Advice for the Non-Traditional College Student

Making the decision to attend college as an adult student is never an easy one. At this stage of life, you have more responsibilities and potentially others dependent upon you. However, if seeking a college education is a viable option for your situation, the potential pros outweigh the cons.

Currently an adult undergraduate? Considering applying to become one? Read on for some advice we’ll offer throughout this post.

When you’ve finished reading, fill out an info request form to receive additional details about CSU Global’s 100% online degree programs. If you’re ready to get started, submit your application today!

Protect Your Finances

Being an adult, you have financial obligations beyond paying your college tuition. Those other obligations won’t disappear once you’re in school, so it’s important to do what you can to protect your finances for the duration of your schooling. Then, once you graduate, you won’t find yourself in financial trouble.

We’re all at least partially aware of the student loan crisis, and that can make you hesitant to borrow for your tuition. However, student loans can offer you the funding you need with some time after graduation to get a job before making payments. If you do decide to utilize loans, conduct your own research before applying for them.

Another option for paying for tuition is to use credit cards. However, this should be done with extreme caution. Remember, you will need to make payments on your credit card sooner than if you use a loan, and failing to make payments can be detrimental to your credit score.

While that might not mean much to you now, it can negatively impact your future. For example, if you want to buy a home after graduating and getting a better-paying job, you could be refused if you don’t have the minimum credit score needed for a mortgage.

Research Child Care Options

If you have children, you’ll likely need to find some sort of child care. The flexibility of pursuing your degree online helps, but you’ll still need someone to watch your kids when you’re studying or writing a paper.

There are child care resources available to adult students that are worth looking into – whether that means searching for a grant to help pay for child care or finding a more affordable child care option in your area.  

Of course, if you have the option, you can also ask trusted family members who live nearby to help you with your child care needs for the time you’re in school.

Get Involved with the University

Being an adult online student shouldn’t hold you back from becoming involved in any way you can.

Even though it’s happening later in life, this is still your college experience and is something you should embrace. Take advantage of the opportunities and benefits offered to you now while you can!

Offer your services as a tutor, attend virtual events or lectures, utilize library resources, join honor societies, and more.

Learn to Market Yourself and Have a Career Plan

As an adult student, you possess some standout skills employers look for in college graduates. It’s important to leverage the maturity that comes with your stage of life with the innovation of a college graduate. That combination is unique to your situation and will only help you stand out among a pool of applicants.

It’s also important to have an idea of what field you’d like to pursue and what type of job you’d like to have post-graduation.

Whether you’re looking for a job in Information Technology, HR Management, Computer Science, Finance, or something different, it’s important to have an idea of what you want. Then you can work on further developing the skills it takes to achieve that during your time in school.

Why Should You Consider Studying at CSU Global?

CSU Global offers competitive tuition rates and a Tuition Guarantee to ensure your rate won’t increase as long as you remain enrolled.

For more details about our accredited, 100% online bachelor’s degrees or online master’s degrees call (800) 462-7845 or submit our Information Request Form.

Ready to get started today? Apply now!