The Best Online Degree Programs For Working Adults
INTRODUCTION
“Should I go back to school?” If this question is on your radar, you may have mixed emotions. Going back to school can help you advance your career and achieve your personal goals, but it can also feel daunting if you’ve been out of the academic world for some time. The good news is that your professional experience is incredibly valuable, and there’s never a bad time to build your skills through an online degree program. At Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU), we understand that working adults have different needs when it comes to educational programs. The best online degree programs should cater to these needs while delivering high-quality education. Let’s explore some important considerations when choosing the best online degree programs for working adults.
Chapter 1
Why You Should Feel Confident in Your Decision to Go Back to School
Getting a degree can allow you to:
Chapter 2
What to Look for in an Online Degree Program
Although going back to school is a smart move in many cases, not all online degree programs will serve you equally. Let’s look at three major factors to consider when you’re comparing online degree programs: affordability, flexibility, and quality.
1. Affordability
One critical concern for many adults looking to further their education is cost. First, it’s important to keep in mind that going back to school isn’t just a cost, it’s an investment.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers can earn more with each level of education they obtain. Workers with an associate’s degree earn approximately 19 percent more than those with just a high school diploma. A bachelor’s degree has the most impressive return on investment, helping high school graduates increase their earnings by 67 percent! If you have a bachelor’s degree and want to pursue a master’s, this is also a smart move because you could increase your earnings by 20 percent.
Even if you’re confident you’re making a good investment, funding that investment can still be a concern. Fortunately, adult learners can take advantage of resources to help pay for higher education. This includes grants, scholarships, and other payment options. In some cases, employers may even be willing to sponsor your education.
2. Flexibility
College for working adults can come with some unique challenges. Working adults often have many priorities to juggle, including jobs, family, and activities. A program built with adult learners in mind will be flexible enough so you can make the program fit around your schedule without having to radically alter your life.
Online programs tend to be the most flexible because they give learners more autonomy over their time. As long as you’re keeping up with coursework, it doesn’t matter when you’re getting the work done. You can carve out time to study on the weekends or evenings after work. If you want to carry on with all your existing responsibilities and activities outside of school, you may want to take just one class at a time. This option can help you earn your degree in a way that fits your lifestyle.
Alternatively, if you want to expedite the process and put more focus on school, you can seek out an accelerated program—or fast-track a program. This approach allows you to double up on classes to graduate sooner.
3. Quality
When you’re investing your time, attention, and finances into a degree program, you want to make sure you’re getting a quality education in return. Ultimately, the quality of your education is what matters most in helping you learn and build new skills.
First, make sure the program is accredited. Accredited online degree programs have been evaluated by an outside agency and confirmed to meet rigorous academic standards. Academics aren’t the only aspect of quality to pay attention to though.
The best online degree programs for working adults will:
- Equip adult learners with practical skills they can start applying now—not just a degree.
- Build community in the online environment through cohorts or other methods.
- Offer robust student services to help adult learners succeed, including academic advisors and tutoring services.
- Treat adult learners as whole people, not just students, even providing opportunities to help them build themselves spiritually.
Chapter 3
Top Degree Programs to Consider
Ultimately, the best online degree program is the one that fits your needs and helps you achieve your personal and professional goals.
If you want to go back to school but aren’t sure what you want to study, consider these top degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education levels.
Undergraduate Programs
There are many undergraduate programs to consider. If you aren’t sure which career path you want to take, consider these programs, which can all help you land a fulfilling career.
Graduate Programs
If you already have a bachelor's degree and you want to expand your knowledge or qualify for a more advanced position, you should consider programs at the graduate level. Here are some top graduate programs to consider:
Graduate Programs
Not all college programs for adults are necessarily degree programs. If you don't want to undertake a whole degree program, you can still further your education through MVNU's continuing education opportunities. Attending a workshop or earning a certificate or endorsement can help you stay sharp and can be a valuable stepping stone in your career.
The Best Online Degree Programs for Working Adults from MVNU
The right online degree program can help you achiever your personal and professional goals in a way that fits your lifestyle as a working adult. Want to learn more about how to further your education and sharpen your professional skills?