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What Do Retirement and College Have in Common?

Seniors of All Ages Return to Complete Their Education

Sondra C
Seniors who are barely in their senior years and those who are well past retirement age find out that it is never too late to earn a college degree. It is also less expensive to earn the degree at a community college by attending for the first two years to earn their AA degree. Those who wish to go for their BA degree can then transfer to a university to earn their 4 year degree. Attending a community college also enables seniors who are of retirement age take college courses at a slower pace or even stretch the 2 year course into 3 years or even 4 if they are in no rush.

How to Locate A Community College?

If attending college during your retirement years sounds like a something you would like to pursue, then find the location of a community college not far from you by searching on the Internet or using a telephone book. If none of the above is available to, go to the closest high school and ask the guidance counselor where the nearest community college is.

Why Is It Better To Enroll In A Community College?

A community college is learning at a slower pace. Many have a campus, bookstores, libraries and places to eat. They are similar to a university except that you can only earn a two year Associates Degree. Community Colleges are less expensive than a university and you can earn your two-year degree at a slower pace.

How Do I Get Into College In My Senior Years?

Locate the community college that is nearest to where you live. Call and speak to someone in the registrar's office. Tell them that you are a retired senior who is interested in attending college. He/She will give you all the information that you will need to enroll in the community college. He/She will also set up an appointment for you to talk to a guidance counselor.

What Will I Have To Do To Enroll?

Enrolling is easy and the guidance counselor will help you walk through every step. He/She will want to know if you have ever attended college and if so, what courses you have already completed. Prior college courses might give you college credits when you enroll in the community college. Types of employment, civic groups or social clubs you had once belonged might also be able earn college credits. You will also be advised if pre-college testing is required for you to attend.

What Will It Cost To Attend Community College?

The college course fees are dependent on the college and how much they charge per credit. They are usually much lower than university courses. This makes a good reason why it is best to earn your two year degree at the community college level. Keep in mind that you will also have to pay for books and any other materials that might be necessary for each class.

What Do Colleges and Retirement Have In Common?

They are both retirement dreams that can come true for seniors regardless of the type of retirement plans that they had always dreamed of. Seniors, who had always wished they had a college degree, can finally fulfill their college graduation retirement dreams. Seniors who had always wanted to buy an RV and travel the countryside can similarly fulfill their travel retirement dreams. Retirement plans can come true for all seniors regardless of the type of retirement plans they had always wished for..

When my children grew and had children of their own - and a few years after my husband died - I took the path that I described. I returned to college and graduated with honors and an Associate of Arts Degree. I did not have the desire to earn a higher degree because I had other interests I wanted to pursue - but my dream finally did came true - when I graduated from college with 'honors', and my degree during my senior years.

Published by Sondra C

Brooklyn born Sondra Crane is a youthful looking and acting senior. She began writing as a child and never stopped. Her blog, Along Life s Path includes life as it was then and a glimpse into her thoughts an...  View profile

15 Comments

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  • Sandy Rothra5/2/2010

    Congratulations on earning that degree. I earned mine late in life and have never been sorry.

  • Barbara Raskauskas4/17/2010

    Catchy article title and excellent point. Attending college later in life can also become a place for social interaction. Good for you, Sondra, for graduating and with honors!! You've got me interested in taking some courses for the fun of it.

  • Angel Vee4/16/2010

    ;-);-)

  • Kay Whittenhauer4/14/2010

    Yay! Good for you, Sondra!

  • Charlotte Kuchinsky4/14/2010

    I've thought about going back myself.

  • Michele Starkey4/14/2010

    You know, when I read your title, "What do they have in common?" - my first thought was, "They both live on limited income!" Cheers :)

  • Bridget Ilene Delaney4/13/2010

    I think it is great when anybody returns to school to get a college education.

  • Lois Lunsford4/13/2010

    Good for you Sondra. I also went back to school and changed my career at 40. Life is good now and I am doing something I love to do, Teach! Excellent article, good advice.

  • Maria Roth4/13/2010

    I loved school. I don't know if I'll go back for a Master's degree, though. :)

  • Kristie Leong M.D.4/13/2010

    I'd love to go back to school and get another degree. I may do it in a few years. :-)

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