Returning to College After Dropping Out

Studies reveal that while 90% of incoming college students expect to graduate in four years, less than half actually do. For some, it’s a matter of an extra semester or two; many others, however, drop out altogether. A number of factors can influence that decision, from the cost of tuition to the demands of workplace and family. Either way, if you have dropped out, you are far from alone.

That, however, was then and there are plenty of reasons now why you should consider returning to campus, not the least of them financial. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, college graduates have a median weekly earnings of $1,334, compared to just $899 for people without a degree. That’s more than $20,000 per year in additional earnings. Here are some factors to bear in mind as you ponder continuing your education.

Recognize Your Advantages: Before immersing yourself in the admission process, it’s important to understand that college will be different as a returning student. Give yourself credit for the life experience and professional expertise you’ve built in the workforce and recognize that your time-management and communication skills are more developed this time around. Awareness of these strengths will help you to decide which schools, degree programs and course loads are best for you.

Choose Carefully: The next step is to research which university best fits your specific needs and goals. Compare opportunities by specifying how long you want to take to earn your degree and how much money you can devote to tuition and supplies. Also be sure to review the availability of online courses, which may be more convenient if you work full-time or prefer not to commute.

Prepare the Paperwork: Before applying, double check to ensure you have all the required admission materials. These can include previous college transcripts, current standardized test scores and any needed letters of recommendation. Add those important application deadlines to your calendar, so you submit everything on time.

Understand How Credits Transfer: Examine your new school’s credit transfer policy, and make sure you have a transcript and course descriptions from your earlier classes. This will enable you to compare the classes you’ve taken to classes in the course catalog. You also can contact professors, teaching assistants and admissions counselors if you have questions about a course’s content.

Surround Yourself With Support: You can get support from your current community by telling your family and friends about your new commitment. They can encourage you and maybe even take on responsibilities so that you can find more time for schoolwork. You also can build a community with other adult students by taking advantage of study groups and team projects.

Part-time vs. Full-time: You might be able to manage classwork and full- or part-time employment more easily if you take a part-time course load. This can help you adjust to the college routine, and it might even be a practical option for completing your degree if you can take more time or don’t have many credits left toward graduation.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.