Don’t Quit Your Day Job: Online Degree Programs for Working Adults

Remy Twine ‘25, Associate of Science in Marketing

Some colleges just aren't meant for working adults. Your job might mean you can't attend set course times — or maybe your schedule is too crowded to squeeze in a commute to campus.

But if you find an online degree program that works with your life, you might not need to put your career on hold to earn a degree. In fact, taking courses while you're working could offer its own advantages.

Is It Possible to Get a Degree While Working Full-Time?

Yes — at a school that supports nontraditional learners, it's possible to earn a degree while working full time, according to Kristen Caballero, an admission counselor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

"Earning a degree while working can be challenging, but it also offers many meaningful benefits," she said. "It allows you to apply what you're learning directly to your current role while continuing to build knowledge and skills that support your long-term career goals."

For many working students, Caballero said earning a degree might also help to create opportunities for career advancement in addition to aiding your personal growth.

How to Get a Degree as a Working Adult

Here are four steps to take if you're hoping to earn a degree while working: 

Connect With Your Employer

Before choosing a school, you may wish to connect with your employer about whether you have any educational benefits available to you, like tuition reimbursement or assistance.

For example, certain Amazon employees may be eligible for Amazon Career Choice, one of the company's educational benefit programs that can cover up to six courses per year in an approved undergraduate program.

Remy Twine '25 was working as a process guide at Amazon when she used Amazon Career Choice to pay for her associate degree in marketing at SNHU.

“I have a lot of friends, and I watched them graduate and accomplish all of their dreams — and I was sitting back wishing it was me,” Twine said. “But I knew that sooner or later, it would be me.”

In addition to her position at Amazon, Twine also owns a jewelry business and said the degree supported that endeavor, too.

"The school is very focused on success, and I am so grateful for that," Twine said.

Read more: What is Tuition Reimbursement?

Find a School That Offers Flexibility

Caballero said working adults typically need a flexible degree program that fits into their lives.

Some schools, like SNHU, have an asynchronous online course schedule with no set class times. That way, you can earn a degree at your own pace while adhering to weekly deadlines.

If you have existing credits, you also may appreciate the flexibility of a transfer-friendly college. At SNHU, for example, you can transfer up to 90 of the 120 credits required for a bachelor's degree.

Read more: Finish What You Started — Online Degree Completion Programs

Speak With an Admission Counselor

An admission counselor from the school you plan to attend can walk you through your program options and help you find a degree that aligns with your interests and goals, according to Caballero.

"Talk with an admissions counselor, explore different programs and ask about career outcomes, curriculum and transfer credit opportunities," she said. "The best major is one that aligns with your goals, builds on the progress you've already made and supports your long-term success."

Learn more: Some College, No Degree? How to Go Back to School

Ask for Help Along the Way

It may be helpful to ask for support from your family while you earn your degree.

At some schools, like SNHU, you also have a built-in support system, including academic advising, 24/7 drop-in tutoring, career services, mental health services and more.

Learn more: This Time Will Be Different: Student Support for Returning Learners

Can You Get a Master’s While Working?

You can absolutely get a master's degree while working, and some online graduate programs are designed with working students in mind.

Juan Munoz '22 '24MBA said he didn't want to lose momentum after completing his bachelor's in general studies from SNHU. Since he had a positive experience with the school while earning his bachelor's, he decided to move forward with a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

"I love that the school is geared towards adults, working adults, people that might have challenges, prior attempts to graduate," said Munoz.

And while career advancement isn't a guarantee for all graduates, Munoz credits his time at SNHU with helping him get promoted, too.

"While the journey requires commitment, the investment you make in yourself can open doors for years to come," Caballero said.

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor’s and master’s, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon’s short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. Connect with them on LinkedIn.