It could have been for any reason:
- Not enough time
- Not enough money
- Family obligations
- Didn’t think you’d ever need/want a degree
- You had no real interest in college after high school
Luckily, there are numerous options to learn that don’t include sitting in a classroom.
Online education has flourished on the internet with the advent of MOOCs or Massive Open Online Courses.
Keep in mind that while access to these courses is easy, most come with a fee. Some courses may be audited for free, but may carry a fee if you wish access to more materials or to enroll in it for certification. Like more conventional colleges, there often is financial aid available for some MOOCs.
Here are some resources if you’re interested in working on a degree or just learning a new skill.
Coursera offers courses from colleges, universities and other institutions. Some are for enrichment, others to become proficient in a specialized skill and others allow you to earn a degree.
Class Central acts as a sort of clearinghouse for online classes offered by universities around the world. You can take some courses for credit or just for enjoyment.
The Great Courses delivers what its name suggests, the best courses taught at great institutions. You can learn the basics of photography from a National Geographic photographer, brush up on your cooking skills with a chef/instructor from the Culinary Institute of America or simply revisit some of the high school classes you didn’t take when you had the chance. (BTW: The Great Courses is having a sale on 247 of its offerings now with savings of up to 70 percent.)
Or, if you’re really serious, major institutions like the State University of New York system, give you the opportunity to earn a degree online. Many smaller, community colleges also have programs that lead to a degree, many in vocational skills.
Here’s a state-by-state listing of colleges that offer online education opportunities.
