I agree, continuing education can be a wonderful experience as it allows students to take the courses they need instead of an entire program.

I started my schooling off at a community college and then transferred my credits to a state college. I saved money and I was able to take the same courses and at my own pace.

A difference between traditional college and continuing education is that students take only the courses they need for certification. An associate’s degree is a stepping stone to a bachelor’s, but it generally has the same general ed classes–math, history, English–required of freshmen and sophmores at universities.

Continuing education can prepare a person for a new job in a few months to a year, rather than requiring two years of general ed courses, and some continuing ed programs also offer college credit. Check with your local community or technical college about continuing your education.