What a Military Spouse Should Consider Before Enrolling in College
June 10, 2019 3:14pm
You’ve put your career and dreams on hold while supporting your spouse serving in the military. But now you are thinking about getting back on the road toward completing your degree. You want to go to school, but aren’t sure how you will possibly juggle classes, raising your family, and dealing with the uncertainty that comes with life in the military. Believe it or not, there are many programs well suited for members of the Armed Forces and their husbands and wives. But there are a few elements to examine before you take the plunge of enrolling into a college.
Consider resources
Going to school is time consuming. Classroom time, studying, coursework completion, and tests all take time away from your daily obligations. It’s wise to consider what resources you have available to you where you live before you enroll in classes. Do you have a family member or friend who can help out while you complete school work? Can your spouse help while they aren’t working or training? If you don’t have close friends or family members that live nearby, check with your base to see what your childcare options are. Ponder these factors because you will have to find a balance in order to manage day-to-day life and college.
Consider the college
There are many colleges on ground and online that offer a variety of degree programs. Be sure once you are considering a particular one you do your research on that school. Find out if they are accredited and how they are accredited – nationally or regionally. Are they a for-profit or not for profit school? Look at their website or call the admissions department and inquire about course offerings and whether they offer strictly on-ground courses or if there are online or hybrid options available. Ask about tuition and fees and whether they offer a discount to military spouses. Another aspect that can affect your overall cost is whether the school will accept all the credits you might have earned previously. Credit transfer drastically lower the price of your degree and the amount of time it takes to reach completion. Also, find out what resources the school provides its learners. How much interaction will you have with your advisor? Are tutoring, tech support, or library services available to you? As a military spouse juggling the possibility of last-minute TDYs or unexpected deployments, you will want to choose a college that offers a good amount of student support.
Consider ALL the costs
The cost of a college education doesn’t stop at tuition, fees, and books. Depending on the program you have chosen, there can be other hidden costs and items you need in order to complete your coursework. Some of these items might be a new laptop, printer, scanner, calculator, or school supplies. You will also want to have reliable accessibility to high-speed Internet. If you are taking classes online, you could be faced with taking timed exams. You’ll also be emailing and turning in your coursework electronically, so you want to be sure you won’t have issues being online to accomplish your tasks. Think about the cost of transportation to and from class. Will you have to pay for daycare so you can attend classes or have free time to study? Add these items up so you have a better idea of how much going to school is really going to cost you.
Consider online programs
Online programs can be an asset to members of the military and their spouses. Taking courses online can solve many of your obstacles. They can lower your overall cost since you won’t be traveling to and from a brick and mortar classroom. They offer more flexibility since you can complete your coursework when it fits into your schedule and participate in class discussions online. And they are easily accessible; as long as you have your computer and Internet access, you can take your classes wherever you need to. If your spouse has an unexpected TDY, you can alter your study time for after your kids are in bed. If you deploy, your classes go with you. Online programs are growing in popularity and colleges are offering a larger number of them. If you can find a college that offers some beneficial online student resources, this is a great option for you to explore.
Consider career outcomes
A big factor to weigh when contemplating whether to go to college is what your career options will be like once you graduate. You should take into consideration the state or country you reside. What is the job market like? Is your career field projected to grow over the next few decades? Find out if there is a chance for career advancement with your degree. Some degrees could lead to a variety careers, so look into what kind of versatility you will have. As a military spouse, you should also consider whether your career will be transportable should you have to relocate. If you are looking at getting a teaching degree, what are the licensing requirements and how might they change if you have to move to another state? You can get some of your questions answered by visiting the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Being a military spouse brings a host of added responsibilities and obligations, so be sure to have as much information as possible in order to choose the best degree program and college that you can balance with your life.
You might also enjoy reading these articles:
Biggest Advantages of Earning a Degree at SC While in the Military
Top Reasons Why a College Degree is a Valuable Asset
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