You've
decided to go back to school--congratulations! As it turns out, you're not
alone. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of
full-time students age 65 and over in degree-granting schools increased 36%
between 2007 and 2009, while the number of 50- to 64-year-old full-time
students increased 42%.
Heading
back to college later in life can be fulfilling; however, the many decisions
involved--from choosing the right school and determining a course of study to
budgeting for the various costs--can be overwhelming. Fortunately, a number of
resources exist for older adults seeking information about higher education
devoted to their needs.
A
few years ago, the American Association for Community Colleges launched the Plus
50 Initiative, which encourages community colleges across the country to
develop programs for those age 50 and older. The website Encore.org, provides
links to college search tools and financial aid tips.
Encore.org
is a nonprofit organization devoted to helping baby boomers seek new careers
that are dedicated to serving the greater good. Among the many programs the
organization runs is the Encore College Initiative, which provides resources
for individuals looking for specific college-level programs for older adults.
Elderhostel,
Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides educational and travel
opportunities for retirees, helps support Lifelong Learning Institutes. Through
these locally run membership organizations, participants select courses based
on needs, interests, and the simple desire to learn. Most LLIs are sponsored by
local colleges and universities, and offer a wide variety of programs.
Finally,
many colleges and universities offer discounts--and, in some cases, even free
tuition--for students over age 65. Consider starting your search by calling a
local institute of higher learning and asking about special programs for
seniors.
