stimulation and a creative outlet. Attending classes, reading papers and completing assignments provides structure to the week and fodder for conversation at cocktail parties.