by Bruce Ziebarth

Created on: May 21, 2008   Last Updated: October 15, 2008

Returning to college is a life changing decision. Short term extra demands will be placed on your family, time, and finances. Long term rewards include increased confidence and earnings potential. You must belief that the benefits are worth the cost. This belief will motivate you through the long study sessions, nights you just do not feel like studying, and temptations to watch TV, or go out to eat rather than studying.

I faced the same decision. I would like to guide you through my decision makeing process. You can use the same, or similar, process when making your own decision.

What is your passion? Studying a subject that you are passionate about is very important. We all will experience nights where we don't feel like studying. Passion for the subject and the classes helps us to overcome the "hump".

Is the degree marketable? Do you see this degree benefiting you professionally? Will it get you a promotion or raise? Does it play into you and your families goals? If relocating is not your ultimate goal. You don't want to spend the energy, time and money to get the degree to find out the only jobs are two states away.

Does your schedule allow you to sit in a classroom? Deciding to attend in a classroom setting requires a large commitment of resources. You must be able to be free on certain days and times. In addition, you must calculate in drive, study and preparation time. In past this was the only option. Today, more college courses are available on-line than ever before.

Even on-line courses differ from school to school. Some schools require you to log on a certain number of times during the week. Drive time is one of the few benefits offered by these course. Other on-line programs only require you to submit homework by a weekly due date. This method allows the student more flexibility. Homework does have to be turned in on time. But, you don't have to drive to class or worry about several due dates during the week.

Communication is the key to a happy family life. During every step of this process communicate with your family, signification other or friends. Find someone who you can bounce ideas and decisions off of. They will be able to offer additional information and perspective. Communication and feedback will cause you to slow down through this process. We can get very emotional and excited deciding a degree and college. You will be required to slow down and consider each decision. Preventing the temptation to make quick decisions that can delay us further down the road. You don't want to get two years into your degree to find out you don't like it.

During this article I have outlined the questions and decisions I have grappled with. Each of these questions proved useful to me in deciding what college to attend. I hope that they also assist you in your endeavors.

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