Returning to school may seem challenging, but many adult learners find this an exciting opportunity to reinvent themselves.
Adult degree programs can give you the credentials necessary to advance your career and increase your salary potential — without neglecting other obligations.
Online programs, in particular, can provide accessible and affordable learning formats. Online college for adults can be an ideal way to pursue your education goals while balancing work and family.
Colleges for Adult Learners
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#1 Programs for Adults Returning to School
Charter Oak State College
- New Britain, CT
- 4 years
- Online
- Concentrations Available: three associate degrees; 14 bachelor's degrees; three master's degrees
- Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Undergraduate degree-seekers pay out-of-state tuition; graduate students pay in-state tuition.
Located in Connecticut, Charter Oak features over a dozen online bachelor's degrees for adult students. Majors include criminal justice, organizational leadership, and sociology. The RN-to-BSN program lets RNs advance their education without pausing their career. Some undergraduate degrees feature an optional certificate track. New degree-seekers submit a portfolio to qualify for prior learning credit.
Prospective undergrad and graduate students create an online account to apply. Charter Oak accepts up to 87 transfer credits from accredited schools. Degree-seekers in neighboring states receive an out-of-state tuition discount. The university sponsors over a dozen endowed scholarships and grants. As of Jan. 2022, most institutional scholarships award $850.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 Programs for Adults Returning to School
Excelsior College
- Albany, NY
- 4 years
- Online
- Concentrations Available: seven associate degrees; 22 bachelor's degrees; 15 graduate degrees
- Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? N/A
Situated in Albany, New York, Excelsior features dozens of online degrees. Bachelor's students major in healthcare management, history, and national security. RNs in the school's RN-to-MSN program pick from many concentrations, such as nursing education and nursing informatics. Adult degree-seekers benefit from an asynchronous format.
Prospective students apply for one of six annual start dates. Excelsior does not charge out-of-state tuition. Degree-seekers pay a per-credit academic services and technology fee. Active-duty military personnel and veterans enjoy an automatic tuition discount. Applicants may qualify for one of dozens of general or program-specific scholarships. Interested learners submit FAFSA results.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Programs for Adults Returning to School
Walden University
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 years
- Online
- Concentrations Available: 45 bachelor's degrees; 25 master's degrees; 30 doctoral degrees
- Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? N/A
Walden's over 50 graduate degrees make it an appealing choice for adults with an undergraduate degree. Options for master's students include developmental psychology, health education and promotion, and criminal justice leadership. Doctoral degree-seekers train for a career in academia by majoring in public policy or social work. Learners choose a traditional 16-week curriculum or self-paced learning. Self-paced students may save money on their education.
Applicants submit official transcripts, personal information, and their employment history. Walden accepts transfer credit and awards credit by exams and portfolios. Learners working in law enforcement receive an automatic 20% tuition discount. Returning alumni also pay less for their education.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Programs for Adults Returning to School
Thomas Edison State University
- Trenton, NJ
- 4 years
- Online
- Concentrations Available: 13 associate degrees; 34 bachelor's degrees; 15 master's degrees; two doctoral degrees
- Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
Located in Trenton, New Jersey, TESU features more than 60 online degrees. Options at the bachelor's level include electrical technology, accounting, and international studies. Master's students prepare for a leadership role in accounting or homeland security. Degree-seekers may take a class with other learners or study independently.
Undergraduate admission requirements include a high school or GED diploma. Some applicants receive conditional admission. TESU does not consider prospective students ages 19 and younger. Incoming TESU degree-seekers may earn transfer credit through portfolios or exams. Learners apply for institutional scholarships May 1-31 and must maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Programs for Adults Returning to School
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online
- Concentrations Available: three bachelor's degrees; 27 master's degrees; 23 doctoral degrees
- Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? N/A
NU has helped working adults advance their education since 1996. The school offers fully online programs for bachelor's and graduate degrees and graduate certificates. Master's degree-seekers major in health administration, psychology, or organizational leadership. Specialized doctoral programs admit students with transfer credit and help them complete their dissertation. New classes start every week, making NU suitable for learners wanting to start their education quickly.
Prospective master's students submit undergraduate transcripts. Some programs require a resume. Incoming learners complete an academic evaluation to determine transfer credit. Each NU school charges a different per-credit tuition rate.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#6 Programs for Adults Returning to School
University of Massachusetts Global
- Irvine, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
- Concentrations Available: two associate degrees; 37 bachelor's degrees; 20 master's degrees; one doctoral degree
- Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? N/A
Formerly Brandman University, UMass Global offers students an asynchronous education and an employer-aligned curriculum. Online bachelor's degrees include criminal justice, early childhood education, and legal studies. Master's degree-seekers can specialize in autism education or educational leadership. Dedicated support services for online learners include enrollment coaches and academic advisors.
Bachelor program admission requirements include at least 12 transferable credits and at least a 2.0 undergrad GPA. UMass Global offers graduate applicants four admissions pathways. Per-credit tuition at this private school depends on the degree level. Active-duty military personnel and their spouses receive a 50% tuition discount.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#7 Programs for Adults Returning to School
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Adelphi, MD
- 4 years
- Online
- Concentrations Available: one associate degree; 34 bachelor's degrees; 22 master's degrees; two doctoral degrees
- Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
Situated in Largo, Maryland, UMGC offers an associate degree for out-of-state students and active-duty military. Degree-seekers pick from more than 10 specializations and leave UMGC ready for a bachelor's-completion program. Other academic opportunities include over 30 bachelor's degrees, including east Asian studies, graphic communication, and health services management. Learners benefit from free digital textbooks.
Prospective undergraduates submit GED scores or high school transcripts. UMGC does not require standardized test scores. All applicants pay a nonrefundable application fee. Maryland residents pay less per credit than out-of-state students. Fortunately, UMGC awards many institutional scholarships. Degree-seekers may also qualify for federal financial aid programs.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#8 Programs for Adults Returning to School
Granite State College
- Concord, NH
- 4 years
- Online
- Concentrations Available: five associate degrees; 22 bachelor's degrees; six master's degrees
- Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
GSC offers online bachelor's degrees in nursing, business management, and fire service administration. The university also offers an MSN program and a master's in human services administration. Students earn transfer credit by submitting transcripts or passing an exam. They can also develop an experiential learning portfolio.
Prospective undergraduates must hold a high school diploma or pass the GED exam. GSC does not require standardized test scores or recommendation letters. The college does not consider graduate applicants without at least a 3.0 undergrad GPA. Out-of-state learners pay slightly more per credit than New Hampshire residents. Each institutional scholarship needs a separate application.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#9 Programs for Adults Returning to School
Peirce College
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 years
- Online
- Concentrations Available: seven associate degrees; 13 bachelor's degrees; five master's degrees
- Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? N/A
Peirce's 100% online programs include bachelor's degrees in accounting, health information administration, and criminal justice. Master's degree-seekers can specialize in healthcare administration or higher education leadership. Each degree features a career-aligned curriculum and highly trained faculty. New learners can earn up to 12 prior learning assessment credits.
Application steps include submitting high school transcripts or GED scores. Peirce uses a minimum "C" grade cutoff for undergraduate transfer credit. The college limits graduate applicants to those with at least a 2.75 undergrad GPA. Out-of-state students do not pay a higher tuition rate at this private school. New and returning learners interested in institutional aid submit the Common Scholarship Application by the annual deadline.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#10 Programs for Adults Returning to School
Post University
- Waterbury, CT
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
- Concentrations Available: six associate degrees; 18 bachelor's degrees; 13 master's degrees, one doctorate
- Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? N/A
Located in Waterbury, Connecticut, Post offers undergraduate and graduate online programs in child studies, finance, and human services. Learners living near campus may earn a degree online or in a hybrid format. All online classes use an asynchronous format. Students engage with each other through virtual group discussions.
Undergraduate admissions steps include speaking with a counselor, attending orientation, and applying for financial aid. Pierce uses a 3.0 undergraduate GPA cutoff for graduate admissions. Undergraduate and graduate per-credit tuition vary by major. Post charges a per-term technology fee. Online graduate students may qualify for an institutional scholarship.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
Why Get an Online Degree?
- Online and hybrid learning platforms prioritize flexibility with asynchronous learning, varied start dates, and shorter term lengths.
- Adult degree programs can help you advance your expertise and qualify for leadership roles.
- Online programs expand your educational options by giving you access to colleges outside your local area.
- Many online programs allow students to earn credit for military and work experience.
- In an online program, you may study with peers from around the globe, facilitating an enhanced learning experience.
- An online degree can help adult learners switch careers and learn new skills without leaving the workforce.
Should You Return to School?
Heading back to school as an adult can be a good idea for many reasons. You may want to enhance your skills for higher pay or career advancement in your present field. Also, a degree can qualify you for leadership roles, and sometimes companies will reimburse tuition fees.
Or maybe you need to learn new skills to switch careers. For example, a career switch to fields like healthcare and education may require specific education for licensure.
Some workers return to school to complete an unfinished bachelor's degree for the satisfaction of that accomplishment or job security.
Returning to school isn't for everyone. It's a big time commitment, and tuition fees can lead to debt. It's important to weigh both the pros and cons of returning to school.
Pros & Cons of Returning to School
Pros
- Higher salary potential
- Qualify for new careers
- Advance your expertise
- Earn licensures
Cons
- Significant time investment
- Tuition expenses
- No employment guarantees
- Relearn study habits
How Much Can You Earn With A Degree?
Earning a degree is an investment that tends to pay off. Your salary potential will depend on a variety of factors, such as occupation, career level, and location. But the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) makes it clear that higher levels of education can boost pay.
For instance, the median annual earnings for workers with a high school diploma was $49,075 in 2022. Workers with some college education earned a median salary of $53,792.
There's a significant jump in median earnings between associate degree holders ($57,820) and workers with a bachelor's degree ($82,386).
The BLS also reports that people with more education are less likely to be unemployed. Those with a bachelor's degree have a 2.2% unemployment rate, while those without a high school diploma have a 5.5% unemployment rate.
2022 Average Salary by Degree Level
Degree |
Median Annual Earnings |
Less Than High School Diploma |
$39,237 |
High School Diploma |
$49,075 |
Some College, No Degree |
$53,792 |
Associate's Degree |
$57,820 |
Bachelor's Degree |
$82,386 |
Master's Degree |
$95,561 |
Professional Degree |
$119,666 |
Doctoral Degree |
$119,839 |
Source: BLS
How to Choose an Adult Degree Program
There's never been a better time to be an adult learner, with many schools designing programs specifically to accommodate this population. Consider these steps as you choose the best program for you.
1. Outline Your Goals
Developing a plan that outlines your goals can serve as a map to achieve them. Factors to consider include how much time you have to dedicate to your education and what level degree you want to complete.
This map should include a timeline for you to earn your degree, what occupation you plan to pursue, and your desired earnings.
2. Determine Your Budget
A budget will help determine your options for adult degree programs. First, you should review your income, expenses, and financial aid at your disposal.
Aid options include federal and private student loans, institutional scholarships, and grants. Online learners must budget for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses such as books and supplies.
3. Compare Programs
Narrow down your list of adult degree programs based on the features you most desire. This should include program format, length, and curriculum details such as number of credits, required courses, and available concentrations or electives.
Some schools may provide more support for nontraditional learners than others. Review each program's website to identify resources such as career guidance counseling, tutoring, and mentorship programs that help enhance your learning and outcomes.
4. Confirm Accreditation
College accreditation ensures you receive a high-quality education and protects your investment. You must plan to attend an accredited school to qualify for federal financial aid.
If you plan to attend graduate school, your bachelor's degree must come from an accredited college. Additionally, employers will prioritize candidates with credentials from accredited institutions.
5. Connect With Faculty, Students, and Alumni
Getting a firsthand perspective of your chosen programs can provide valuable insight into whether the program is a good fit for you. Engage faculty, students, and alumni while visiting the school or attending online recruitment events.
This gives you an opportunity to ask questions not covered on the website or in other materials. A one-on-one conversation with students and alumni can give you a more honest appraisal of what you can expect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Returning to School
Is it worth returning to school as an adult?
For most people, returning to school is worth the investment. There is a clear correlation between education level and higher pay. Higher education is a good investment in your future if you plan carefully and consider factors such as program cost, how you will pay for it, and expected outcomes.
Can I get a bachelor's degree while working?
Many students complete bachelor's programs while they work. Some schools design online programs with this in mind. They provide a generous credit transfer system, shorter terms, multiple start dates, and affordable tuition for nontraditional students.
Even students without prior credit can thrive by attending online colleges that offer scheduling flexibility they wouldn't otherwise enjoy.
Are online degrees cheaper?
The affordability of online degrees depends on several factors, such as the school and program. Many programs charge approximately the same tuition for in-person and online programs. But there are some schools that offer cheaper tuition for online programs.
Online students also save money by skipping out on costs related to additional transportation, accommodation, or childcare costs. All students must budget for tuition, fees, and supplies such as books.
Should I go back to school for a degree or certificate?
Certificate programs offer quick and affordable education or training. Students can pursue certifications in a variety of fields, from IT to healthcare. Certificates can qualify you for new licenses or prepare you for leadership positions.
Certificates do not require general education coursework as in a baccalaureate program, focusing instead on specific expertise and practical training. Undergraduate certificates can take a few weeks to more than a year to complete at colleges and universities.
What is an adult degree completion program?
Many nontraditional students return to college to finish their bachelor's degrees. An adult degree completion program helps bridge your past education experience so those credits don't go to waste.
Students can pursue their degrees entirely online and receive an award of 60-90 credits for courses already taken in the past. You may also receive credit for work experience, volunteerism, and life experience, helping to accelerate degree completion.