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No matter how long it's been since you graduated high school, it's never too late to go back and get your degree. Whether you've been out of school a few years or a few decades, you can still attain the education you missed out on when you were younger.

More Adult Students

While it used to be odd to see an adult on a college campus carrying a load of books, that sight is very common today. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of adults over the age of 25 who went back to school increased by 42 percent. This is a higher rate than for those under 25 years, which increased only 34 percent.

Not everyone enrolling is in their 20s and 30s either. Many of them are in their 40s and on up into their 60s. You might even find a few students who are older than that, and are perhaps in their retirement and want to do something they missed out on when they were young.

You'll find these adult students in both online colleges and in the traditional classroom setting. Some of them are enrolled part-time while others carry a full class load. They may have a full-time job or they may have quit work to focus on studying full-time.

Everyone's Reasons are Different

The reasons that adults choose to go back to school are as varied as their ages. Whatever your reason is don't pass this cool database of online colleges by.

• You'll find some who wanted to go to college but didn't have that option when they were young. For them, this is the realization of a dream. They may be the first person in their family to graduate college.
• Other adult students have lost their jobs and need to find a new skill set for today's work force.
• Others are stuck in dead-end jobs with no hope of advancement or salary increases. Still others choose a college degree that was practical instead of what they really wanted to do.
• There are also many students who want to advance in their current field or company and see an education as the way to do that.

The growth of online colleges has helped make a college degree a reality for many adults. You'll also see many college campuses changing to cater to the growing adult student population. It proves that it's never too late to go back to school and get the degree you've always wanted.

Going back to college years after you graduate high school can provide a unique challenge. However, getting the degree you've always wanted can open up new doors in your life, so the obstacles you may face in achieving that goal are often worth it. Here are some tips to help you handle those hectic days as an adult student.

Create a Schedule

Because you're trying to fit more activities into the same number of hours each day, your schedule may feel a bit more frenzied than usual, especially at first. To keep you from getting stressed out and help you stay organized so you don't forget something, you need to have a schedule.
No matter how small something seems it should be written down on your schedule. Every five minutes add up and can put you behind. By writing down exactly what needs to be done and when, you can be sure you don't forget anything important.

Delegate

The online college finder also advises: Don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether it is from a friend, a partner, or even your kids, helping hands can help make your life a little easier. Let someone else cook dinner once a week, run errands, or do the laundry. You may even want to consider hiring out some tasks to be done, such as yard work. Look for ways to free up more of your time for studying.
Don't forget to factor in the time spent doing homework and completing projects. You'll need to allow extra time besides what you spend in the classroom. Even students attending online colleges, who have more flexibility in their routine, still have to find time to study.

Take a Break

No matter how busy you get, you still need to find time to take a break and relax.

• Spending some time away from work and study can help you feel refreshed when you go back.
• If you have a family, make some time to spend with them.
• If you are single, enjoy a night out with friends or even some alone time doing your favorite hobbies. This will give you the energy to keep going the rest of the time.

While online colleges offer students more options on scheduling fun time, everyone needs a break now and then whether attending virtual or traditional classes. Remember your goal and that the added stress to your schedule is only temporary, and you will get through it.