How to Go to College as an Adult Skip to Main Content


#1 Best Dorms in Minnesota by Niche 2025


Saint Mary's Announces $125M Comprehensive Campaign

single.php

October 17, 2024

School of Business and Technology School of Education School of Health and Human Services

Going Back to College Can Be Easier Than You Think

If you’re looking to go to college as an adult or return after time away, you may find the idea daunting. It may seem overwhelming to be an adult college student, but we have some tips and advice to make it easier.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a Lasallian Catholic university with academic programs for adult learners, available online and in-person at our campuses in Minneapolis and Rochester, MN. Here, we offer advice for attending college as an adult student.

Tips and Advice for Adult College Students

Many adult learners have other responsibilities, including families, children, jobs, etc. Balancing going to college with your other obligations as an adult can be challenging, but it’s certainly possible. To provide yourself with the greatest chance of success as an adult college student, consider these tips:

Choose the Right Program

Whether you’ve started a degree previously and are looking to finish it or are going to college for the first time, it’s essential to choose the right program for your needs. Make sure to do research on potential programs and determine whether they will accommodate your schedule and needs. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we offer bachelor’s completion programs that allow students to finish degrees they’ve started elsewhere, as well as online-only programs that can be ideal for adults with busy schedules. Choosing the right type of program can make it easier to fit in your classes and assignments and ensure you don’t repeat courses you’ve already earned credit for.

Have a Support Network

Attending college as an adult can be made easier when you have a strong support network to lean on. If you have kids and a family, consider getting a babysitter or nanny who can help with childcare or meals when you need to study. Alternatively, you could ask your spouse, friends, or family members to help when you have an important test or big assignment coming up. Interacting and connecting with other students can also help you create a network at school that can assist with studying, partner projects, and more.

Prioritize Accordingly

As an adult college student, it’s important to prioritize your learning, while still taking care of your other responsibilities. Set certain times when you’ll study and complete homework. Try your best to stick to that schedule. If your house gets a little messy or you must hire a babysitter when you’re in school, try to cut yourself some slack as you’re focusing on getting your degree. Although you should focus on school consistently, also make sure to take time for yourself so you don’t get burnt out.

Use Available Resources

Another way to feel supported through your journey as an adult college student is to take advantage of the available resources around you. Many universities, including Saint Mary’s, offer resources and support, including tutoring, academic advising, writing centers, libraries, financial aid departments, career services, and other student services. Whether you could use help with a certain class or assistance with paying for college, using the resources available to you can help you feel supported and let you focus on your studies.

Explore Adult Student Programs at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota provides academic programs for undergraduate, graduate, and adult students that prepare them for success in the workforce. We understand the challenges adult college students face, so we offer programs in our School of Graduate and Professional Programs that are designed specifically for working adults. Whether you prefer a completely online program, a hybrid program, or an in-person program at our Minneapolis or Rochester campuses, Saint Mary’s is here to help you complete your degree.

Our programs offer faith-based, person-centered education that empowers learners to lead ethical lives of service. Both our in-person and online students have access to support services and resources that can help them succeed. We also apply your previously earned credits, past work experience, and military service toward finishing your degree, so you can finish faster and get to work.

If our adult learning programs sound like a good fit for you, learn more about our admissions process or request more information today to speak with a counselor about our programs for adult learners.