As work becomes more complex and advanced, companies are increasingly expecting workers to have deeper analytical skills and knowledge. This is why millions of Americans over the age of 25 are enrolling in some school, and many are opting for online college. Despite this well-documented interest and enthusiasm, some adults are still hesitant to explore getting a degree.
Many of these individuals want to earn a degree, but they may feel that attending college as a working adult will be too expensive, too time-consuming, or too difficult. If you’re considering going back to school but you aren’t sure you can make it work, it might help to understand how other adult learners are handling these challenges.
Here at Columbia Southern University, we’ve offered distance learning programs to students since our founding in 1993, so we’re intimately aware of what it takes for nontraditional students to succeed. Here are some of the common challenges adults face going back to school, along with tips and resources that can help you manage them.
Find a School or Program That Works With Your Schedule
One of the most common concerns that prospective students have when considering a return to college is the potential lack of flexibility and the demands of a full course load. If you’re working full time, it can be hard to imagine adding hours of classes and homework to your schedule, not to mention time spent commuting to and from class if you’re attending in person.
For adults going back to school, a common way to address this issue is enrolling in an online degree program. There are online schools designed for working adults with self-paced programs, multiple enrollment windows, and the ability to complete assignments or even attend class asynchronously. While different from the in-person college experience, growing investment in digital education tools means that schools have extensive collaboration and guidance resources available for remote learners who need to work within a specific schedule.
Flexibility is the key benefit, as online students can choose how to approach their studies and what works best for them. There is no typical day; some online students wake up early and finish their schoolwork before heading to work, while others finish theirs after putting their kids to bed.
Related: Online Degrees Are Worth It – Here’s Why
Figure Out How to Pay for College
An unfortunate reality is that – for many students – college can be expensive. Figuring out how to pay for college can be a big challenge, but there are plenty of options that can help. For example, there is no age limit for federal student aid, and money you receive through federal student aid can be used for things like child care and housing.
The school you choose can also be a big factor. Some colleges may award academic credit for professional certifications, work experience and more, potentially reducing the number of classes you’ll need to complete for your degree. Additionally, there can be big variations in the costs for tuition and fees. Here at Columbia Southern University, we believe in transparency for college costs, and we offer a calculator that compares costs for various schools that offer degree programs online. For more information, check out our Q&A with CSU Chief Marketing Officer Dale Leatherwood:
Online College Tuition Comparisons: A Q&A With CSU Chief Marketing Officer Dale Leatherwood
(Re-)learn Good Study Habits
After years in the workforce, you may worry that you’ve forgotten how to be a student and all that entails. Working and studying are fairly distinct disciplines, so there may be an adjustment period as you get back into the academic routine.
On the positive side, many adults who return to school do so with a deeper focus and motivation than those coming out of high school, and they can bring this added enthusiasm to their studies. Additionally, many schools offer numerous support services to students. These may include academic advising, career services, disability services, math and writing support, and more. Schools often offer support designed for specific student populations as well, such as military students. Your school of choice will be motivated to help you succeed.
Related: How to Be a Successful Online Student
Balance Work, School and Life
Maintaining work-life balance can support living a productive and happy life and avoiding constant burnout. This is equally true for anyone returning to school, as the added pressure of classes and studying can force you to change the way you approach your life and schedule.
Many adults choose to not attend school because they see working and studying as an either-or situation. However, statistics show that 73% of online students are engaged in full-time work. These numbers show that working and studying online at the same time is common.
Some students also find it helpful or even essential to discuss their studies with their manager or company, as they may need to make schedule adjustments and communicate about changes in their availability. For those studying in the same field that they are working in, it makes sense to include your employer as a partner in your education, and some companies even offer financial and support resources to employees working to obtain a degree.
We’ve compiled several resources to help prospective students in their approach to work, school and life. Here’s a selection:
- 4 Tips for Crushing Your Career While Earning a Degree
- Stress Management for Online Students
- Time Management Tips for Online Students
- Tips and Considerations for Going Back to School as a Parent
- Use the Academic Calendar to Balance School, Work & Family
- Going Back to School While Working: How to Gain Employer Support
Build a Support Network
In addition to support from their employers, family and friends, adult students also cultivate relationships and support from their peers in school. Many students find this to be one of the most rewarding aspects of online programs, as their education and communication tools allow them to collaborate with a wide range of different people, each one with a unique perspective.
Many online universities provide faculty and staff support channels. These allow students to speak to advisors, faculty members, and school representatives about any issues they are dealing with. Having an experienced educator or administrator available to discuss complex or challenging issues is an essential part of an online college support network.
Restart Your Academic Journey at CSU
Here at Columbia Southern University, our programs are designed to help you earn your degree in your chosen field at a pace that makes sense for you. Our online classes allow you to pursue your degree while giving you the time you need to work and meet your other responsibilities.
Our faculty and staff understand the challenges that working adults face and are committed to supporting our students. If you’d like to learn more about how CSU can help you, take a look at our student support page.
This testimonial may not reflect the typical or ordinary experience of CSU students.
NOTE: This article was originally written and published by Matt Rowley in October 2024. It was edited and updated by Jazmin Hill in September 2026.
