How to Go Back to College While Working Full Time

Returning to college while working full-time requires careful planning. You’ll need to assess not just your academic goals but your current life situation. Start by calculating how many hours per week you can realistically dedicate to coursework—most online programs recommend 10-15 hours per week per course for part-time students.
Consider your career objectives carefully. Are you seeking a promotion in your current field, making a complete career change, or simply finishing a degree you started years ago? Your answer shapes which program type, format, and timeline makes sense for you. According to NCES data, adult students over 25 account for approximately 24% of the undergraduate population, indicating that colleges have significant experience serving students exactly like you.
Talk with your employer early. Many companies are supportive of employees pursuing education—especially if your degree relates to your current role. Additionally, evaluate your support system at home. Partners, family members, or friends who can help with household responsibilities during busy periods make a significant difference in completion rates.

You have more options than ever for earning your degree while working. Online programs allow you to complete coursework on your own schedule—typically evenings and weekends. Hybrid programs combine online learning with occasional in-person sessions. Evening and weekend programs at traditional campuses are specifically designed for working professionals.
According to NCES data, over 53% of college students now take at least one online course, and approximately 26% are enrolled exclusively in distance education. This shift means online programs are mainstream and widely accepted by employers. When evaluating programs, look for asynchronous courses that don’t require logging in at specific times—this flexibility is essential when your work schedule varies.
Self-paced and competency-based programs deserve special consideration if you already have professional experience. These programs let you demonstrate mastery and move quickly through material you already know, potentially saving months of time and thousands of dollars.

Accreditation is non-negotiable. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes accrediting agencies that meet federal standards for educational quality. Regional accreditation (now called institutional accreditation) has historically been considered the gold standard and is held by most traditional nonprofit universities. National accreditation is more common at vocational and career-focused schools.
Before enrolling anywhere, verify the institution’s accreditation status using the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs at ope.ed.gov/dapip. Unaccredited schools may offer lower tuition, but their degrees often aren’t recognized by employers, won’t qualify you for professional licensure, and credits won’t transfer to other institutions.
If your field requires professional licensure (nursing, teaching, engineering, accounting), also verify that the specific program holds any required programmatic accreditation. For example, nursing programs should be accredited by ACEN or CCNE, and business programs often hold AACSB accreditation.

There’s no age limit for federal student aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov regardless of your income level. As an independent student (age 24 or older, married, or meeting other criteria), you won’t need to provide parent information, which often results in more favorable aid packages.
Federal Pell Grants provide up to $7,395 annually (2024-25 award year) for undergraduate students who haven’t yet earned a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate financial need. Federal student loans offer fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options that private lenders can’t match. According to federal student aid guidelines, students who previously received Pell Grants may still be eligible if they haven’t exceeded the lifetime limit of 12 semesters.
Don’t overlook scholarships specifically for adult learners. Many professional associations, employers, and community organizations offer scholarships for returning students. Your school’s financial aid office can point you toward institutional scholarships you might qualify for based on your major, background, or enrollment status.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 48% of employers offer undergraduate or graduate tuition assistance as a benefit. Yet research shows that fewer than 10% of eligible employees actually use this benefit. The federal government allows employers to provide up to $5,250 per year in tax-free educational assistance under Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Start by contacting your HR department to understand your company’s specific program. Common requirements include maintaining a certain GPA, pursuing a degree relevant to your role, remaining employed for a period after completing your education, and getting courses pre-approved before enrolling. Some employers pay the school directly (tuition assistance), while others reimburse you after you complete courses successfully (tuition reimbursement).

Large employers like Walmart, Amazon, Target, Starbucks, and UPS have expanded their education benefits significantly in recent years, sometimes covering 100% of tuition at partner institutions. Even if your employer doesn’t have a formal program, consider requesting educational support as part of your professional development—some managers have discretionary budgets for employee training.

You shouldn’t have to pay to learn what you already know. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) methods let you demonstrate college-level knowledge and earn credit without sitting through courses. According to the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, adult students who earned 12 or more credits through PLA saved 9-14 months earning their bachelor’s degrees compared to non-PLA students.
CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) exams are the most widely recognized option, accepted at over 2,900 colleges. Each exam costs $90 and can earn you 3-12 credits, saving you hundreds or thousands of dollars compared to taking the course. Subjects range from introductory courses such as English Composition and College Mathematics to specialized topics such as Financial Accounting and American Government.
Other PLA options include DSST exams (formerly DANTES), portfolio assessment, where you document professional learning, and credit for military training through the American Council on Education. Before enrolling, ask prospective schools about their PLA policies—the number of credits accepted varies significantly by institution.

Time management is the single biggest challenge for working students. According to NCES, 40% of part-time undergraduates work 35 or more hours per week, and 26% work 20-34 hours weekly. Success requires treating coursework as a non-negotiable commitment, not something you’ll get to when you find spare time.
Create a weekly schedule that blocks specific hours for coursework—just as you would for a meeting or appointment. Most students find that consistent daily sessions (even just 1-2 hours) work better than marathon weekend study sessions. Build in buffer time for weeks when work gets busy, or life gets complicated.
Communicate proactively with supervisors and family about your education schedule. Setting expectations early prevents conflicts later. Many employers are willing to accommodate predictable schedule needs if you give adequate notice. At home, discuss how household responsibilities might shift during your busiest academic periods.

You don’t have to do this alone. Research consistently shows that students with strong support networks are more likely to persist and graduate. Start with your institution’s resources: most colleges have offices, advisors, or student organizations specifically for adult and nontraditional students.
Academic advisors are particularly important for working adults. They can help you strategically sequence courses, identify the fastest path to completion, navigate bureaucratic challenges, and connect you with campus resources. Don’t wait until you have a problem to meet with your advisor—check in proactively at least once per semester.
Peer connections matter too. Other adult students understand your challenges in ways traditional-age students don’t. Many online programs facilitate study groups or discussion boards where you can connect with classmates. Professional networks, such as LinkedIn groups for adult learners or alumni associations, can provide mentorship from those who’ve successfully balanced work and school.