Frequently Asked Questions

Why do adults return to College?
Am I too old?
Can I do it?
Do I have the skills to do it?
Will I be in class with anyone my own age?
Can I afford college?
How can I balance work and family responsibilities with going to college?
What if I don’t know what I want to do with my life?

Why do adults return to College?

There are a variety of reasons. Typically, adults return to college to improve their lives. Often, they want or need to learn new skills so they can change jobs, get a promotion, or perform better. Sometimes adults return to college simply for personal enrichment. Some adults pursue degrees while others take a few courses. Some go full time, some go part time. Some transfer to a four-year college or university, some don’t.

Am I too old?

No. Many adults feel they’ve been out of school too long or that they won’t find people their own age on campus. Our graduating class routinely includes adults in their thirties, forties, and fifties, and some years we have graduates in their sixties and seventies. Several hundred students over age forty attend classes every day.

Can I do it?

Yes. Often, the biggest obstacle faced by adults returning to college is overcoming the fear of taking the first few steps. Adult students who have already taken those steps might ask you, "Do you want to do the same thing you’re doing for the next twenty years?" They would advise that the only mistake is not trying.

Do I have the skills to do it?

Your skills are probably stronger than you think. Many adults worry about whether they have the study skills necessary for success in college or the technical skills needed in the computer age. All of these skills can be learned and polished. And TC3 has people here to help.

Will I be in class with anyone my own age?

Probably yes. Many adults step out of the work force and attend a community college in their thirties, forties, and fifties. Typically, adults are trying to improve their work situation, develop new skills, or improve their life circumstances following a significant change. Adult students do find people their own age to talk to. Many adults find they have a lot to contribute to class discussions because of their experience and they are enriched by the perspectives of younger students.

Can I afford college?

Community colleges offer an excellent education and the lowest tuition around. There are many sources of financial support, such as scholarships, tuition grants from the state and federal governments, loans, and tax credits. Lack of money should never be an obstacle for pursuing a college education, especially at TC3.

How can I balance work and family responsibilities with going to college?

This is a challenge. Successful adult students tell us they stay focused on their goal, find dedicated time to study and stick to it, and work with the other important people in their lives to find a balance that works. TC3 offers courses during the day and evening, and offers a wide variety of online courses.

What if I don’t know what I want to do with my life?

You’ve come to the right place! TC3 offers you the chance to explore your interests with a wide variety of courses and with the help of faculty and advisors who have years of experience working with adult students.

Tompkins Cortland Community College

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	Resources FAQs Experiential Learning Testimonials Auditing Courses	Frequently Asked Questions Why do adults return to College? Am I too old? Can I do it? Do I have the skills to do it? Will I be in class with anyone my own age? Can I afford college? How can I balance work and family responsibilities with going to college? What if I don’t know what I want to do with my life? Why do adults return to College? There are a variety of reasons. Typically, adults return to college to improve their lives. Often, they want or need to learn new skills so they can change jobs, get a promotion, or perform better. Sometimes adults return to college simply for personal enrichment. Some adults pursue degrees while others take a few courses. Some go full time, some go part time. Some transfer to a four-year college or university, some don’t. back to top Am I too old? No. Many adults feel they’ve been out of school too long or that they won’t find people their own age on campus. Our graduating class routinely includes adults in their thirties, forties, and fifties, and some years we have graduates in their sixties and seventies. Several hundred students over age forty attend classes every day. back to top Can I do it? Yes. Often, the biggest obstacle faced by adults returning to college is overcoming the fear of taking the first few steps. Adult students who have already taken those steps might ask you, "Do you want to do the same thing you’re doing for the next twenty years?" They would advise that the only mistake is not trying. back to top Do I have the skills to do it? Your skills are probably stronger than you think. Many adults worry about whether they have the study skills necessary for success in college or the technical skills needed in the computer age. All of these skills can be learned and polished. And TC3 has people here to help. back to top Will I be in class with anyone my own age? Probably yes. Many adults step out of the work force and attend a community college in their thirties, forties, and fifties. Typically, adults are trying to improve their work situation, develop new skills, or improve their life circumstances following a significant change. Adult students do find people their own age to talk to. Many adults find they have a lot to contribute to class discussions because of their experience and they are enriched by the perspectives of younger students. back to top Can I afford college? Community colleges offer an excellent education and the lowest tuition around. There are many sources of financial support, such as scholarships, tuition grants from the state and federal governments, loans, and tax credits. Lack of money should never be an obstacle for pursuing a college education, especially at TC3. back to top How can I balance work and family responsibilities with going to college? This is a challenge. Successful adult students tell us they stay focused on their goal, find dedicated time to study and stick to it, and work with the other important people in their lives to find a balance that works. TC3 offers courses during the day and evening, and offers a wide variety of online courses. back to top What if I don’t know what I want to do with my life? You’ve come to the right place! TC3 offers you the chance to explore your interests with a wide variety of courses and with the help of faculty and advisors who have years of experience working with adult students. back to top
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