For adult learners, higher education has a different purpose than it had when they were younger, with a focus on new and very specific goals. As a result, it's simply not possible to adequately assess a school or program based solely on the qualifications important to an 18-year-old incoming freshman.
Just as important, the education landscape itself has changed dramatically from what it was ten years ago.
Success Metrics for Adult Learners
That means your college search needs to be wider and deeper - a caution that applies both to students and the companies offering education assistance to support them. There are some common building blocks - confirming accreditation and success rate are essential first steps. Beyond that, to be successful, an education program for adults needs think outside traditional education boundaries.Instead of just cachet, you should be thinking about:
Time to Completion
How fast can an adult learner effectively earn the skills needed without cutting corners? Which schools are going to honor employees' past work experience with credits that will allow them to bypass some of the standard core requirements and get to the end game in a reasonable timeframe?
Flexibility
How do employees want to take classes? Do they have to be live, on campus in a traditional classroom? Do online or hybrid courses make more sense given their work schedules? For even the most ambitious employee, it can be very difficult to manage coursework in an already packed schedule
Relevant Academic Outcomes
How targeted is this program? How effective is it in your particular area of interest? Many programs offer a general degree in business, finance, technology, or healthcare. But they may not provide the focused, job-relevant skills and acumen needed in your industry today.
Narrowing Down the Options
Once you consider these three criteria, it becomes easier to whittle down the thousands of schools in this country, and focus on the specific institutions that offer programs that will best serve the requirements of your specific population. There are schools that absolutely meet those criteria and provide excellent skills and exactly the programs you need. But you'll never find them if you're limiting yourselves to the campuses on the "brand-name" lists.People often refer to adult learners as "non-traditional" students. But as the world of higher-ed continues to evolve - as options such as competency-based education, shortened semesters, and unbundled curriculum become more common to align with what adult-learners need - it may very well be the adult learner who becomes the "traditional" student.
By being able to navigate these different areas, you'll be able to make the best decision about schools.
