If you think you are too old or that it’s too late to get that college degree, you are not only misinformed but also embodying a similar mindset to most individuals your age.
Flexibility, affordability and anonymity are all byproducts of online education offered for seniors.
As we all know, there are few things in life that are worse than regret. For instance, you may regret never acquiring that college degree, sticking it through to the end or perhaps you were robbed of that opportunity.
You need to know, however, that your past does not dictate your future and that getting that college degree or completing a desired certificate program is not only within reach but merely just a couple mouse clicks away.
Learning At Home
To reiterate once more, there are a multitude of reasons why you may not have been able to acquire a college degree but that does not mean for a second that you cannot deviate from your current path and start pursuing online degree programs.
Acquire your degree while learning from the comforts of your home.
Many seniors are unaware that there are a generous array of online degree programs that offer distance learning options which are tailored greatly for people who suffer with hearing difficulties, physical mobility, who are non-drivers and those whom have prior commitments at the home front.
The fact that you’re already on the Internet serves as testament that you have what it takes to get started with earning your online degree, in other words, a computer and an Internet connection is all you need.
Distinguished Schools
Geography is not an issue when it comes to online education.
If you reside in the country, out-of-town or in a remote location chances are you have an internet connection and a computer that you’re already using.
Not only that but there are many prestigious schools such as Arizona State University, Penn State, University of Florida and Texas Tech that offer online education despite where you may reside.
There are over 1,000 accredited schools offering hundreds of programs that vary from accounting, finance, marketing, psychology, web development and much more.
Better yet, these accredited schools are offering a multitude to degree levels from Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral and even Certificate Programs.
Education Options for Seniors
Many online schools report that as much as 10 percent of their student body is composed of those of the age of 50 and older, so there is no denying that more seniors are returning to school than ever before.
Not only are more older students returning to school but many schools provide special services for older students such as individual advising and introductory lessons regarding how online courses work.
Community colleges are especially known for tailoring their academic courses to older demographics, so not only is the demand there but so are the options for you.
In addition, you may have overseen how your life experiences may add depth to younger generations currently enrolled in courses.
Not only will your real-world insight render a different perspective than most in online class discussions but it will enrich everyone enrolled while alleviating the toxic feeling of isolation and idleness that seniors oftentimes feel.
Tuition Aid
We understand that managing your finances during your senior years can be difficult but you should know that most schools offer tuition at a much more affordable rate than younger students.
The majority of states require public institutions to offer discounted tuition or even free tuition to senior residents.
Regardless, every state has a form of financial aid designed for seniors.
Federal tax credits such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit ($2,500 annually) and the Lifetime Learning Credit ($2,000) have been shown to aid seniors with furthering their education while remaining funds in educational savings accounts for your children can also be applied to cover tuition.
Fortunately many online degrees are much cheaper than on-campus courses so in the end you are saving a significant amount while gaining much more value in return.
Bottom Line
Age is just a number and you are never too old to learn or invest in yourself.
Enrolling with college courses doesn’t have to be value driven, you can enrich not only your life but those loved ones around you by adding value to yourself through the knowledge you gain.
Take that computer course you’ve been putting off and surprise your grandkids, learn about nutrition and the human body to learn how to better take care of yourself or simply enroll in classes that peak your curiosity.
It’s true, that with aging more things become more difficult.
However, getting your degree online has never been easier than it is today.
Whatever your reasoning may be, it’s time to invest in yourself and lead others.
The dividends that will surmount will be well worth it in the end.
