Making the decision to go back to school is nothing to be taken lightly. You’re investing a lot of time, money and sweat into completing your degree. Ask yourself these five questions to figure out if it’s the right move for you.

1. Why do you want to go back or start now for the first time?

Everyone’s reasons for going to school as an adult are different and they’re all valid. First, identify the root of why you’re considering going back to school. It could be that you want to go back as an example for your children, or to fulfill a promise to your parents, or to better your career, or for your own personal achievement. Figuring that out can help you determine if you’re making the decision for the right reasons.



2. What is your motivation level?

Finishing your degree requirements is a marathon, not a sprint. This is especially true for the adult learner. At Amberton, courses are 10 weeks long. This means you can take more classes throughout the calendar year, and the curriculum is slightly condensed compared to the standard college semester. Your motivation level is typically highest when you’re at the start of something strenuous. Are you mentally prepared to work through the grind until Graduation Day?



3. How is your support system?

Adult students have more to deal with than just going to lectures and completing their course assignments. Many of you have jobs and families that demand your time and attention. They cannot be slid to the back burner. Before you make the decision to enroll in college, evaluate who your closest supports will be. How will they help you? Which additional responsibilities and tasks will they adopt? Can you share the load with others during this season of your life?



4. Will having a degree bolster your career?

This is a big question to answer. Will your promotional opportunities be dependent on whether or not you have a degree? If you can definitively say you have reached a roadblock in your career (or will eventually) without a bachelor’s or master’s degree, then you should certainly pursue continuing your education. Make moves to improve yourself and set yourself up for the best successes possible.



5. Can you afford to go back?

With that college education comes college tuition. It is an investment, but it can be a sacrifice to make the payments. At Amberton, our goal is to provide quality education at an affordable price. Many of our students graduate with little to no student debt. Additionally, we offer plenty of options on how you can pay for your education. Employers also recognize the value of having an educated workforce. Check with your human resources department about tuition reimbursement benefits before enrolling.

There will always be reasons not to go back to school. It’s easy to put off. But if working towards your degree is the right move for you, reach out to our advisors. They are ready and willing to help you get started on this exciting path! We are here to support you as you work to reach your goals.

Going to college at any age is intimidating. Questions about your capabilities and competence bounce around in your head. How will you fit in? How will you manage the workload and perform to the best of your abilities? How are you going to handle everything going on in your life? There is added pressure going back to school as an adult. You’re balancing real responsibilities - paying the bills, working your 9-5, maybe making sure the kids are fed, and you’re maintaining a relationship with your spouse. But working through college is just a season in your life. You can manage it. You can accomplish your goals and dreams.

1. 1. You’re not alone.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 33 percent of the 18 million undergraduate students in the U.S. are over the age of 25, and 22 percent are over the age of 30. Non-traditional students are becoming the new normal. UCLA’s Professor of Education Mike Rose’s research shows that almost 45 percent of postsecondary students in the U.S. did not enroll in college directly after high school. While everyone’s reasons and path is different - you are not out of the ordinary in going back to school.

1. 1. Develop a support system.

In any long, difficult journey, it’s always better to travel with a companion. As you begin your coursework, identify who in your life is going to be there to walk with you. Obvious choices include a spouse/significant other, your parents, or your professors and advisers, but also look to the people within your degree program. Don’t be afraid to reach out and lean on one another. While you’re working your way through your classes, use every tool at your disposal.

1. 1. Build camaraderie.

If all you do is show up to class, turn in your assignments, and check the box, you’re leaving a lot on the table in your college experience. Your fellow students and peers are an opportunity to connect - personally and professionally - and are a wealth of knowledge and experience you might not have. Invest in your classmates. Take the time to learn from them as much as you’re learning from your professors. Just like you, they have outside experiences and perspectives that can be invaluable to others. Use it to your advantage.

1. 1. Learn to study with distractions.

Distractions are everywhere. It’s an American reality. But they might be a little bit different for non-traditional students. Text message alerts and Facebook friend requests are available for everyone. You have looming work project deadlines and hungry mouths to feed. Use your support system, lean on them to help with your responsibilities. Carve out time that is dedicated to schoolwork and studying - even if that means late nights and early mornings. Determine what works best for you, and stick to the routine that allows you to focus on your studies.

1. 1. Control what you can.

Working, going to school, maintaining a home, keeping healthy relationships - it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Keep your focus on things you can control. It’s a line everyone has heard a million times. For someone who is seemingly balancing a tightrope while juggling a dozen flaming batons, this advice is crucial. Manage your time. Do your work. Do your best. Don’t borrow tomorrow’s worries today. Your coursework is temporary, but the results and benefits are lasting.

1. 1. Relax.

A healthy you is the best gift you can give the people you care about. Make sure you are allowing yourself mental health breaks and actually take the time to decompress. Your friends and family will recognize you’re busy working and going to school, but don’t neglect your relationships or your downtime. A life change like going back to school as a working adult seems intimidating and daunting. Don’t allow the doubts to plague you and keep you from pursuing your goals and dreams! Take one step at a time and run your race! The benefits of going back to school and enhancing your education are worth enduring and conquering the challenges before you. Amberton University is designed for the working adult. Courses are flexible and provide non-traditional students with an environment that is conducive to success. For an alumnus perspective on how Amberton worked for him, click for the vide here.

Paying for your education doesn’t have to be a scary undertaking. At Amberton University, our pay-as-you-go system allows students to graduate without debt. However, we make navigating the financials as simple as possible for those who need to take advantage of student loans.

Amberton believes in affordable education. We offer courses for $ 900 per 3 credit hours. Pretty great, right? This rate applies to undergraduate, graduate, in-state, and out-of-state students, as well as lecture and distance-learning courses. Even better, we’ve already done the math and the educational cost breakdown for you. Amberton's up-front, cost-effective tuition is specifically designed for working adults. We aim to get you to graduation without being buried in educational debt.

Now that you know how much to expect to pay for your tuition, you can figure out what you need to do to budget for it. Many companies offer tuition assistance or reimbursement as an added benefit for employees. They understand and appreciate how beneficial an educated workforce is. But if your employer isn’t paying for your education, and you can’t afford to pay for it out-of-pocket, there are loan solutions for private universities.

Amberton University provides a Private Loan Worksheet to help you determine your estimated cost of tuition, fees, and books. You must complete the worksheet before applying for a private student loan.

To qualify for private student loans, students must meet the following criteria:

• Student borrowers enrolled at least half-time may apply. Generally, undergraduates are considered half-time if enrolled in 6 hours per session, while graduates must be enrolled in 3 hours.
• The minimum loan amount is currently $1,000.00. Students may be able to borrow up to the full cost of tuition, fees, and books as certified by the University. Amberton will only certify loan amounts for the estimated costs of tuition, fees, and books for the loan period, usually one academic year. Your loan will not be approved to cover living expenses.

A quick Google search will also provide you with various lender options. Find the one that best fits your financial situation and consider interest rates, repayment options, and deferment and forbearance.

Sallie Mae® currently offers loans to qualified Amberton students through the Smart Option Student Loan® program. Students can apply directly online and receive approval within a few hours.

Amberton’s staff are eager to assist you in achieving educational success and satisfaction. You can reach our Financial Aid Office at finaid@amberton.edu or contact Student Services at (972) 279-6511 to help you navigate the process and get your future started!