Thinking about going back to school as an adult can bring up a lot of questions.
Maybe you want a new career. Maybe you want to build your skills or find work that feels more fulfilling. Or maybe you have been thinking about school for years, but life has always seemed to get in the way.
Work, family, money and even your own confidence can make returning to school feel difficult.
Going back to school does not have to look the same as it did when you were younger.
The important thing is finding an option that makes sense for your goals, your responsibilities, and your life now.
You’re Not Too Old to Go Back to School
There is no set age when it becomes too late to go back to school. Adults return to education at many different stages of life. If you are worried that you will be the oldest person in the room, you may be surprised.
Academy of Learning Career College students include adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond, and more than half are 35 or older overall.
Some are changing careers in their 30s. Others are building new skills in their 40s or later. Some are returning to work after raising a family or spending years in another field.
Being older can also mean bringing more life and work experience with you.
You may already know how to manage deadlines, work with different people, solve problems, and take responsibility for the things that matter in your life. Those skills do not disappear when you become a student.
It may take time to rebuild your confidence. That is different from being unable to do it.
What If You Haven’t Been in School for Years?
Being away from school for years does not mean you cannot return. You may simply need some time to rebuild your study habits and become comfortable learning again.
Maybe you have not written an assignment in ten years. Maybe technology has changed since the last time you were in a classroom. You might even wonder whether you still know how to study.
You do not have to walk into school, knowing how to do everything.
Study habits can come back with practice. A few simple study tips for adult learners can make the transition easier.
It also helps to understand how you will be learning before you choose a school.
At Academy of Learning Career College, students use the Integrated Learning System, or ILS. Students work through course material step by step using different ways of learning, including reading, listening, viewing, and hands-on practice. Learning Coaches are also available to help when students need support.
For someone returning to school after years away, having that type of support can make the change feel less overwhelming.
Making School Fit Around Work and Family
Going back to school while working or caring for a family may be possible, but the schedule needs to be realistic for your life.
Most adults cannot simply stop everything else in their lives to become students.
You may have a job. You may have children. You may be caring for someone in your family or managing other responsibilities.
That is why it is important to look at more than the name of a program before you enroll.
Find out what the schedule really looks like. Ask how much time you will need each week, whether there are set class times and whether the program includes a practicum or other requirements.
Academy of Learning Career College offers learning options designed with adult learners in mind. That matters because going back to school while managing work and family is not always easy. Around half of Academy students work while they study, and nearly half are raising children.
The exact schedule and requirements can vary by program and campus; it can be difficult to balance work, family and school as you get back into learning. Get in touch with our Admissions Advisors to get a better understanding of what your schedule may look like.
Thinking About the Cost
There may be different ways to pay for school, depending on your program,
For adults with rent, mortgages, children, or other expenses, cost can be one of the biggest concerns about going back to school.
Before you enroll, find out the full cost of the program and what financial aid and funding options may be available.
Depending on your province and circumstances, that could include government student assistance, employment or training programs, education savings, employer support, loans or other payment options. Eligibility and funding rules can vary and may change over time.
At Academy of Learning Career College, Financial Aid Officers can help you understand program costs and financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
Is Going Back to School Worth It?
Going back to school can be worth it when the training supports a clear career or skills goal, and the time and cost make sense for you.
Before you make that commitment, think about what you want school to lead to.
- Start with the job or type of work you want.
- Look at real job postings.
- See what skills employers are looking for.
- Use trusted sources such as Canada’s Job Bank to understand the type of work, common requirements and job outlook in your area.
Once you have a clearer idea of what employers are looking for, compare that information with career-focused programs.
Ask yourself:
- Does the program teach skills that connect with the work I want to do?
- How long will it take?
- What will it cost?
- Can the schedule work with my life?
- What support will I have while I study?
The goal is not simply to go back to school.
The goal is to make a decision that moves you closer to the kind of work and life you want.
It can also help to understand what to look for in a career college before you decide where to study.
You Don’t Have to Have Everything Figured Out
You can start exploring your options even if you do not know exactly what you want to study yet.
If you already know the general area you are interested in, that can be enough to start narrowing things down.
If you enjoy working with numbers, you might look at accounting or payroll. If you enjoy helping people, healthcare or community support may be worth exploring. If you are interested in computers, you might look at technology training.
If you are still unsure, an Admissions Advisor can help you compare programs, understand admission requirements, and see what studying may look like at your campus.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Connect with an Admissions Advisor to learn about programs, campus options and next steps based on your goals.