The Differences Between a Traditional Degree Program and an Adult Education Program with SNU

Sixty percent¹ of adults have considered a return to college. However, college as an adult is a fundamentally different experience than college in your early 20s.

An adult education program centers on the needs of busy adults who already have significant experience and life skills. These programs are less focused on preparing you for the real world or mastering study skills, and instead prioritize helping you graduate as quickly as possible with the job skills you need to thrive.

Non-traditional colleges understand that returning learners have unique needs, and they build programs that thoughtfully address those needs. If you’re juggling work and family, already have significant career experience or are returning to college and hope to graduate quickly, consider a program that caters to adult students. Here’s what sets SNU apart:

Traditional vs. Adult Education Program Basics

When you attend college as a recent high school graduate, one of the main roles of college is to prepare you for adult life. As a result, much of your day is spent in classes preparing for the reality of long work days when you graduate.

Conversely, programs focusing on adult learners intend to help you graduate as quickly as possible with marketable skills. Some key differences you’ll notice at SNU include:

Class Scheduling

At SNU, you can start classes whenever you’re ready and attend on a schedule that works for you. Most students can complete their degrees in just a single night a week.

Graduation Timeline

Graduating from college in a traditional setting takes four years if you attend full time and don’t take any extra classes. Most students take longer — up to six years. At SNU, you can graduate in as little as 18 months in most programs. If you are pursuing an undergraduate degree, you’ll also have the opportunity to get credit for prior learning and work experiences so you can start the next chapter of your life sooner.

Location

Some students love making connections in person. If that’s you, then SNU has plenty of in-person education options. SNU also offers night classes and online learning, so you can choose the model that suits your needs and lifestyle.

Enrollment

At most colleges, you have a limited enrollment window. You must apply by a specific deadline, then enroll based on the school’s academic calendar. Conversely, SNU offers rolling applications and enrollment so that someone else’s timeline doesn’t limit your future.

Learning Style

In a traditional classroom, you learn with different groups in each class you take, so you may never know all of your classmates. At SNU, adult learners take classes with a cohort. Over time, you will forge meaningful relationships you can channel into valuable professional connections.

Different Life Circumstances

You’re older and wiser now. You’ve probably had some big successes and some hard knocks. SNU values your experiences and unique perspective. We also understand that you may need additional support to complete your degree.

Here’s what sets us apart from a traditional degree program:

• We support your role as a parent and can help you decide on a career path that works for busy parents.
• We value diversity and inclusion and welcome all people of all perspectives and backgrounds.
• We understand the link between mental health, well-being and college completion and offer various mental health support options.
• We see each student as a whole person and take a well-rounded, faith-based approach to education to support higher learning.

We understand that challenging life circumstances often contribute to the decision to leave college. We’re here to support you and help you finish.

More Life Experience

College for young people isn’t just about education; it’s about becoming an adult. Students may take courses on critical thinking and life skills or be required to comply with school policies designed to get them accustomed to the working world. For adults, these policies can be a barrier to completing school.

SNU’s adult education program focuses on academic and career learning. We understand that you’ve already lived in the real world, so we work with you to build an academic program made to fit busy schedules.

A Different Financial Portrait

The first time you attended college, you might have relied on your parents to fill out a FAFSA for you, and your student aid award may have been limited by their earnings. As an adult, the government looks solely at your earnings, so you’re in the driver’s seat when choosing a financial aid package. Most SNU students get financial aid.

Some of the many financial aid options available include:

• Grants that you don’t have to pay back.
• Scholarships. You don’t have to be a perfect student to be eligible.
• Government subsidized loans that don’t accrue interest while you’re in school.
• Private loans that can help you cover a wide range of college expenses.

SNU focuses on helping students graduate quickly so they can minimize the total cost of attending college while still getting a great value. For many students, the earnings increase associated with a college degree quickly repays the entire investment.

Focusing on Veterans

You’ve served our nation. You deserve a school that serves your needs. SNU is deeply committed to the needs and well-being of veterans. Our award-winning VETS Center is staffed by people who understand soldiers and their families. We can support you as you adjust to civilian life, answer questions about using your military experience in your job search and ensure you have access to adequate mental health support.

The VA offers a range of educational benefits. We help you take advantage of every benefit you are eligible for, so give us a call or drop us a line if you’re considering returning to school.

Making an Adult Education Program Work for You

As with any other pursuit, an adult education program gives back what you put in. So it’s essential to be fully invested in the program and choose a school that caters to your needs.

Some questions to ask before enrolling include:

• What specific services does this school offer to adult learners?
• What is the graduation rate?
• Is the school accredited? If so, by whom?
• What percentage of students have a job six months after graduating?
• Who teaches the classes?
• What financial aid support can I get?
• Does this school have a good reputation?
• Does the school have connections with local employers?
• Does the school honor and reflect my values?

Everyone wants to know: What is the best age to go back to school? Pursuing your dreams is always a good idea; doing it now means you’ll have greater earning power throughout your career.

Considering a return to school as an adult learner? Learn more about what you can expect as an SNU student.

1: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180123005437/en/Survey-Reveals-60-Percent-of-U.S.-Adults-Have-Considered-Returning-to-School-But-Perceived-Financial-Barriers-Loom-Large