Research by Civic Science shows that 11% of US adults consider returning to school to improve their job outlook. On average, 8% of people aged 26 to 44 register for online classes adult annually to set the stage for a new career path. The report links this trend to declining optimism in job searches caused by post-Covid job market instability. Virtual distance learning allows adults to meet their education goals without interrupting their daily schedules. They can hire our online class experts to attend classes and sit urgent exams to streamline their study paths. In this blog, our experts cover the most popular online classes for adults, their costs, duration, and scholarship programs.
Online Classes Adult at High School Level
The number of adults registering for high school classes increased from 87.6% to 91.1% in 2011–2021. However, over 90% of adults seeking high school diplomas registered for these two courses.
General Educational Development
Approximately 70% of adults seeking high school diplomas register for the General Educational Development (GED). Online GED classes are open to adults without a traditional high school education. Applicants must be at least 16 to 18 years old. Most states require applicants to take a competency test for GED online classes, assessing their readiness for the GED exams.
High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)
Data from the National Center for Education Statistics reveal that approximately 500,000 adults sit for the HiSET examination annually. The figures represent 20–30% of adults seeking high school equivalent certifications. The HiSET serves the same role as the GED. It’s open for applicants without high school diplomas, aged at least 16–18 years. Most states require learners to be in-state residents in the jurisdiction where they take online classes and must pass the HiSET readiness test.
Online Classes Adult at College and University Level
Adults with high school diplomas, GED certificates, or HiSET scores can pursue degrees and certificates at any accredited university or state-approved community college. Here are the top courses in each category adults are taking nationally:
Adult Education
- Education technology
- Educational leadership
- General Education
- International Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Special Education
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
Technology and Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud computing
- Digital marketing
- Coding boot camps
- Data Science & Data Analytics
- Digital Marketing
Higher Education and Academic Courses
- STEM Education
- Advanced degrees
- Specialized Degree Programs
- College Readiness Programs
- Advanced Certificate Programs
- Undergraduate Certificate programs
- Pathway programs
- Associate degree programs
Professional Enrichment Online Classes for Adult
- Music and Performing Arts
- Cooking and Culinary Arts
- Fitness and Wellness
- Arts and Creativity
- Languages and Cultural Studies
Professional Developments
- Project Management
- Technical Skills Training
- Healthcare Training
- Leadership and Management
- Marketing and Sales
Costs for Online Classes Adults
The cost for online classes for adults differs based on the type of course, level of education, the institution or provider, and the accreditation. The costs for GED are $80 per subject, while HiSET is priced at $32 per sub-test and $140 retest for retest. Most specialization certificates cost about $49. This fee is only for registration and certifications. Online degrees average $10,776. The fees cover tuition, course materials, examinations, and certifications. Learners should consult their course providers before registration for proper financial planning.
Duration for Online Classes for Adults
The beauty of online classes for adults is that most are self-paced. Hence, learners can study at their preferred schedule and durations. However, some courses have fixed durations. For example, GED takes about 8–16 weeks. GED examinations take 7 hours, including the breaks. HiSET examination consists of five sub-tests, each taking 120 minutes. The program takes 6 weeks. On average, online certificate programs for adults take three to six months, while undergraduate degrees take between 1 to four years, depending on the program’s structure.
Free Online Classes for Adults
Applicants facing economic challenges can register for free online classes accredited colleges offer on platforms such as MIT OpenCourseWare, Stanford Online, Yale Online, and Berkeley Online. These courses are collectively called Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Upon completing the course, learners get certifications to demonstrate their commitment to continued learning. Adults looking for jobs can add certificates to their resumes for professional development.
Scholarships for Online Adult Education Programs
Learners under continuing education can benefit from the following programs to help cover the tuition fees and other expenses:
Osher Reentry Scholarship: This scholarship Is tailored for learners considering returning to higher education.
- The Adult Students in Transition (ASIST) Scholarship: This program is open to all adults considering going back to college
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion Scholarship: This program is open to veterans considering returning to their studies.
- Denny’s Single Parent Student Scholarship: This program is open to all single parents looking to further their studies at the high school or college level
- Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund: The Jeannette Scholarship is open to low-income women above 35 furthering their studies in vocational or technical institutions.
Online Classes for Adults: The Bottomline
Workers with high school diplomas earn an average of 68% more than those without. Online classes adults give these people a second chance they need to expand their academic portfolio and land higher-paying roles. Consult our adult class experts for 1-on-1 guidance and exam help services.
