You’re thinking about how to go back to college, but where do you begin? Which program suits you? How will you afford tuition?
These are all important, and common, questions for anyone looking to finish their degree. Returning to the classroom, whether in-person or online, can feel overwhelming. However, there are online degree completion programs, such as the Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA), specifically designed for those who want to complete their degree while juggling career and life commitments.
This guide tackles the common challenges of returning to college and explains how programs like the RBA degree can be a great option.
Key Takeaways
- You’re not alone in going back to college. About 37.6 million working-age Americans have earned college credit without finishing a credential, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
- Ask for a credit evaluation before you apply. Old coursework usually still counts, and Marshall’s Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) program also awards credit for work, military service and professional training.
- Consider an online degree completion program, such as Marshall’s RBA. You qualify if you graduated from high school at least three years ago, and you’ll apply as a distance student to take all coursework remotely.
- Grants, scholarships and employer tuition assistance don’t require repayment.
- Treat school like a scheduled commitment. Include classes, work and family commitments in one calendar, start with a lighter course load and check in with an advisor each term.
Why Going Back to College Is Worth It
Returning to college after years away can feel daunting, but it provides excellent opportunities for both personal and professional growth. And you’re not alone: About 37.6 million working-age U.S. adults have earned college credit without completing a credential, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
Let’s explore some of the most beneficial reasons for going back to college as an adult and their potential impact on your future.
- Career advancement: A bachelor’s degree can open doors to new opportunities, promotions or even career changes. Regardless of your professional interests and goals, it’s an important investment in your future.
- Personal growth and development: Obtaining a degree is about more than just fulfilling the required coursework and accepting a diploma. Your journey will involve discipline, dedication and hard work, all of which can help you grow both professionally and personally.
- Increased earning potential: Positions that require a bachelor’s degree generally pay more than those that don’t.
- Competitive edge: Even if a degree isn’t required for a particular position, it can still enhance your resume and help you stand out from other candidates, potentially giving you the competitive edge to land your desired job.
- Achieving personal goals: If you’ve always wanted to obtain a bachelor’s degree, you still can! Life happens, but with the right program and support system you can achieve your academic goals.
- Professional networking: College gives you the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, many of whom may become lifelong friends or valuable professional connections.
- Can provide a fresh start: Going back to school can offer an exciting opportunity to begin the next chapter of your life.
Getting Started: What Do You Need to Re-Enroll?
The specifics of what you need to re-enroll depends on the institution, but most schools ask for some version of the same short list:
- Official transcripts from every college you’ve attended. Even a single semester counts. Request them early, since processing can take a few weeks.
- A completed application. Some schools treat returning applicants as a new applicant. Others have a shorter readmission or re-entry form if you’re coming back to the same institution.
- A clear account. Unpaid balances, unreturned library materials or holds from your previous enrollment can block registration. A quick call to the registrar or student accounts office will tell you where you stand.
- A completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Filling out the FAFSA can help you secure grants, loans and work-study; many schools also use it for their own aid decisions.
What Marshall’s RBA Program Requires
Marshall’s Regents Bachelor of Arts program keeps the process straightforward. To be eligible, you must have graduated from high school at least three years ago. If you earned a GED, your graduating cohort must be at least three years out.
From there, your path depends on where you’re starting:
- If you’re new to Marshall: Submit a Marshall University Admissions Application. You can complete it online, print and mail it, or pick one up in the RBA Office in Smith Hall 223 or the Admissions Office in Old Main 102. If you plan to take all of your courses online, apply as a distance student. The degree can be completed online, though not every area of emphasis is available in that format.
- If you’re already admitted to Marshall: Complete the separate RBA program application to be considered for the program.
- If you’re a current Marshall student changing your major: Start by speaking with your current academic advisor, then connect with an RBA advisor to confirm your eligibility. From there, you’ll submit an Intercollege Transfer Form. The process begins in your home college and can take several business days, and the RBA office will reach out once your transfer is processed.
Ready to Learn More About the Benefits of an RBA Degree? Download the eBook: Top 10 Reasons to Earn Your RBA Degree
How to Overcome Common Hurdles When Returning to College
For many, returning to college comes with its fair share of challenges. From financial constraints and personal commitments to rising above the stigma of being an older student, these obstacles can create physical, mental and emotional strain. Let’s break down some of the more common challenges and share tips on how to manage them effectively.
The challenge: Balancing work, family and other commitments
Tips and solutions: Students who return to college later in life typically have other commitments, whether it’s managing a job, caring for children or supporting other family members. One of the best ways to effectively manage your time is to create a schedule so that you can visually map out your classes, work hours, family time and other important commitments. Be sure to rank tasks in order of priority, and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance from family and friends. Additionally, consider an online degree completion program, many of which let you study part time and at your own pace.
The challenge: Understanding which of your credits still counts
Tips and solutions: One of the most common misconceptions about returning to college is that you’re starting over from the beginning. In reality, coursework you completed years ago may still apply toward your degree, as well as learning you’ve done outside a classroom.
Start by requesting official transcripts from every institution you’ve attended, even if you were only enrolled for a semester. Then contact the school you’re considering and ask for a credit evaluation before you apply. An advisor can tell you exactly which courses transfer, how or if they fulfill your degree requirements and roughly how many credits you still need. That single conversation often changes the math on both your timeline and your total cost.
Next, ask about prior learning assessment. Many institutions award credit for knowledge you’ve gained through work, military service or professional training rather than in a classroom. Marshall’s Regents Bachelor of Arts program is built around this idea. Knowledge gained from your work and life experience can count toward college credit, and courses taken through the U.S. Armed Forces, business, industry and hospital schools may be acceptable if they’re recommended by the American Council on Education. You can also receive credit for documented military training.
The challenge: Paying for tuition and other expenses
Tips and solutions: A college education can be an expensive investment with the price of tuition, books, supplies and transportation adding up. The good news is that there are many financial aid options and resources that can help with affordability, and most students combine several of them. Start looking for grants, scholarships and employer tuition assistance, which typically don’t require repayment. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare:
| Grants | Scholarships | Employer Tuition Assistance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Need- or criteria-based aid awarded that generally does not have to be repaid | Merit- or criteria-based aid awarded for academics, field of study, background or circumstance | A workplace benefit that covers part or all of your tuition |
| Where it comes from | Federal and state governments, and sometimes the school itself | Colleges, private foundations, nonprofits, businesses, professional associations and community organizations | Your employer |
| Do you need to pay it back? | No, unless you fail to meet the terms of the award | Generally no, though some awards may have conditions that require repayment | Usually no, though some programs require you to stay with a company for a set period |
| How to pursue it | File the FAFSA, which is used to determine eligibility for many federal, state and institution aid programs | Search your school’s scholarship database and outside listings, then apply to each one separately | Ask your human resources department about tuition assistance or reimbursement |
| Good to know | Adult and returning students may qualify for aid they don’t expect, particularly if they haven’t applied for financial aid recently | Many scholarships are written specifically for nontraditional or returning students, which can mean a smaller applicant pool. You can also apply for multiple scholarships at the same time. | Reimbursement programs typically pay you back after you complete a course, so plan for the upfront cost |
Student loans are another option, and federal loans generally offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms than private ones. Because loans have to be repaid with interest, it’s worth exhausting grants, scholarships and employer benefits first.
The challenge: Adapting to academic demands and completing assignments on time
Tips and solutions: You should treat going back to school like any other commitment or appointment: In other words, plan specific times for attending class, writing papers and studying. Use a planner or digital calendar to write down due dates, stay organized and keep yourself on track. Also, make sure to utilize your university’s resources, such as academic advising, one-on-one support, post-graduate assistance, tutoring and the writing center.
The challenge: Learning new online platforms and different types of technology
Tips and solutions: Technology is constantly evolving, especially in the classroom, and colleges and universities are continually investing in the latest tools and resources to support both students and staff. Most online learning platforms are relatively intuitive, but don’t be afraid to ask for assistance from your school’s IT department, or even your professor or peers.
The challenge: Adjusting to a possible feeling of “being out of place” as an older student
Tips and solutions: While you may be older than most of the undergraduate student population, it’s important to remember that you are not alone and everyone’s educational path is different. The RBA degree is specifically designed for nontraditional students, allowing them to customize their education by choosing an area of emphasis that fits their interests. Plus, as an RBA student, you’ll be learning alongside others in similar circumstances. It’s also important to take advantage of student resources on campus, which may offer support groups and additional assistance.
The challenge: Managing your physical and mental well-being
Tips and solutions: It’s common to feel overwhelmed and burnt out, especially when going back to school, but there are ways to effectively manage stress and anxiety. Most higher education institutions offer counseling and health and wellness services. Physical activity, even if it’s just walking for 10 or 15 minutes a day, can do wonders for your strength and endurance, helping to reduce stress and tension. Remember, it’s important to take care of yourself. This includes eating a healthy diet, obtaining an adequate amount of sleep, making time for your hobbies and connecting with others. Also, consider the science-backed benefits of yoga and meditation.
Additional Tips for Success
Looking for more strategic insights that will help you succeed? Keep the following tips in mind:
- Find a degree program that aligns with personal needs. Look for one that fits your schedule and learning style. Be sure to explore online degree completion programs, especially if you have a busy lifestyle or the campus isn’t nearby
- Have a conversation with the people around you. Tell your family, roommates and your employer what you’re taking on before classes start. Being specific helps: “I’ll need Tuesday and Thursday evenings free for coursework” is easier for everyone to plan around than a general heads-up.
- Connect with your instructor and peers. It’s important to build relationships with the people in your program. Engage in learning opportunities, like joining a study group, and reach out to your instructors if you have any questions or feel overwhelmed at any point.
- Set realistic goals. Use the common S.M.A.R.T acronym when defining your goals. Make sure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
- Stay positive! It may be challenging to adapt to student life again, but be patient and give yourself credit for making this important life decision.
A Success Story: How Marshall’s RBA Program Changed One Student’s Life
Ready to Take Action?
If you’re interested in learning more about going back to college, download our free eBook, Top 10 Reasons to Earn Your RBA Degree. You’ll learn more about the program and how it can serve as a pathway for those who wish to achieve their educational goals without compromising their current lifestyle. And if you have any questions, just contact our RBA team.
FAQs
No, it’s not too late to go back to college at any age. About 37.6 million working-age Americans have earned college credit without completing a credential, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, so returning in your 30s, 40s or 50s is common rather than unusual. And because the credits you already earned typically still count, the path to finishing is often shorter than you expect.
Yes, the Regents Bachelor of Arts is a fully accredited bachelor’s degree awarded by Marshall University, not a certificate or an equivalency credential. It’s a general studies degree, which means your coursework spans multiple disciplines rather than a single major. RBA graduates go on to graduate school, law school and other professional programs.
Choosing the right program or major depends on your interests and career goals. Some fields, including nursing and engineering, require a specific undergraduate degree, so check the requirements for the work you want before you enroll. If your goals are broader, a general studies degree like the Regents Bachelor of Arts builds a foundation for many paths, including graduate and professional school.
College credits generally don’t expire, so coursework you completed years ago may still apply toward your degree. General education credits in areas like English, math and history tend to hold up longest. Credits in fast-changing fields such as health care, technology and science are more likely to face time limits. A credit evaluation will tell you exactly what still counts.
Yes, you can usually go back to college after an academic dismissal or suspension, though you’ll likely need to complete a reinstatement or readmission process first. Schools often ask for a written statement explaining what has changed since you left, and some require a probationary term or part-time enrollment at first. Start by contacting the institution’s registrar or an academic advisor.
How long it takes to finish a bachelor’s degree after dropping out depends on how many credits you’ve already earned. Most bachelor’s degrees require roughly 120 credits. If you left with two years of coursework behind you, you may need about two more years of full-time study, or longer if you enroll part time. A credit evaluation gives you an accurate estimate before you commit.
An area of emphasis is the focus you choose within the Regents Bachelor of Arts degree, allowing you to concentrate your coursework around a subject that fits your career goals or interests. Because the RBA is a general studies degree, this is how you tailor it to your plans. Not every area of emphasis can be completed online.
Yes, you may be eligible for financial aid and qualify for certain scholarships and grants. If you enroll part-time, you may be eligible to participate in The Higher Education Adult Part-time Student Program (HEAPS). If you enroll full-time, you may be eligible for the WV Higher Education Grant. You should also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you can receive assistance from the federal government. Call 304-696-3162 or visit Marshall’s Office of Student Financial Assistance for more information.
