While support is important at any educational level, graduate school often requires the support of family and loved ones to a greater degree than undergraduate studies. Large numbers of people are returning to school as grad students to advance or change careers and have already embarked on establishing families of their own. Four items to consider when deciding to go to grad school as a parent include:

First, if you are entertaining a return to school, be sure that you include spouses and loved ones in the deliberation process. You will be taking time away from relationships to complete your studies, so it is important that those affected have some part in the decision process. Make sure each person understands that you may be more absent in the relationship while completing your studies, and be sure to make an extra effort to reconnect with loved one during breaks.

Second, you need to understand the cost/benefit of your graduate work. How are you going to pay for it? If you are going to use student loans, do you understand the approximate monthly payments at degree completion? How much extra will you really earn with the degree? How will your graduate work impact the funding of your child’s college education? Depending on the age of your child, you may want to include them in the financial discussions to help prepare them for their own college journey.

Third, you need to consider the nature of the program. Are you looking at a campus-based program or an online program? For a campus program, have you factored in the commute time, time away from home, and transportation expenses? For an online program, do you have the necessary equipment? Every online program posts the minimum computer requirements on their website. For example, Capella University posts their minimum computer requirements as covering the processor, operating system, internet connection, and so forth needed to participate in courses. Make sure all of those expenses are factored into your application decision.

Fourth, if you have children, you can use your studying for modeling study skills. When children see that their parents have to make completing homework a priority, they see that the family truly does value education.

Pursuing graduate studies is possible for those who have families to consider. It simply requires more communication and collaboration from all members of the family.

Janelle Jalbert

May 2009

For additional information regarding preparing for graduate school and other levels of college, visit Edusistance or Race to College Success. Janelle can be contacted via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it