How Parents Can Earn a College Degree

by Kimberly Blaker

So you’d like to further your education, but with a job and a family, you don’t know where you’d find time for the commute and classes, let alone to study. Even if you could, there are the ever-increasing costs for classes and books to squeeze into your budget. However, today there are many ways to overcome these obstacles.

To get started, read What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard Nelson Bolles or Who Do You Think You Are? by Keith Harary and Eileen Donahue or check with a local institution for the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test to discover your interests and strengths. Next, list your educational goals and discuss the importance of them with your partner to gain their support.

Finally, research institutions to learn which offer the courses, degree, and options for earning credit that suit your needs. Most can be found on the Internet, or in a resource center at a nearby college. Once you’ve reviewed the following and completed these steps, you’re ready to begin.

Many accredited colleges offer a variety of options for earning nontraditional course credit, which should be sought first, to save time and money. You can earn Self-Acquired Competency (SAC) credits (may have different names) for a wide range of skills and life experiences. This requires compiling a portfolio for faculty evaluation that includes on-the-job training, work and volunteer experience, workshops and seminars.

If you served in the military, you may be eligible for Military Service Credit for education you gained through schools, experience or service.

Credits for College-Level Examination Programs (CLEP), Advanced Placement Examinations (AP), and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) are also available. Check with your institution before enrolling, since credit may not be awarded following admission.

If you’ve completed any noncollegiate or in-company sponsored programs or courses, find out if they are any of the thousands reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE). If so, ask your academic institution if they award credits based on ACE recommendations.

Credit by examination can also save time and money if you have knowledge in a particular area or if you study and test well.

Independent study programs offer a couple of options. Online courses can be taken in the convenience of your home. These usually require attendance, at your computer, at specific times.

Correspondence courses are an excellent option for many people because there are no schedules and usually allow six to 18 months for completion. Evening and weekend courses, as well as accelerated programs, also offer some flexibility.

There are many options for financing your education. The Federal Pell Grant is awarded based on financial need. Another grant based on financial need is The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG).

The Federal Work Study program is awarded based on financial need, giving students the opportunity to work on campus to help cover education costs. The Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan, and Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan are all available with different eligibility requirements, interest rates, and payment terms.

If you are a single mother, you may qualify for grants and scholarships available to single parents. Ask your academic institution what it offers. A wide variety of scholarships is also available. Check with your institution as well as a scholarship guide or online scholarship search.

Ask your employer if it offers reimbursement for college courses. If the classes pertain to your job, your employer may cover the costs. Finally, don’t forget the HOPE Scholarship, a tax credit available for the first two years of post-secondary training, and the Lifetime Learning tax credit.

Like most parents, you probably wear many hats. However, with a little planning and finesse, you can develop workable solutions to allow time for your studies. Make a list of all your responsibilities, and then cross off anything unnecessary. Where can you save time? Do housecleaning every 10 to 14 days rather than weekly. Make a pact to limit volunteering your time until you’ve reached your educational goals.

Assign your children some additional chores. Discuss the importance of furthering your education with your partner. Ask which responsibilities he or she would be willing to take over until you’ve accomplished your goals. Trade babysitting with a friend, neighbor, or relative to plan for some quiet study time. Set a schedule with your partner for watching the kids so you can study at the library.

Ask your employer if you can take shorter lunch breaks and leave earlier or to allow you fewer but longer workdays for an extra day of study each week.

Kimberly Blaker of Michigan writes for parenting and women's magazines throughout the U.S.