College for a 27 Year Old?

College Search & Selection
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<p>First a little background. I'm 27, not married, no kids, live in girlfriend, who is full time in nursing school, just finished semester 1. I work full time, make decent money and can't afford to cut back right now. I started into community college right out of high school and flunked out. I worked for about 8 years and now I'm returning to school. I've passed my Fall semester with 2 A's in the courses I took. I'm sort of gung ho about getting it done as soon as possible. Right now, I'm planning on an AA at Hillsborough Community College, then transfer to University of South Florida. My focus is MIS, with a minor in Management or Accounting, all that could change, but it will be a combination of those.</p>

<p>The grueling part is that I cannot attend full time as I'd like. My work schedule sucks, I work Monday/Tuesday 8-5 and Wednesday/Thursday 11-9, and alternate Saturdays every other week, completely screws a school schedule. I'm trying to load out with a couple 3 hour classes on Mon/Tue and one or two online classes to add some more. </p>

<p>I see all these posts of pedigreed 18 year olds with clubs/extra curricular/SAT/ACT/community service/and on and on. I'm wondering how much of a disadvantage I have, pursuing a degree in the traditional form. I want to stay away from online college, I'd much prefer a university. If all goes well, I can help get the girlfriend through school, and then she can reciprocate for me for my final two years, allowing me to focus more on school and cut back to part time work. </p>

<p>I plan on taking loans to help pay my school costs. My employer reimburses 100% of classes with a C or above, so I'm fortunate there. I just need to float the money with loans and to also cover books and other expenses. </p>

<p>I basically just wanted to get this out and see if anyone has any suggestions they can throw at me. There seems to be two worlds online for college discussion, young students out of high school, and adult student, being pushed to online schools. </p>

<p>Thanks...</p>

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<p>Here's a link that may be useful Back</a> to College: Online and On-Campus Degree Programs for Adults I didn't really explore the site too much though. You should ask in the parents forum too because they're more qualified to help you out.</p>

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<p>I've heard that many Universities are delighted to have adults as students. However, some have special programs for adults that are separate from their mainstream offerings for the traditional student. You will most likely participate in the academic life of the college, but not the total package. Probably no dorm life, no ec's, parties, etc. Many are not that generous with financial aid for adults. </p>

<p>Two comments:
1. You might consider formalizing your agreement with your girlfriend if you are going to depend on her financially after a few years. Sometimes people do not reciprocate.
2. Take advantage of your employers' offer to pay for tuition. There was a time that many employers offered programs like that. They have been phased out, so it is an unusual benefit now. A typical benefit is tuition reimbursement only for classes that are job-related.<br>
3. If you decide that you want to go full-time, move, and get deeply in debt, take a look at Columbia University School of General Studies Columbia</a> University School of General Studies – Elite Undergraduate College for Returning, Adult, and Nontraditional Students – Go back to school in New York City to finish your bachelor's degree, complete your education, and continue your story.. It is certainly among the best if not the best undergraduate college for adults.
Good luck!</p>