Hitting the Books
Making an educated decision about heading back to school.
February 6, 2009
By Eleni Swengler
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Since the economy has gone into a tailspin, you might be considering returning to school. You might want to acquire new skills to be more marketable, or complete an advanced degree, or just want a place to hide out until the economy and the job market recover.
When I was in my early 20s, I left an entry-level position to move to a different city and enroll in a full-time master’s program. I also spent four years of my career as an assistant professor, and I am currently completing coursework in an MBA program. So I have some insights and advice to share.
Education is never a waste of time. However, some reasons for going back to school are better than others.. Many want to obtain an advanced degree to enhance their employment prospects. This was certainly true for me. Earning my M.F.A. degree opened up a wide array of teaching opportunities that would not have been available had I only had my bachelor’s degree. Others want to learn a new hobby or skill to enhance their personal lives. Still others are considering making a career change and need to obtain the education and credentials to do so. Finally, some just want to spend time back in the classroom to ride out a difficult economy. This is the weakest reason, especially if it will pose a financial hardship or require a large loan that will be difficult to pay back.
Depending on your reasons for returning to the classroom, a number of options are available. Research the institutions in your area to see what each offers. Four-year institutions usually offer both full- and part-time programs, as well as certificate programs in certain areas. The downside is that these schools, especially private colleges and universities, are the most expensive. Expect to pay more than $2,000 per class.
Community colleges may be a more feasible option. Several years ago I took a Web design course at a local community college. I was pleasantly surprised to find that their computer lab featured the latest technology and software programs and the instructor was very knowledgeable. The cost to take the class was a fraction of what I would have spent to take a comparable course at a four-year institution. If you are looking to take a continuing education course or complete a certificate program, definitely consider a community college as a viable option.
If you are interested in taking one or two classes just for fun to learn a new hobby, check the local community centers in your area. These facilities often have affordable classes as well. Once you figure out your options, schedule appointments to meet with faculty at each institution to discuss your needs and determine if their program will be a good fit.
Committing to a full- or part-time degree program is an important decision because it will require a significant investment of time and money. It is important to do a cost-benefit analysis. If you obtain a ‘ degree in your field, what types of positions will you be able to pursue? Will the salary level for those positions justify the money and time you’ll need to invest to obtain the degree? In addition, are you fully prepared to put your life on hold for the next few years to complete the degree?
If you have a mortgage payment and a family, consider enrolling in a part-time program. Have an honest and open discussion with your spouse about how the decision to go back to school will impact your family and finances. It’s important to develop a game plan and figure out how many courses you can realistically take each semester without adversely impacting your personal life.
Paying for your education is a critical issue. If you are employed, check to see if your employer offers any type of tuition remission program. Also, contact schools to see if they offer any scholarships, grants or other type of financial aid. Some institutions even offer the opportunity to apply for an assistantship, which would cover tuition and provide a monthly stipend for living expenses in exchange for working for 15-20 hours per week on campus. Apply for everything for which you are eligible.
Returning to school will have a huge impact on your career and personal life. Furthering your education will provide a significant return on investment as long as you do your homework to pick the right educational institution and course of study.
Eleni Swengler earned her MFA at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and went on to work for the Discovery Channel, an e-commerce company, a multimedia firm, and finally as a senior designer at Towson University. In addition, she taught design for four years as an assistant professor. In her spare time she freelances for a variety of corporations, nonprofits and educational institutions. Visit her website at eleniswengler.com.
