Quick Highlights:
- In 2022, 36.8 million U.S. adults under 65 had some college education but no degree, showing the large demand for degree completion programs.
- Degree completion programs offer flexibility through online, hybrid, and evening classes, allowing returning students to balance work, family, and education.
- Transfer credits from previous college experience, professional training, or life experiences help returning students save time and money.
- Universities like Arizona State University and Southern New Hampshire University provide top-ranked degree completion programs designed for adult learners.
Did you know that, in July 2022, there were 36.8 million US adults under 65 with some college? The good news: There are many degree completion programs for returning students.
And many returned as college students, too. During the 2022-2023 academic year, over 943,000 re-enrolled.
What are returning students in the first place? These are individuals who weren’t able to complete their bachelor’s degree but are resuming their studies. Their break ranged between a few months to several years.
Returning students give varied reasons for pausing their studies. Financial difficulties, family obligations, and military service are common. Adult learners, transfer students, and former dropouts are common returning students.
Regardless of their reasons, returning students say that it’s a challenging transition. You may become overwhelmed by the new college culture. The challenges that made you pause your studies may still be present, too. You may have to retake courses and tackle rigorous new courses.
Fortunately, degree completion programs for returning students have built-in mechanisms for success. You can transfer credits and access extensive student support services, among other benefits.
Best of all, these programs allow maximum flexibility and convenience. As a working adult, you’ll enjoy a good work-life balance.
Here, we’ll discuss the best degree completion programs for returning students. We’ll also discuss why these are your best options to earn your college degree finally.
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- Maximizing Campus Resources as a Non-Traditional Student
What Are Degree Completion Programs?
On-campus and online degree completion programs have these main features:
- Intended for individuals who started but didn’t finish their bachelor’s degree programs. Many, however, also have associate’s degrees but want to earn bachelor’s degrees.
- Address the educational needs of non-traditional students. Working professionals and adult learners are common examples. Returning students usually have adult responsibilities, such as work and family obligations.
- Provide flexible schedules. Online programs are the best for flexibility and convenience. Students love the flexibility of asynchronous courses. Part-time and evening options are also available.
If you’re a returning student, choose a degree completion program. You will find that it fits your current life situation.
Benefits of Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
Yes, you can finish your degree as an adult, although it won’t be easy. As a returning student juggling many obligations, challenges abound. The good news is that degree completion programs make it easier.
Here are the best features that promote your academic success as a returning student.
Flexible Scheduling
Being able to balance your work, family, and academic obligations is a must. Otherwise, you can drop out again. Your best choices then are online and hybrid courses.
These provide maximum flexibility for these reasons:
- No set log-in times for asynchronous courses
- Attend classes from anywhere in the world for synchronous courses
- Set your schedule and learn at your own pace
You can then return and stay in school because your time is your own.
Credit for Prior Learning
Transfer credits save time and money on the cost of a college education. You can take fewer courses, thanks to transfer credits, usually in general education. With fewer courses to complete, you’ll spend less time earning your degree. Indeed, degree completion programs have a two-year duration.
You may apply for transfer credits with these requirements and qualifications:
- Completed college courses from an accredited college
- Associate’s degree
- AP, IB, and CLEP exam scores
- Dual enrollment credits from high school
- Military training and work experience
- Prior learning assessments from relevant work and life experiences
- Professional licenses or certifications
Be sure to talk to an admission officer for this purpose.
Career Advancement
Earning a college degree leads to better-paying jobs, too. According to BLS’ Education Pays, bachelor’s degree holders earn $1,493/week, on average. Those with associate’s degrees and some college but no degree earn less.
Meeting your current obligations while earning your degree brings many benefits. But you must meet the challenges head-on. Time management skills, drive, and persistence are a must.
Top Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
These are the best degree completion programs offered by accredited universities. Their student support services, among other features, make it easier for students to earn their degrees.
University of Maryland Global Campus
UMGC, a public university, offers rigorous online academic programs in diverse fields. The non-traditional students include working adults and military and veteran students. There are over 30 bachelor’s degree programs in high-demand fields. Business, information technology, and healthcare are popular.
There’s a strong emphasis on practical skills for the modern workplace. Students complete a seminar experience or a capstone course for this purpose. Up to 90 transfer credits are allowed.
Arizona State University Online
Millions of students returning to college after a break choose ASU Online. It’s a nationally recognized online college with excellent degree completion programs. Students love the flexible schedules that allow them to maintain a good work-life balance.
ASU Online uses a user-friendly LMS, too. Online classes have an accelerated format with 7.5-week courses in the fall and spring. Academic programs include business, education, and engineering, and more. Transfer credits are accepted for faster time-to-degree.
Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU, a private nonprofit university, is known for its flexible degree completion programs. Many of these have an online accelerated format that accommodates non-traditional students. Rolling admissions and several start dates also appeal to non-traditional students.
Returning students can either continue their previous studies or pick a new major. Career-relevant degree programs include business, healthcare, psychology, and education. There are more than 200 programs to choose from.
Get credit for prior learning programs, too. Up to 90 transfer credits are accepted. There’s a 30% tuition discount for military-affiliated students.
University of Illinois Springfield
If it’s degree completion for working adults you’re looking for, consider UIS. Known for its emphasis on the liberal arts and public service, UIS also offers affordable tuition. In-state students pay about $12,200 per year, on average. Financial aid is also available for online returning students.
Communication, education, and criminology are among its diverse academic programs. Online learning makes it easier for non-traditional students to complete their programs.
Oregon State University Ecampus
For affordable degree completion programs, consider OSU Ecampus. Tuition starts at $392/credit, and most students receive financial aid. OSU Ecampus’ online programs are recognized for their flexibility and accessibility, too. Asynchronous courses are more common.
Such flexibility makes it a great choice for students who want to balance work and study. Students choose from diverse academic programs, from accounting to zoology. Sociology, public health, and mechanical engineering are popular.
OSU Ecampus also offers excellent student support services. Proof: It’s a recipient of the Online Learner Success Certification.
Choosing the Right Degree Completion Program
Look for these aspects when choosing your best program.
Program Flexibility
Look for online, hybrid, and evening options that accommodate your busy schedule.
Accreditation
Educational quality, financial aid, and industry recognition are the foremost reasons for accreditation. Look for regional accreditation first. Then, consider programmatic accreditation.
Credit Transfer Policies
Check the credit transfer policies to determine if these work in your favor. The more streamlined the process, the better for your transfer, too.
Cost and Financial Aid Options
Always choose degree completion programs with financial aid. College costs are a significant barrier, but financial aid makes them less so. Compare the tuition and fees between programs before making your choice.
Support for Returning Students
Lastly, consider the student support services for returning students. Academic advising, counseling, and mentorship will promote your academic success.
By considering these factors, you’re more likely to earn your college degree instead of pausing your studies again.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Returning Students
FAFSA
Always file your FAFSA form even if you believe you’re not qualified for federal aid. Plus, it’s the “mother document” for other need-based financial aid opportunities.
Scholarships and Grants
Apply for as many scholarships and grants as you can, too. There are also financial aid programs for non-traditional students. Consider the Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund and Return 2 College Scholarship. Ask your college and community organizations, too. Use scholarship databases, such as Fastweb and Cappex.
Employer Tuition Assistance
Ask your employer about financial aid, too. You can either get employer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursements.
Indeed, financial aid reduces the cost of a college education. You’re more likely to finish your program if you’re less stressed about it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, degree completion provides maximum flexibility and convenience for returning students. Their features, such as transfer credits and student support services, promote degree completion.
Be sure to consider your unique interests and goals first. You must determine if a program’s features align with your needs. Otherwise, the mismatch can result in dropping out. You want to earn your college degree because of its personal and professional benefits. Earning a higher income is only one of them.