Denton County Living Well Magazine September/October 2019 | Page 32

SENIORS AND RETIREES ARE RETURNING
TO COLLEGE––HERE’S HOW YOU CAN TOO
By Kimberly Blaker
A
s many seniors and retirees today will attest,
you’re never too old to go to college. Lifelong
learning has become increasingly popular in
recent years as baby boomers have reached
the age of retirement. For some, the purpose in
going back to school is to finish their studies and accom-
plish a degree. But for many more, it’s simply for fun and
an opportunity to gain knowledge, discover new interests,
and keep their minds and bodies fit.
ing in broadening your knowledge? Are you in search of
new interests and socializing opportunities? Your answer
might be one or all of these. But knowing your purpose will
give you direction.
Once you’ve determined what you hope to achieve, visit
nearby colleges or explore the websites of colleges in the
city or state where you’d like to settle for retirement, and
see what they have to offer.
Non-traditional college credit
With the rising costs of college, you may see it as an unlike- If earning your degree is important, today, more and more
ly endeavor. Not to mention, if you’re still in the workforce, accredited colleges offer a variety of options for earning
where would you find time for
nontraditional course credit. Look
the commute and classes let
into this first to save time and
Resources for financial assistance
alone time to study? Fortunately,
money.
• Visit Fast Web for information on colleges and a
today there are many ways to
scholarship search at www.fastweb.com
overcome these obstacles.
At some colleges you can earn
• For federal grants and loans, request your Student
Self-Acquired Competency (SAC)
Guide by calling [phone] or visit www.stu-
If you’d like to go to college,
credits. These may have different
dentaid.ed.gov/resources
first, consider your purpose and
names at various institutions. But
• Visit the U.S. Department of Education for informa-
what you hope to accomplish.
such credits are available for a
tion on tax credits at www.studentaid.ed.gov/types/
Do you want to earn your de-
wide range of skills and life expe-
tax-benefits
gree? Are you primarily interest-
riences. This requires compiling a
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DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019