Never Too Late For College

According to an article in U.S. News and World Report, there may be help for you to return to school if you're currently unemployed or laid off. The article points to efforts of the Obama administration to provide educational reforms for the unemployed, as well as help being given by charities, other government entities, and colleges themselves. This is good news for many in these uncertain economic times.

The U.S. News and World Report article gives several examples of programs across the country that are offering students free tuition, scholarships, and flexible options for the unemployed. For example, in my home state of Pennsylvania, Bucks County Community College is offering up to 30 credits for free, and the Community College of Allegheny County is offering free tuition for five specific career certification programs.

Community colleges, in particular, as offering many such programs, but you'll want to check with the financial aid office of any schools you're interested in attending to see if options are available for you. Also, as I mentioned in a previous post, you may find assistance through your local one-stop career center. Don't be afraid to ask. From what I can tell, there are more and more opportunities becoming available for students in need.

Even if continuing education in your desired field of study isn't covered completely, going back to school can be very motivating when you find yourself out of work. You may acquire skills to improve your chances of landing a job or to help you move toward a new career path. You may also make invaluable connections you otherwise would not have.

So go ahead and do some research. Check with the financial aid department of your local college, community college, university, or trade school. Also, you may want to visit Financial Aid Podcast for more information on financial aid and scholarships. This site is run by Christopher S. Penn, an authority on the subject, whose opinions I value and trust.

Good luck, and please keep me posted on your progress!

This question is often asked by all college students, not just returning adults. However, as an adult student, you may have outside obligations that make it feel more urgent to lessen your load. If you're doing poorly in a class or two, your gut reaction may be to just drop it. After all, you've got so much on your plate, wouldn't it be better to focus on the classes you're doing well in? Maybe, but maybe not. Here are some reasons to consider sticking it out in that tough class.

You Need the Class Eventually

If the class you're struggling in is required for your curriculum, I recommend staying enrolled. Even if you're doing poorly, by sitting through the class and listening to the lecture, you'll be picking up some of the information. This will make it much easier to understand the next time around,should you have to repeat the course. The more you expose yourself to difficult concepts, the better you'll be able to grasp them.

You Receive Financial Aid

If you're currently receiving any form of financial aid, it may be in your best interest to stay in the class. Financial aid policiies often require students to complete a certain amount of credits each semester in order to remain eligible for future aid. Check with your financial aid office before dropping a course to find out the ramifications on your aid package. Dropping a class may mean that you'll need to come up with hundreds of dollars out of your own pocket down the road in order to get back on track with finanicial aid requirements.

You Like the Class

Sometimes students get discouraged and give up before it's necessary. If you like the class and are interested in the material, it would be a shame to walk away simply because you feel you're not doing well in the class. Talk to your instructor to see what your options may be. Maybe you're not doing as poorly as you think you are or maybe getting some help from a tutor will help you to make the information click.

No matter what your situation, I always recommend talking to your professor first. You may then want to see an academic adviser or financial aid officer for more information. Dropping a class too soon can have an adverse effect on your financial aid and on your academic future, as well as in how you feel about yourself. Only drop a class after you've thoroughly researched your options and are aware of the ramifications.