Knowledge has no age, and education has no limits. Today, there are approximately six million mature-aged students in the U.S., which makes up over a third of the total higher-education student body. The pandemic propelled the rapid rise of remote/online learning, making these courses far more accessible than before.

But it may seem hard to suddenly take on studies with your career. An online degree is generally the most flexible from the standpoint of balance, and you may even choose to take on some accelerated MBA programs online – ultimately, the choice you make rests on you.

Regardless of your decision, studying can be challenging for all types of students, so keep reading on to learn about some ways it can be made more enjoyable as a mature-aged student.

Ensure your Course is Flexible

You should always search for courses that suit your schedule and commitments, such as family and work. Choosing a part-time study plan or online classes would be the best idea. As online courses offer self-paced programs, it is a popular choice amongst mature learners.

It allows you to work on what you want, when you want, how you want, and from the comfort of your home, which is particularly important if you have commitments such as childcare or work.

Do note that while online programs are popular, their completion rate is 72% compared to 76% for traditional face-to-face college courses.

If you choose an online degree, ensure that you are using your time effectively and dedicating the right amount of hours to study – a self-paced online program is also a great opportunity for you to both learn with less pressure and finish your studies in a shorter time frame, allowing you to focus back on your commitments earlier and easier.

Make the Right Start

A last-minute decision will only leave you disorganized in the long run – always get organized first.

Just before you commence your course, ensure that you have an overall picture of your schedule, buy all the equipment you need (e.g. books, stationery, etc), know what assessments there are, familiarize yourself with academic style guides, and any make any necessary arrangements (e.g. childcare).

Use the Support Available

Pursuing an online degree or any higher studies, whether again or for the first time, will inevitably impact your daily life, including your job and family responsibilities, so you should make sure those around you are on the same page as you.

According to a 2023 survey of 65 mature students attending 19 colleges across the District of Columbia region, nearly 82% had an annual household income below $30,0000, and 55% of them were working more than 20 hours per week while attending their courses, with 37% saying that they were caring for more than one child during studies.

Support is an important issue for prospective adult students.

You should put measures in place to assist in day-to-day duties such as school pick-ups, housework, etc., as this can significantly lower your load and allow you to allocate more study time.

Most universities and colleges today have external support services such as counseling, financial assistance, or extra out-of-class tutoring if you feel overwhelmed.

Moreover, do not be afraid to talk to professors and tutors as whether you have questions surrounding course materials or need to miss a class, they are always there to ensure you make the most out of your study journey. Nevertheless, it is always best to lean on your friends and family for any other additional support.

Network

You should not abandon the instinct to network with others, just like you did in your career. They will be invaluable for your studies as well. Many institutions are industry-driven, so it would be the perfect opportunity to forge networks, and this can include attending events or meeting recruiters.

In general, having friends at college or university will make your overall study experience more enjoyable and more meaningful. Online courses will most likely be forums and groups available to ensure you stay connected with others studying the same course as you.

Embrace Technology

Mature students are found to use fewer technologies than younger students as well as less frequently in their studies. Particularly for mature learners over 65, digital literacy is imperative for higher education. Embracing modern technology for your course will be advantageous in your education.

Applying digital learning to an adult learner with very little digital experience can seem daunting, but one should not worry, as there will always be guides and resources for navigating the world of digital education.

If you feel unsure about which program or device to use, you can always ask your professor or even do a quick Google search. YouTube tutorials are always available and free to watch, so you can easily build upon your proficiency.

Setting Priorities Straight

You may find yourself juggling many things at once while pursuing an online degree—we cannot do everything, but you can always do something.

Always do things by importance; if it is important and there is available time, do that.

Avoid multitasking if multiple assignments are due simultaneously – it can cost as much as 40% of your productive time.

Instead, finish each task based on priority; do them as if you are checking items off a list. Setting earlier deadlines for yourself can also provide leeway for family activities or when work becomes busy.

With setting priorities, it includes setting goals and expectations.

They, of course, need to be realistic and are things that you are comfortable with; after all, you are still a mature student; you may have more industry experience and are wiser, but you also may lack the confidence in foundational academic skills that come with study.

You can use the SMART model to form these:

• Specific – Do not set vague goals; what you want to achieve, how you will achieve it, and when you will accomplish it should be explicit.
• Measurable – You should be able to say that you have achieved your goal when you have realized it.
• Attainable – Make sure it is realistic, that is, recognize what you can control such as motivation and resources; but at the same time, do not underestimate your goals as well.
• Relevant – Objectives should be aligned with your values, background, and situation.
• Time Bound – Make sure your goal has a deadline, such as the of the semester or within this year.

Mastering the Journey: A Guide to Succeeding in an Online Degree as a Mature-Aged Student

Returning to study as a mature learner can be both challenging and rewarding. With the right mindset and strategies, you can navigate your educational journey successfully.

By choosing flexible courses, staying organized, seeking support, embracing technology, and setting clear priorities, you can balance your studies with other commitments and make the most out of your learning experience.

Remember, education has no age limit—your pursuit of knowledge can open new doors and opportunities, regardless of where you are in life.