Affordable Online Colleges with Tutoring Discounts for Adult Learners Returning to School

affordable online colleges discounted tutoring adult learners

Why Tutoring Discounts Matter for Adult Learners

This ranking highlights the five most affordable online colleges for adult learners. These colleges also offer discounted tutoring services for adult students to increase their chances of academic success.

You’re not the first adult to return to school, and you won’t be the last. The most recent survey conducted by the NCES in the fall of 2022 showed that almost 2.9 million college students are adults. This means that they made up 23% of all undergraduates that year. Most of them work part-time jobs and fulfill responsibilities outside school and work.

Returning to school as an adult learner isn’t always easy. Students with jobs often have to juggle busy schedules and deal with other real-life challenges. Some of the challenges adult learners face are:

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  • Time Management: Adult learners often juggle family, work, and other commitments, so fixed classroom schedules can be tough. Finding time for learning is challenging, so flexibility is key.
  • Motivation: For adult learners, education is often a necessity rather than a passion, and dividing attention can be hard. Adults tend to have more intrinsic motivation because they see the real-world value of learning.
  • Anxiety: Many adults return to school to stay competitive in the job market, which brings added pressure.

These are just the beginning of the problems adult learners face. The academic landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years. There are new technologies to learn, modern teaching methods to grasp, and sometimes even entirely different fields of study to master. And if you’ve been out of school for a while, it might feel overwhelming to dive into coursework that’s now deeply embedded in digital platforms, video lectures, and online discussions.

You need various support services to ensure you aren’t left behind. This includes finding tech services, academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring.

Tutoring is one of the most powerful tools adult learners can access to succeed academically. However, tutoring can be expensive – especially for adult learners who are already stretched thin financially.

Tutoring discounts for adult learners are a big help! These services not only increase knowledge retention but can also save you from future expenses like repeating classes.

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What to Look for in an Affordable Online College for Adult Learners

Adult students face more challenging circumstances than high school graduates. Their educational needs are different due to family, work, and other responsibilities. Finding the right online college takes more effort.

Here are key factors to think about when choosing an online college:

  • flexible schedules
  • affordability
  • strong academic support services

Flexible Schedules

Attending in-person classes at fixed times is often not feasible for working adults. Research shows that many adult learners drop out of their programs because it’s too difficult to manage all their responsibilities at once.

Adult learners need the flexibility to complete coursework when and where it fits into their busy lives. This is why many adult learners choose online programs delivered asynchronously, allowing them to progress on their schedule.

Additionally, adult students may face busier times of the year, making the traditional two-semester system less ideal. Some institutions have responded by offering multiple start dates throughout the year. This has provided even more flexibility to fit school around their other commitments.

Affordability

The college experience has gotten expensive. A recent survey revealed that cost is the biggest barrier. When looking for a school, check for tuition rates that fit your budget. However, you must consider hidden fees in addition to tuition rates.

Many students have fallen victim to “low and affordable” tuition. It’s important to factor in all potential expenses when choosing a school. This includes:

  • registration fees
  • technology fees
  • lab fees
  • course fees

Hidden costs can make an otherwise affordable option much less so. Be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of fees and explore scholarships, grants, or payment plans that may help offset some extra charges.

Strong Academic Support Services

Affordability and flexibility are undoubtedly the top priorities for adult students. However, strong academic support services can make all the difference in ensuring success. Some of the most important support services for adult students include:

  • tutoring services
  • academic advising
  • career counseling
  • peer support and mentorship

These support services can come at a cost. Make sure to also check with the online college about whether these services are included in the tuition or if there are additional fees.

Discounted tutoring services for adult students and other support services can be the difference between finishing your degree and dropping out.

Top Online Colleges Offering Tutoring Discounts for Adult Learners

Charter Oak State College

  • Undergrad In-State: $7,656
  • Undergrad Out-of-State: $10,056
  • Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education

Charter Oak State College offers a flexible selection of 29 programs, including 10 online bachelor’s and one online master’s program. This public institution ensures that 100% of its students receive financial aid. With a 50% retention rate, Charter Oak is committed to supporting a diverse student body.

Charter Oak State College teams up with Brainfuse to offer free online tutoring for all students. You can get help anytime, day or night, in subjects like:

  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • English
  • Math
  • Nursing
  • Science
  • Social Sciences
  • Writing
  • And more!

Plus, you can drop off essays for feedback and access tutoring on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Excelsior College

  • Undergraduate Full-time (In-State): $12,240
  • Undergraduate Full-time (Out-of-State): $12,240
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Excelsior College offers over 100 programs, with a strong emphasis on online learning. With 54 online bachelor’s and 27 online master’s programs, it provides flexibility for adult learners and working professionals. The college is known for its high return on investment and affordable tuition rates, with the same in-state and out-of-state tuition costs.

Excelsior has partnered with TutorMe to offer free, 24/7 online tutoring services to its students, including adult learners. It has been tagged as one of the top online colleges with affordable tutoring. It also provides students access to a network of over 12,000 certified tutors across 300 subjects. Adult students can receive discounts for tutoring services.

Thomas Edison State University

  • Undergrad In-State: $7,926
  • Undergrad Out-of-State: $9,856
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

TESU is known for offering affordable online degrees for adults, both in-state and out-of-state. It offers over 70 online programs, serving a wide range of learners with flexible options for bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

It has partnered with Brainfuse to offer students free, on-demand tutoring in various subjects. The service includes a Writing Lab for writing support and a study center with academic tools. Students can access the platform through their courses or the Online Tutoring Resources webpage.

Union Institute & University

  • Undergrad In-State: $13,080
  • Undergrad Out-of-State: $13,080
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Union Institute & University provides diverse programs with strong support services for adult learners online. A few of their most popular resources are:

  • Personalized academic advising
  • Career services
  • Student success coaching

UIU also offers free one-on-one tutoring through the Math Center to help students overcome any math anxiety and build confidence in tackling math problems. It also understands that other subjects can be challenging, so if students need help in any area, they just have to reach out. UIU will connect students with a tutor who can work with them to achieve their goals and succeed in their studies.

Liberty University

  • Undergrad In-State: $15,000
  • Undergrad Out-of-State: $15,000
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the country. It offers an extensive list of online programs, including over 40 bachelor’s and 70 master’s degrees. Liberty offers free tutoring services of up to 10 hours per semester through Tutor.com, which includes access to tutors for subjects like English, Math, Science, and more.

Students also have access to writing support services and academic success workshops. Liberty University’s student support extends beyond tutoring, with options for personalized academic advising, career counseling, and financial aid for adult students.

How Tutoring Services Help Adult Learners Succeed

Adult learners often face different challenges than traditional students, and tutoring can be a key factor in overcoming these obstacles. Here are some common challenges and how discounted tutoring services for adult students can help:

  1. Mastering New Technologies: Not all adult learners immediately feel super comfy with tech. Moving to online learning can be challenging, but luckily, tutoring services help adults get familiar with the latest educational technologies or online learning platforms.
  2. Balancing Responsibilities: With work, family, and other life commitments, it can be tough for adult learners to find enough time to dedicate to their studies. A tutor can help adult learners prioritize and break down assignments into manageable tasks, making it easier to balance everything.
  3. Struggling with Specific Subjects: If you’re returning to school after a long break, you may find that certain subjects have changed or are harder to grasp than others. A tutor can provide personalized attention and tailored help in these subjects, ensuring you don’t fall behind.
  4. Writing and Research Skills: Writing academic papers and conducting research might be intimidating if it’s been a while since you’ve been in school. Tutors can help adult learners develop these skills, making writing smoother and less stressful.
  5. Building Academic Confidence: Going back to school, whether for career growth or personal development, can feel intimidating. But online tutoring services aren’t just about sharing knowledge—they’re also key to helping adult students build academic confidence.

How to Choose the Right Online College with Affordable Tutoring

Searching for the best online colleges for adults returning to school isn’t just about affordability. You must also check

  1. Accreditation: Always check that a recognized agency accredits the school. This ensures the quality of the programs and makes your degree more valuable.
  2. Program Quality: Research the programs offered by each school. Look for ones that are flexible and relevant to your career goals. Many schools offer degree programs tailored specifically to adult learners or working professionals.
  3. Student Reviews: Read reviews from current and former students to understand the support services available, including tutoring. You can find reviews on the school’s website or third-party platforms like College Confidential or GradReports.

Conclusion: Finding the Support You Need for Your Educational Journey

With the increasing costs and market competitiveness, finding the right affordable education for non-traditional students takes extra effort. Affordable online colleges with discounted tutoring services for adult students are a great option for adult learners who need extra help but also want to stay within budget.

Whether it’s mastering new technologies, improving your writing skills, or just getting through a tough subject, tutoring can provide the boost you need to keep going. Take the time to research your options, evaluate schools based on your needs, and contact admissions offices to learn more about tutoring services.