Tennessee Adults Are Going Back to School — And Vols Online Is Making It Possible

A quiet shift: adults choosing online degrees that fit real life

Across Tennessee, more adults are signing up for online degrees through Vols Online, the University of Tennessee’s program aimed at people who can’t pause life to go back to campus. Instead of rearranging full schedules, students pick classes that fit around jobs, child care and other obligations. That makes the change practical rather than dramatic, but it matters: employers get access to more trained workers, and learners get a realistic path to higher pay or a new career without a huge disruption.

From second-shift worker to student: a Nashville learner’s story

When James Carter first thought about college again, he was working nights at a logistics center and raising two kids on his own. The idea of commuting, arranging child care and leaving steady pay felt impossible.

James enrolled in Vols Online and started with one course at a time. Classes were recorded so he could watch after his shift. He did discussion posts late at night and used weekend hours for bigger assignments. For him, the pace was steady and realistic. He says the online format didn’t make the work easier, but it made finishing possible.

James chose a program that matched an opening he’d seen at work: supervisors with a college credential were getting promoted faster. He’s not done yet, but he’s already taking on more responsibility and plans to graduate with an applied degree that fits his schedule and his employer’s needs.

What Vols Online actually offers — simple facts, no hype

Vols Online bundles undergraduate and some graduate programs that can be completed largely or entirely online. Courses are typically offered in shorter blocks than a traditional semester, and many classes include recorded lectures, scheduled live sessions and online discussion boards. That mix lets students choose how much live interaction they want.

Cost varies by program and residency, but the structure is familiar: tuition per credit, with additional fees in some cases. Because the format is asynchronous at times, students can continue to earn while they learn, which spreads costs over time and keeps household income steady. Timelines depend on whether a student attends part time or full time. For many adult learners, finishing a degree takes longer than the classic four-year plan — but the trade-off is that they don’t have to quit a job to do it.

Why this matters for Tennessee towns and employers

The move toward online adult education is driven by practical needs. Local employers say they need more workers with technical skills and supervisory training. For many businesses, hiring someone who already works a shift but who can step into a higher role is far easier than finding a new hire with the right background.

For communities, the chance to upskill residents without forcing them to relocate or stop working keeps talent local and helps households climb income ladders. The change is steady rather than fast — enrollments rise in fits and starts — but the shape of the workforce is shifting. More adults balancing life and learning means more people able to accept promotions, switch careers, or qualify for new roles that once required an on-campus degree.

How to start with Vols Online and what to expect

Getting started is straightforward. Prospective students review program pages, confirm admission requirements and submit an application. Many programs accept transfer credits, which can shorten the time to finish. Orientation resources explain the online classroom and technology needed.

Financial aid options include federal aid for eligible students, employer tuition assistance in some cases, and payment plans from the university. Because students often enroll part time, costs can be spread out. The online format also opens the door to employer partnerships that can cover tuition for in-demand fields.

The broader point is practical: for adults who can’t put life on hold, Vols Online makes degree completion possible in a workable way. It won’t be the fastest route for everyone, but for people juggling work and family it turns a long-held idea—going back to school—into a realistic plan.

Sources

• prnewswire.com