Part of the wealth building process may include getting more education. More education usually means more money earned in the long term. A college graduate earns more than a high school graduate. The higher the degree level the more money you can make.

So what can an adult going back to school expect? What are the costs? Can you get your mind in study mode? What should you study? These are all valid questions that can be answered with the help of a college advisor or someone who has been down that path.

The first step through this process is to decide what you want to be when you grow up. What has always been your passion? What are your interests? What have you always dreamed of becoming? The answers to these questions will give you the first clues to deciding on a major and minor. From there you can evaluate the college websites that are in your neighborhood or online. With many college programs going virtual you don’t have to worry about leaving your home to get the education you need. This fits in well with the responsibilities that single moms have.

The next step is to determine the requirements of your chosen school. What tests do you have to take? What transcripts from previous schools do they need? How many credit hours do you have already if you have been to college before? Will they transfer to your new school? In addition to these questions there is the paperwork to consider. Most of the paperwork required is online. The application, recommendations (if required), essay (if required), financial aid and scholarship applications are all a part of the back to school process.

The college you plan to attend should have helpful advisors and admissions personnel to guide you through the process. If you have trouble getting help when you ask for it you might want to reconsider going to that school. Your first experience with the college personnel tells a lot about the institution. Customer service is not just for retail stores anymore. Anytime you are paying money for a service you should expect good service.

Now that you have decided on your major, completed the paperwork, requested test scores and records, and been accepted you are ready for registration. The registration process is about scheduling classes, getting you identification card, vehicle registration (if applicable), and getting your books. It can be a bit intimidating but that is where you academic advisor comes in. Your advisor is the person who should help you choose the right classes to begin with and point you in the right direction for the other things you need to become an official student.

With the admission and registration process complete you are now an official student. It feels great to attend classes on the first day of school. You will feel nervous and excited at the same time. You may have had some obstacles but you overcame them and now you are sitting in class with other students. You are ready to embark on this amazing trip through academia on your journey to financial freedom.

Next time I will share my back to school experience with you. It was quite a ride but I wouldn’t trade it for anything else in the world.

Samantha Gregory

Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com.

Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms.

She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.