Going Back to School While Working Full-Time: 5 Best Schools
With flexible schedules and supportive learning options, working adults can pursue higher education on their own terms.
(Photo: SBR)
WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 9, 2025 — Getting a degree opens many doors, but doing coursework while you’re already working full-time can be challenging. Fortunately, many educational institutions across America are now offering programs with flexible formats to cater to students like you. They range from full-time online courses to asynchronous programs, which allow you to complete them at your own time. Here are some of the best colleges and universities for full-time working students.
How to Choose the Best School for People with Full-Time Jobs
When returning to school while working, choosing a school with a program that allows you to balance both aspects of your life is essential. Here are eight criteria necessary for determining which school is the best fit.
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Learning format |
Flexible format options include fully online courses, hybrid setups that combine digital and on-campus learning and self-paced programs. |
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Part-time options |
Some schools offer part-time enrollment, which allows you to take fewer courses. |
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Accelerated programs |
If you want to earn your degree as fast as possible, some schools provide fast-track courses. |
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Accreditation |
Getting a degree from an accredited school can open more job opportunities, as it indicates you learned from an institution that meets high academic standards. |
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Credit transfer |
If you have previous college credits or relevant job experience, some schools offer credit for prior learning, which can help you complete your degree faster. |
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Tuition rates |
Knowing the total program cost — which may include tuition, fees and resources — will help you determine if it’s within your budget and plan for payments. |
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Financial aid |
Some schools offer scholarships, grants and other financial aid options for non-traditional students. |
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Location |
If you choose a program that includes on-campus learning, consider traffic, parking availability and how the commute will factor into your schedule. |
Mount Wachusett Community College
Mount Wachusett Community College is one of the best colleges for adults returning to school, with over 70 associate degree and certificate programs. It offers part-time classes that let you earn your degree at your own pace. If you’d rather complete your degree as fast as possible, you can enroll as a full-time student and finish in as little as two years.
The college offers flexible class schedules, including day, evening, accelerated and fully online courses. It also has transfer agreements with various colleges and universities in Massachusetts and beyond, so it’s easy to transfer credits to complete your bachelor's degree.
Compared to other New England colleges and universities, Mount Wachusett Community College tuition fees are among the most affordable in the area. Comprehensive financial aid and scholarships are also available. Plus, if you live in Massachusetts, you might be eligible for its free college options.
Key Features:
1) Full-time and part-time programs
2) Day, evening, full semester, accelerated and online classes
3) Counseling and support services for students
4) Among the most affordable tuition rates in Massachusetts
5) Transfer services
6) Located in Gardner, MA
Concordia University Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Christian university in Mequon, WI, that offers more than 70 degrees and majors, from MBAs to PhDs and theology to accounting. With its online bachelor’s programs, you can learn anywhere and advance your career. Industry-expert instructors with real-world experience lead the eight-week courses, which integrate a faith-based curriculum.
Applications are free. If you have military training, work experience, or previously completed coursework, you’re welcome to transfer the credits to finish your degree faster. Tuition rates are competitive, and financial aid options are available to those eligible.
Online students can visit the Concordia University Wisconsin campus at any time. They can also access library resources, tutoring and mentoring, and wellness services.
Key Features:
1) Full-time and part-time programs
2) Face-to-face, virtual and online classes
3) Support and services for online students
4) Competitive tuition rates
5) Transfer up to 84 college credits
6) Located in Mequon, WI
Purdue Global
Purdue Global offers over 175 online degrees and certificates with asynchronous, module-based courses designed specifically for working adults. If you have coursework, job experience or military training, you might be eligible to earn college credits. Purdue Global can help you develop a prior learning portfolio to determine your credits.
This online school follows a 10-week term calendar that’s divided into three tracks. These have staggered start dates throughout the year, which give you multiple enrollment windows. Purdue Global also offers an introductory three-week, free trial. There’s no admission fee, and you don’t need to pass an entrance exam to enroll.
Key Features:
1) Asynchronous, module-based programs
2) Interactive and user-friendly online learning
3) Personalized student support and student accessibility services
4) Tuition rates per quarter credit hour, month, or term, based on the program
5) College credit transfer
6) A fully online school
Southern New Hampshire University
With Southern New Hampshire University, scheduling concerns with going back to school while working full-time are not a problem. It lets you learn on your schedule with more than 200 career-focused online programs, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
This nonprofit, fully accredited university has no set class times, which means you have full control of your schedule. You’re also welcome to transfer up to 90 academic, experiential and military credits to help you complete your degree faster.
As a nonprofit university, Southern New Hampshire University offers some of the most affordable online tuition fee rates in the U.S. If you’re eligible, you can also keep your costs low with its financial aid options. The school has six terms per year for eight-week-long undergraduate programs. For graduate programs — which take 10 weeks to complete — students have five term starts per year.
Key Features:
1) Campus-based and fully online courses
2) Hybrid learning for certain programs, like master’s in counseling
3) Academic support, online clubs and communities and honor societies
4) One of the lowest costs per credit hour rates in the nation
5) Transfer up to 90 credits
6) Located in Manchester, NH
California State University, East Bay
Known for its commitment to social mobility and high student diversity, California State University, East Bay, is also home to award-winning online and hybrid programs. It offers over 40 continuing education degree and certificate programs for working students.
You can complete the online courses at your own pace, though you can complete your degree as early as two years with its accelerated programs. If you’re transferring from another school, you can transfer all eligible credit units. The start dates of the online and hybrid courses often align with the university’s academic calendar.
Key Features:
1) Flexible online learning format
2) Video lectures, virtual meetings and discussions
3) Student online learning support and services
4) Affordable tuition rates and financial aid eligibility
5) Transfer credits
6) Located in Hayward, CA
How to Go Back to School While Working Full-Time
Earning a degree while working more than 35 hours a week is a tough challenge. Here are some tips to help you balance your work, study and personal life:
1) Choose the right program: Enroll in a school that understands the needs of working adults. Consider online or hybrid programs with flexible schedules. If you work odd hours or want to study at your own pace, asynchronous learning courses may be best.
2) Inform your boss: If you’re comfortable, let your employer know of your plans to earn a degree. There might be ways the company can support you, like allowing you to work more adaptable hours. Informing your team can also set clear work-life boundaries, as co-workers will know you can’t respond to messages during your study hours.
3) Commit to a detailed schedule: Block out specific hours for work, study, meals and personal activities. A comprehensive daily itinerary will help you make the most of your time and avoid procrastinating, which can derail your schedule and cause stress.
4) Schedule breaks: Using your commute period, work breaks and other downtimes to study will help you stay on top of your coursework, but it can also lead to burnout. Add regular periods for fun and relaxation into your schedule. If you include them in your plans, you’re less likely to feel guilty or unproductive while taking time for yourself.
5) Set realistic expectations: The learning curve for the first few weeks can be rough, so give yourself grace. Track your progress and celebrate small wins to maintain your momentum.
Balance Your Work and Study Life with the Right School
To choose the right program from the best colleges for adults returning to school, you must consider both your work and personal life. Limit your choices to programs that fit your schedule, budget and lifestyle. Finding the one that meets your needs is the key to setting yourself up for success.
Returning to school while working full-time is challenging, but flexible programs, online courses, and credit transfers let adults advance their education without sacrificing careers or personal life.
