In today’s business environment many employees find that they are just not climbing the corporate ladder as they had expected. Some find that they have been passed over for promotion, not because they lack the skills to perform the job, but because they lack one important credential—a college degree. In a situation where two equally skilled employees are being considered for a new position, the tie-breaker, so to speak, often falls to which employee possesses a degree. A college education can now be a critical factor in today’s society in achieving the success you desire in the job market and in life.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 27 million new jobs have been created since 1979--58 per cent require some college. Additionally, household income at a less than high school level averages around $20,000 per year, while households in which the wage earner has a college degree can earn three times this amount. Put simply, higher learning equals higher earning.

But how do working adults find the time to return to school between a 40 hour work week, soccer games with the kids, and hopefully, even a moment or two personal time? It’s not as difficult as it may first appear. As technology increases so do the opportunities to receive an education. Many institutions now offer evening, weekend and online classes as an alternative. This means that the working adult can attend class at times when it is convenient to them. Online classes can be accessed 24 hours a day.

Another consideration of returning to school is, of course, the expense. Fortunately, the great state of Georgia has an answer. Yes, non-traditional students will be considered for financial aid in the form of HOPE scholarships. Adult learners may be eligible for up to $3000.00 per academic year for full time students. In addition, there are need-based grants and various other lending options. Many students unknowingly qualify for financial aid but simply do not investigate the options. More information on financing an education can be found at www.gacollege411.org.

Several institutions now offer degrees that are geared toward adult students. One such degree is the Bachelor of Science in Technology Management offered by DeVry University. This program was developed to help students with some prior college experience to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree The Technology Management program “also facilitates students’ advancement to supervisory or management positions in their chosen field of specialization, enabling them to reap greater career and financial rewards,” according to DeVry’s academic catalog. Students have numerous options with this program. They can focus on such majors as Project Management, Small Business Management, E-Commerce, Sales and Marketing, Health Services Management, or Business Information Systems to name a few. The Technical Management program is available on campus as well as online.

Continuing education for adults is now more accessible than ever before. It is within the grasp of anyone willing to reach out for it. For more information on DeVry University, please visit www.devry.edu or phone 770-664-9520 in Alpharetta.