It's critical that you find a program that matches your academic goals and interests.

• What academic areas interest you?


• What would you like to major in?


• How sure are you about this major?


• What if you end up hating this major? What would you study instead?


• How will your major help you achieve your career or personal goals for returning to school?


• Is academic reputation important to you?

Programs vary widely in the learning environment that they offer.

• In what kind of environment do you learn best? Small seminars? Large lectures? Interactive discussions? Lectures?


• Do you have any previous college experience? Will you be finishing a degree that you started? Is it important that credits from previous courses can be transferred?


• How much interaction with other students and professors do you want?


• How well will you be able to work with students younger than you?


• Can you put in the necessary study time to be successful in school? Do you have a place in your home that is conducive to studying?

With work, family and other commitments on your plate, it's important to strike a balance.

• How much time do you have to dedicate to your studies? In other words, can you afford the time to be a full-time student? Consider not only the time that you will spend in classes but also time for commuting and studying.


• How will your class schedule fit with your other commitments such as family, work, socializing, etc.?


• Will you be able to spend the time that you need with your family if you attend a full-time, part-time, evening or distance learning program?


• Will you be able to find childcare if you need it?


• Are you willing to move to attend a school?

For the great majority of students, money is a factor in the decision about going back to school.

• Can you afford to quit your job to go to school, or do you need to hold a part-time or full-time job?


• Are you willing to make major financial sacrifices to pay for college? Is your family?


• How much money have you saved to pay for college?


• What tangible goods (i.e. new car, home improvement) will you have to postpone to pay for college?


• Are you willing to borrow money to pay for tuition? How much debt are you willing to incur?

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