For working adults ready to take the next step in their careers, starting or going back to school can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Balancing professional responsibilities, family commitments and finances requires a pathway designed with flexibility and real-world impact in mind. For those asking the question, “Can I work 40 hours and take online classes?” the answer is yes. In fact, around 40% of college students pursue a degree while working full time.
Boise State’s Online Degree Pathway is built specifically for adult learners who want to change careers, advance in their current roles or finally complete their bachelor’s degree — without putting their lives on hold or sacrificing their regular income.
By combining adaptable course formats, personalized advising and affordable tuition options, this program empowers students to move forward with confidence knowing they’re attending one of the best online colleges for working adults. Whether you’re exploring a new field, strengthening your qualifications or maximizing employer tuition benefits, the online degree pathway offers a structured, supportive route to achieving your academic and professional goals.
Benefits of the online degree pathway for working adults
Working adults considering a return to higher education can benefit from the flexible, supportive and affordable online degree pathway program — especially those seeking a career pivot or advancement in their current job by earning a bachelor’s degree.
- You can create a better work-life balance: Courses run from seven to 15 weeks with six start dates a year, meaning these flexible programs can be incorporated into your current work schedule. Many of the courses are also asynchronous, so you can attend lectures and review course materials when convenient.
- You can explore flexible academic pathways: Complete or transfer your first 40 foundation credits, take elective credits toward your intended major via degree pathways, obtain a certificate to boost your resume and then finish your remaining 60 credits to earn your bachelor’s degree.
- You can prepare for a career change: If your goal is to transition into a career in medical imaging, business management, accounting or social work, the online degree pathway program offers four specialized tracks to help adult learners earn the foundational credits needed to qualify for these popular online programs.
- You can apply new skills and learning immediately in the workplace: Working students can use the current knowledge, concepts and strategies they learn directly to day-to-day operations. Whether you’re implementing process improvements or sharing new methodologies, you can increase visibility, enhance credibility and make a strong case for promotion to leadership roles. Your time management skills will improve significantly, too.
- You can take advantage of employer tuition assistance programs: Many employers, particularly the military, offer benefits like tuition assistance or reimbursement for their employees. This is an important workforce investment for many companies — 91% of employers surveyed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation agreed that degree programs, such as Boise State’s online degree pathway, help organizations remain competitive.
Common challenges and how to overcome them
With the right support system, clear planning and affordable options, you can stay on track and move confidently toward graduation. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common challenges — and how the online degree pathway program can help you overcome them.
- Time management: As flexible as the online degree pathway can be, managing a full-time work schedule while completing your degree can seem impossible. Luckily, the program has a team of expert faculty, coaches and advisors who want to help you succeed with encouragement and assistance building a schedule that works for you. For more time-based strategies, check out our blog “7 Time Management Tips Every Online Student Should Know.”
- Deciding on a degree path: Many working adult learners don’t have the luxury of time to dedicate toward navigating multiple departments and plans trying to figure out what they need to do to achieve their goals. The personalized advising, customized degree plans and dedicated communication of the online degree pathway help you save time and stay on track toward degree completion and beyond.
- Paying for school: There’s still hope if your employer doesn’t offer tuition assistance or reimbursement. Boise State Online programs offer an affordable per-credit rate with no added fees. There are also financial assistance options available like financial aid, scholarships and payment plans.
Long-term career impact and salaries for online degree graduates
Students who have completed the online degree pathway while working have found that the program sets them up for success.
“For my personal life, it was a huge advantage. I can go work for the Army, come home at night and still have time to do my school work. It does pull out a lot of stressors. It was a breath of fresh air to have really solid online courses to take,” Boise State Online student Paul Pinkerton said.
Additionally, the College Board states that employees with a bachelor’s degree earn a median wage that is 65% higher than those without.
Earning a bachelor’s degree as a working adult is an investment in your future. With the right structure, support and financial options, the challenges of time management, decision-making and cost become manageable — and even motivating. Graduates of the online degree pathway don’t just complete a credential; they gain immediately applicable skills, renewed confidence and greater long-term earning potential.
If you’re ready to create new opportunities, increase your earning power and position yourself for advancement, the online degree pathway can help you turn ambition into action — on your schedule and on your terms.
Learn more about the online degree pathway
Boise State’s Online Degree Pathway can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.