How to Apply for College After You Dropped Out

If you’re thinking about returning to school after time away, you may feel overwhelmed. How will you fund your tuition? Will you have enough time to fit studying into your busy life? Will you be able to use your previous college credits?

While these are all valid questions, the good news is that the process is much easier than you might think. Below, we’ll explore resources that can make your continued education a reality.

Going Back to College as an Adult

One of the primary reasons for returning to school as an adult is to boost your earning potential. According to a 2023 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people ages 25 and older who held bachelor’s degrees earned an average of $594 more per week than those who only had high school diplomas.¹ Finishing your degree can also lead to new job opportunities. Whether you want to move into a leadership role with your current employer or find a new line of work, having that extra credential can make all the difference.

Luckily, returning to school after you’ve left isn’t as daunting as you might think. Many universities offer services to help returning students make the transition smoothly. Online classes with asynchronous schedules, transfer credit policies, versatile degree options—these are all to your advantage.

How to Apply to College After Dropping Out

Planning your return to college is more than just filling out your online application. While every situation is unique, and not all these steps will apply to everyone, it’s important to keep the following in mind.

Choose Your Degree Program

It may seem obvious, but you can’t apply for a program if you don’t pick one in the first place. Analyzing your past credits and what can transfer over is a great way to find a program that’s a good fit. Also, consider what you feel passionate about. Some other things to consider include:

• Whether or not the program is online or on-campus
• The work and school experience requirements
• The cost of the program and what type of financial aid options are available (student loans/scholarships/grants/etc.)
• The time it will take to complete the degree

Prepare Your Return to College Strategy

Examining your personal goals is the first big step you’ll have to take when deciding to finish your degree. Are you motivated by new career opportunities? Higher pay? Expanding your knowledge? You’ll also have to consider what’s needed to start the process, including documentation and financial assistance. Some concrete steps to take are:

• Researching admissions policies – The admissions process varies from program to program, so it’s important to understand what’s needed for your degree of choice. This includes previous experience, previous education, GPA requirements and more. An admissions counselor can help you through this process and answer your questions, so use them to your advantage.
• Understanding financial obligations and options – Returning to finish your degree isn’t cheap. That’s why it’s essential to explore all available financial aid opportunities. Campbellsville University is committed to making your education as affordable as possible with payment plan options, scholarships, financial assistance and more. To learn more about your financial aid options, you can visit Campbellsville’s financial aid page.
• Exploring transfer credit options – You earned your previous credits, so there’s no reason not to use them. Campbellsville offers generous transfer credit policies that can reduce the time and cost of a program. After completing a transfer credit evaluation, you’ll know exactly what can be applied to your degree hours.
• Gathering all paperwork – Admissions requires certain documentation, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. An enrollment counselor can help you decipher what documents you need and how to gather them from previous institutions.

Address Your Previous College Experience

If you’re returning to school, it likely means you have experience to bring to the table. Any number of previous credits can help you graduate faster, so it’s important to identify what you can use.

Once you’ve gathered your transcripts, you should review them for accuracy before submitting them to your new school. That way, you can ensure that any mistakes are corrected promptly. You also may want to get recommendation letters from previous instructors, depending on the program you’re applying to. It’s a good idea to request these as soon as possible so you get them back quickly.

Other information to consider includes:

• Work with clubs/extracurriculars at your previous institution to highlight character or skills
• Any relevant work experience that can be used to highlight personal growth

If you are applying for a master’s program or to multiple schools, building a solid application package is essential. In the case of a master’s application, it can also help to gather documentation of any certificates or outside education you have that shows dedication to your field.

Not all programs require the same level of documentation, but having more than you need doesn’t hurt. It’s best to be overprepared so you don’t miss necessary information at an important deadline.

Plan for Success

Take advantage of the many useful services and resources available to professionals returning to college. Researching what schools offer is a good place to start, but you should also focus on nurturing a solid support system. Your success can hinge on what you choose to take advantage of. Resources and skills to consider include:

• Time management – Managing your time as a working adult can be tricky. It can be helpful to choose degrees that are fully online and asynchronous so you can study on your schedule.
• Mental health support – Taking care of your mental health can make a huge difference in your success as a student. Many schools offer mental health services you can utilize. Campbellsville’s CU Well Counseling Center provides outpatient counseling services such as telehealth therapy to assist with issues like depression, anxiety, marital problems, addiction and more.
• Setting boundaries – Boundaries are important, especially if you are someone studying from home. You may want to designate a specific area in your home for schoolwork and let your family know you need undisturbed time to study. Your program is something you take seriously, and you need the people in your life to do the same.
• Career guidance – Earning your degree is the first step, but then you must make a plan to use it. Inquire about your school’s career services to help you analyze your career prospects. Campbellsville’s Office of Career Services supports students through career assessments, job fairs, employer networking and more.
• Financial assistance – You have many choices when it comes to making your degree more affordable. Explore options like federal student aid support, transfer credits, payment plans, scholarships and grants.

Apply to Campbellsville University Online

All this may seem overwhelming, but if you take it one step at a time and remember to use the available resources, you’ll find that returning to school is easier than you expected.

Campbellsville University takes pride in meeting students where they are, regardless of their educational backgrounds, to give them the opportunity for success. With diverse, fully online and asynchronous programs, Campbellsville has a degree for everyone. Explore the catalog and discover how you can finish strong with CU!

Source

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. “Education Pays.” Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/unemployment-earnings-education.htm.