In the United States, more and more workers require a college education to get a job in their field. In 1990, 23% of Americans had completed a bachelor’s degree or higher. By 2009, that percentage had jumped to 34%. Today, it continues to grow, with more and more employers showing a preference for college-educated graduates. Though the amount of education and training depends on the field, it is safe to say that this requirement will continue to grow into 2020.
When it comes to getting a college degree, the most common option is to enter university following high school graduation or shortly thereafter. However, that is quickly changing. As more and more people seek a college education, the formats offered are becoming more flexible. The following are three different options for people who either can’t afford a traditional college education, are currently working full-time, or would like to return to school to improve their career options.
Online College
Getting a college degree online was once impossible. Today, however, online education has become highly prevalent. The majority of today’s college graduates have taken courses online. Most traditional colleges offer some form of distance-education using an online platform. Other colleges are dedicated solely to online courses and degrees, offering flexibility and cost-effective options for prospective students.
Studying online has several key advantages. It’s an ideal option for people who work full-time, but don’t want to give up their job in order to go back to school. It’s also a more flexible education option for people who have young children or other family commitments. In addition, it’s a good alternative for self-directed people who learn best by reading and researching independently. Finally, online college can meet the needs of prospective students who cannot relocate to go to university or don’t want to commute to campus. Certain programs are known to be more budget friendly for students who are wary of taking on debt to get their degree.
Continuing Education
Continuing education programs are offered at a number of educational institutions. They are usually targeted towards adults, including both high school and college graduates, professionals, or retirees. These courses are usually designed for people who want to update their skills or learn more about subjects that are of personal interest to them. In most cases, they can’t be used towards a degree, but they may be used towards a certificate or diploma in a specialized area. Continuing education courses may be scheduled during evenings or weekends to accommodate individuals who work full-time.
Adult Education
Similar to continuing education, adult education courses are designed for people who would like to further their knowledge or skills in a particular field without necessarily getting a college education. Adult education programs may encompass continuing education programs for people who have graduated high school and/or college; they may also involve high school diploma programs for adults who dropped out of high school and wish to go back and get their GED. Adult education courses are more likely to be offered during evenings and weekends, to accommodate students with full-time jobs and families.
