Graduate with family. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)
While support is important at any educational level, graduate school often requires the support of family and loved ones more than undergraduate studies. Large numbers of people who have family obligations are returning to school as grad students for career advancement, to change careers, or to ride out the recession. There are four items to consider when beginning to explore grad school as a parent.
First, if you are researching a return to school, be sure that you include loved ones in the process. You will be taking time away from relationships to complete your studies, so it is important that those affected have a part in the decision process. Make sure each person understands that you may be pulled away from relationships while completing your studies. Be sure to make an extra effort to reconnect with loved one during breaks, to compensate for absenteeism.
Second, you need to understand the cost/benefit of your graduate work. If you are going to use student loans, do you understand the approximate monthly payments at degree completion? How much extra will you really earn with the degree? How will your graduate work impact the funding of your child’s college education? Depending on the age of your child, you may include them in the financial discussions to help prepare them for their own college journey.
Third, you need to consider the nature of the program. Are you looking at a campus-based program or an online program? For a campus program, have you factored in the commute time, time away from home, and transportation expenses? In a cities, such as Los Angeles, commute time can nearly equal the time spent in one class. For an online program, do you have the necessary equipment? Every online program posts the minimum computer requirements on their website. For example, Capella University posts their minimum computer requirements as covering the processor, operating system, internet connection, and so forth needed to participate in courses. Make sure all of those expenses are factored into your application decision.
Fourth, if you have children, have you established a procedure for creating uninterrupted study time? You can use your studying as a model of study skills for your child. It can be a built in system of accountability, for both you and your child. When children see that their parent makes the completion homework a priority, they see that the family truly does value education.
Pursuing graduate studies is possible for those who have families to consider. It simply requires more communication and collaboration from all members of the family.
For more information regarding preparing for graduate school and other levels of college, visit Edusistance or Race to College Success. Janelle can be contacted via email.
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