|
Today, education is for everyone. The U.S. Department of Education
estimates that 90 million individuals participate in some form of adult
education each
year, including training and basic education offered outside traditional
higher education. To serve this immense market, most colleges have
structured programs
and services specifically for adult learners. Forty percent of American college
students, or almost 6 million people, are 25 years of age or older. Many
of which need to consolidate their existing student
loans before taking
on a burdensome tution again.
Assess
Yourself
The first step to finding the right program and type of school for you
is to evaluate your interests. A self-assessment will help you examine
your
interests and goals, and offers ideas on fields of study and careers
that might be right for you.
For information on careers, latest career fields in demand, how to
get the training you need for the job you want, and where to look for
a job, click here.
- General Education Development (GED) Certificate
If you'd like to go to college but you don't have a high school diploma,
find out about taking the GED. More than 800,000 adults each year take
the GED. For more information on the GED visit the official GED website.
- Take the Tests
Once you have assessed your interests and determined what type
of program you want to enroll in, you may be required to take one
or more standardized
tests. Here you will find more information about common standardized
tests and what you need to do to prepare for them.
- Types of Schools
Once you have an idea of what your interests are, it's time to
figure out what kinds of schools offer programs that match those
interests. Whether
you are looking at 2-year, 4-year, or trade schools, make sure that the
school is accredited. If you anticipate receiving federal student aid
while in school, you'll want to make sure that the school is
Title IV participating.
Otherwise, you may not be eligible for federal student aid.
- Things to
Consider
There are hundreds of points that should be taken into consideration
while you are making decisions about what to do when returning
to school. Here
are a few points to take into account before you commit to a school.
- Understanding College Costs
Most people believe that college is much more expensive than it
really is. Although some colleges are expensive, the costs of many
colleges are
within financial reach.
- Student Loan Consolidation
After you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment,
you generally have six months before you begin repayment of your
student loan.
If you become delinquent or need to consider consolidation
now, click here.
|
