A few questions about going back to college

Snakeweasel

Hi guys, I have been thinking about applying to go back to college as a mature student next year and there are some things that I just can't seem to get info on (sorry if they are all basic things)

1. How much is it likely to cost to do a four year course? ( I am currently full time employed and have already been in education as far as level 9, so I know all grants are out, the course I want to do is in my local college so would be able to drive, and still live at home so no rent)
2. How do people in my situation afford it? I am going to save as much as I can in the next year, and will try to get a part time job, but doubt it will be anywhere near enough.
3. Is it straight up crazy to be thinking of going back and starting a completely new undergrad only 2 years in to my career? I wince at the thought of continuing what I currently do for another 40 years. (I will be 28 going back to college if I do)

Thanks guys.

BonnieSituation

Having gotten to Masters Level what has spurred you to start again? I could understand if maybe you only had an LC or a L5 or 6?

Have you considered another Masters or a Doctorate? What is the industry you are in?

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I start tomorrow at the age of 30 studying Geomatics. It is complete change to what I was doing working for the govt previously since I last left college. I can't wait to be honest but it took me a long time to accept that I needed to do something like this in order to get somewhere. It will be worth it. But I don't have a masters or a decent degree so I had no real choice.

It is not a decision to take lightly and as you said that you are just at the beginning of your career maybe reevaluate what you are trying to achieve within your industry and perhaps see are there other lateral options before going nuclear and quitting work.

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The cost of college is dependent on so many variables that it is nigh on impossible to figure it out so far removed from your actual start date.

Snakeweasel

Thanks for the reply BonnieSituation, I suppose the simple answer is that I have absolutely no interest in what I do, I work in HR. The people I work with are great, my boss is probably the nicest boss you could ask for, I make a decent living and there are great promotion prospects with my current company. With this in mind, most people would probably think I'm crazy for thinking of leaving this job, but really I stumbled into every thing I did, I got a poor leaving cert and just took the first course which I was offered, I then did a masters just because of the recession and it seemed like something to do to give myself of getting some job, all this time I knew I had no interest in what I was doing but thought that wouldn't matter if I ended up getting a decent paying job.

As per a costs, I know with books, fuel and general cost of living, its kind of a how long is a piece of string situation, but what I was wondering is what are the average annual fees that have to be paid for undergrad courses currently? Sorry if thats fairly readily available information but I can't seem to find it.

MouseTail

To be honest, I think you are nuts to jack all that in, realistically you are looking at at least €60k to put yourself through a full time degree.

Have you looked at part time, preferably at Masters level? What field do you want to enter?

BonnieSituation

Snakeweasel wrote: »

Thanks for the reply BonnieSituation, I suppose the simple answer is that I have absolutely no interest in what I do, I work in HR. The people I work with are great, my boss is probably the nicest boss you could ask for, I make a decent living and there are great promotion prospects with my current company. With this in mind, most people would probably think I'm crazy for thinking of leaving this job, but really I stumbled into every thing I did, I got a poor leaving cert and just took the first course which I was offered, I then did a masters just because of the recession and it seemed like something to do to give myself of getting some job, all this time I knew I had no interest in what I was doing but thought that wouldn't matter if I ended up getting a decent paying job.

I wouldn't at all say you are crazy. There is no point doing something you don't love for the rest of your life. But remember you are only starting out.

I would research lateral movement. Another undergrad unless it is specific to an industry that you want to get into like Bio-sciences, Computer Science etc would be rather pointless. Another masters or other postgrad study might be more appropriate.

Chances are if you head back to an Undergrad you'll get so bored and burnt out at doing something that you've done before that you'd drop out at teh first opportunity. Be wary.

I'm going back to study something specific and fairly narrow so I shouldn't be bored at any point. I evaluated this for a whole year before taking the plunge.

As per a costs, I know with books, fuel and general cost of living, its kind of a how long is a piece of string situation, but what I was wondering is what are the average annual fees that have to be paid for undergrad courses currently? Sorry if thats fairly readily available information but I can't seem to find it.

As you've used up your rights to free fees you will have to fork out for the entire cost of an undergrad. As I said, lateral movement within your area; HR grads are very employable and the skills are transferable throughout business with a little more specialised training.

Whilst I was working I studied with the IPA for Law and politics and I would look up what they give in terms of further Professional Development.
CPD is a huge area and seems what you are after realistically.

IMHO, another undergrad is a bad idea unless you know exactly what you want.