Going back to school to finish your degree is a worthwhile and commendable endeavor. Hopefully, it’s something that brings you pride and excitement when you think about earning that diploma and everything that means for you, your family, and your career.

However, one of the things that holds people back from taking that step is the concern about paying for their degree.

In fact, that common fear factor often makes people believe that they can’t afford their degree, so they never even bother to get started or explore their options.

Yes, education can be expensive. However, there are many financial aid options available for working adults that make earning your degree more affordable and accessible. Whether it’s in the form of a loan, scholarship, grant, or other financial aid packages, there are programs designed to help people cross that threshold and finish what they started.

 

Having the Right Mindset

On top of that, try to focus more on the ROI of your degree, rather than the upfront cost. Statistically speaking, finishing your degree will help you get a raise or promotion, enable you to pursue a new career that you aren’t currently qualified for, or achieve another meaningful thing like a better work/life balance so you can spend more time with your family.

The benefits of completing your degree go on and on, including:

  • Increased responsibility
  • Personal fulfillment
  • Job security
  • New career paths and opportunities

So, how exactly can you afford your degree?

The cost of your tuition will depend on your program, what your transcript looks like, and how many credits you need in order to earn your diploma.

At both the state and federal levels, there are grants and scholarships that are designed to help working adults afford their education. Additionally, many employers offer tuition reimbursement for people who are taking courses and earning college credits. Check with yours to see what they offer and if you qualify.

Ultimately, it’s important to work with the admissions counselors at your programs of interest to talk about financing your degree and what aid packages may be available to you. Every program is different, and you might be surprised at how affordable an adult degree program can actually be.

 

How You Can Use this Guide

In this guide, we’ll explore the cost of completing your bachelor’s degree as an adult and what grants, scholarships, and loans are available in Tennessee. Keep reading to learn more about these financial aid programs and how they can help you accomplish your goals.

If you’re finding some of this tricky to navigate, we invite you to connect with the Director of the Adult Degree Completion Program here at Southern to discuss your options and make a plan to finance your education.

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