Some schools offer programs that allow you to obtain a degree in less time than is usually required. For example, if you have a number of college credits, you may be able to receive your bachelor's degree in about two years. An advantage of this type of program is that you will spend less time out of the workforce, but the big disadvantage is that because the program is accelerated, you will need to concentrate more time on your studies. There are accelerated programs for both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
These are specialized schools that teach skills that are directly transferable to a specific career. Automobile repair, medical assistance, cosmetology and computer networking are all examples of subjects taught at vocational schools. Vocational schools may award certificates, associate's degrees and even bachelor's and master's degrees. The main disadvantage of vocational schools is that they offer limited courses. This is not a problem if you are going back to school to learn a specific skill, but for students who have more general interests, a community college or university may be a better choice since it offers a much wider selection of classes. In addition, vocational or technical schools are often more expensive than other options such as community colleges.
These programs are typically run by state or county governments to provide specific skills to adults. They often offer practical courses such as computer training. Adult education is an a la carte system where you pick and choose classes. You usually receive a certificate of completion for these courses but not college credit.
These are the hidden gems of the education system. Cheap, local and with open admission policies (i.e., anyone will be accepted) they offer the chance to attend school for two years or more to receive an associate's degree. Then, you may transfer to a four-year college to receive a bachelor's degree in another two years. Attending a community college may be a great option to help you ease back into studying, take basic requirement classes and save money. Community college is where many adults get their first taste of returning to school.
Gen and Kelly Tanabe
Founders of SuperCollege and authors of 13 books on college planning.
By: Gen & Kelly Tanabe
Learn how to go back to school without going broke. This is the only book that shows you how to find the best scholarships for adult students, get your employer to pay, have your student loans forgiven and much more.
By: Gen & Kelly Tanabe
Fulfill your dream of going back to school--painlessly! Whether you're going back to school for the first time, returning after an absence or advancing or changing your career, this book will help.