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Taking college classes at night can be a convenient option for students, especially those who are balancing work and school. However, doing your coursework in the evenings can be a big adjustment, especially if you’re used to taking classes during the day. Staying focused after a long day of work and excelling at learning at night can be challenging.

Whether you’re gearing up for a degree’s worth of night school or a one-off evening class, take a look at these tips to survive night classes.

What Are Night Classes?

Generally speaking, night classes take place between 5pm and 10pm. College night classes typically follow the traditional semester schedule, though there may be shorter timelines for special-interest topics or certificate programs.

Because night classes are geared toward nontraditional students with family and work obligations, they typically occur once a week for two to four hours, but it depends on the course credits and subject matter.

Although this condensed format may mean fewer trips to campus, it can also make for much longer days. Students may want to keep the following issues in mind.

Controlling Caffeine Cravings

When feeling tired, it may be a natural inclination to grab a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage to get a boost of energy and keep going. While this may help a student get through a night class or hammer out an assignment at the last minute, it can disrupt sleeping patterns, creating further fatigue the next day and inhibiting your ability to study in college.

Caffeine can last up to 12 hours in the system after consumption. Even for night owls, a coffee (or energy drink) after lunch could keep them awake well beyond when you want to go to bed.

If cold turkey seems like too drastic a change, you might want to try experimenting with less-caffeinated beverages, such as some types of coffee substitutes such as tea. Everyone is different, and the goal is finding the sweet spot between staying awake and engaged during night classes and not losing precious sleep later on.

Staying Nourished and Hydrated

Staying focused during night classes can take practice and preparation. Packing healthy snacks and water is one way to maintain energy and feel comfortable as class discussions and lectures progress into the later evening hours.

If a professor doesn’t permit eating in the classroom, a student can likely squeeze in a quick bite beforehand or during break time.

Remaining Active

Between work, studying, class time, and other obligations, exercising may seem like a luxury that there isn’t enough time for. This can feel especially true on days when a full day at work is followed by a three-hour night class.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. Broken down over the whole week, that’s about 20 minutes of exercise a day.

If you’re really in a pinch, fitting in a brisk walk before night classes start or during the midway break in a three-hour seminar can help with your energy and work toward meeting the 150-minute goal.

Befriending Classmates

Night classes can draw a diverse student body. For discussion-oriented classes, this can enrich the conversation with more perspectives.

It is also an opportunity to network and find a study buddy or two. Because night classes usually meet only once a week for a 15-week semester, even one absence could lead to falling behind or missing out on critical information. Classmates can be a resource for sharing notes and staying in the loop on what happened in class.

Also, becoming friends with classmates could make lengthy night classes more fun and add motivation to keep up strong attendance.

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Creating a More Flexible Work Schedule

Even full-time students can expect to have at least one or two nights free from scheduled classes. If you have a flexible work schedule, you’re already in a position to craft an ideal balance of work, school, and social life.

However, if you’re working some version of the standard 9-5 schedule five days a week, the days with back-to-back work and class can feel like a marathon. Getting an education takes work, but you may not get the most out of it if it becomes something you dread.

Redistributing work hours to accommodate your night class schedule might prevent burnout. For instance, being able to come in an hour later on mornings after night classes and make them up later in the week can spread out the workload and help in catching up on sleep.

Talking to supervisors may feel intimidating, but if your college night classes are providing skills and knowledge to perform better at your job, you can make a case for getting some wiggle room at work while you finish school.

Recommended: Is it Possible to Take Online Classes While Working?

Avoiding Procrastination

As school traditionally runs from morning to early afternoon, conventional wisdom dictates completing homework and assignments the night before, at the latest. With night classes, the window to procrastinate can be extended later in the day.

Planning can help a student avoid a situation that requires picking between going to work or completing an assignment for class. Mapping out assignment due dates at the onset of the semester is one method to stay on track.

Managing Time

Between exams and papers, college classes often have a steady stream of readings and assignments to keep up with from week to week. Setting aside specific time frames to study for each class may counteract an urge to slack off between major assignments. Repetition can also improve knowledge retention, compared with cramming at the last minute.

After taking care of other responsibilities, such as an internship, job, or team practice, it may be difficult to recall readings and information at the end of a long day. Finding a moment before night class to review your notes could better prepare you to participate in discussion or ace a quiz. Creating a brief study guide covering key themes and topics for each week could help if you’re pressed for time.

Pacing Yourself

Before going full steam ahead with a full course load, you can consider testing the waters with one or two night classes. Education is a financial and career investment, and figuring out what’s right for your work-life balance could be the difference between burning out and graduating.

Keep in mind that whether you study full time or part time could affect financial aid or scholarships.

Exploring Night Class Options

Night classes are offered at community colleges and four-year universities alike. Researching multiple options could help a student find an ideal balance of cost, reputation, student body demographics, and campus environment.

Online courses are another option to consider. Synchronous courses may still have online lectures and discussions but allow students to participate from the comfort of home.

Paying for Night Classes

Education comes at a cost. Beyond tuition, taking night classes may require buying textbooks, paying for a parking pass, and other associated fees.

Work-study programs, scholarships, and grants could cover all or part of these qualifying expenses, but some students take out loans to pay the remaining cost for their degree or night classes.

Filling out the FAFSA form can be an important first step to see what kind of federal aid you may qualify for.

Federal loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized and come with protections, such as income-driven repayment and forbearance in certain cases.

When federal loans and other aid aren’t enough, private student loans are an option to consider. These loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

The Takeaway

Taking night classes can be a way for students to manage their college courses, especially if they work during the day. However, taking these classes, which typically meet once a week for two to four hours, can cut into free time and be challenging to stay alert for. Good time management and self-care habits can be critical to success. If you are feeling overloaded by night classes plus a job you have taken to help pay for school, you might consider student loans to help with funding.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

How to succeed at night classes?

When taking night classes, it can be helpful to focus on time management, preparation, and self-care. Also, remembering that taking night classes is a temporary situation can ease the stress some students experience.

When are night classes scheduled?

Night classes are typically scheduled between 5pm and 10pm. They may meet once or more per week.

How long is a night class?

The length of a night class can depend on how many times it meets and for how long. Typically, however, a student can expect a night class to last between two and four hours if it meets once a week.

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Adult learners — students who are age 25 or older — are an increasingly common sight on college campuses. Going back to school (or attending for the first time) at a later date, however, comes with some challenges. One of the biggest is finding a way to cover the cost of your education, since you may not be able to rely on Mom and Dad to foot some or all of the bill.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to pay for college as an adult learner, from scholarships and grants to good old-fashioned student loans.

To Start, Look at Scholarships and Grants

Whether you’re starting school or going back to college, it’s always a good idea to look into scholarships and grants early in the fund-finding process. After all, these are financial aid options that the recipient typically isn’t responsible for paying back.

Although most scholarships won’t pay the entire cost of college, they can potentially offset thousands of dollars in costs — and when it comes to an expense as hefty as education, every bit helps.

It’s a good idea to check with your prospective school’s financial aid office to see if the college offers any grants or scholarships for adult learners, but there are also third-party programs worth looking into. Consider adding these to your list.


💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a competitive-rate, no-fees-required private student loan that covers up to 100% of school-certified costs.

Executive Women International Scholarship

Offered through local chapters of Executive Women International, the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) scholarship awards $2,000 to $10,000 to “adults facing economic, social, or physical challenges who are looking to improve their situation through educational opportunities.”

For full application details, contact your local chapter.

Award From Imagine America

The Imagine American Foundation offers a scholarship specifically for adults who are attending a career or trade school for a career shift or returning to school after time away. Called the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP), this scholarship offers a one-time $1,000 award to students over the age of 19 who are enrolled in a participating college.

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship

Open to low-income women 35 or older who are pursuing a technical/vocational education, an associate’s degree, or a first bachelor’s degree at an accredited college, the Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund offers scholarships of up to $2,500 annually. The award is distributed directly to recipients and is renewable for up to five years.

Women on Par Scholarship

The Women on Par Scholarship provides financial assistance to “nontraditional” female students (over age 30) pursuing higher education for the first time. Winners are selected based on need, personal and professional goals, and their personal stories. Three awards are typically given each year: One for $4,000, one for $2,000, and one for $1,000.
There are many other national and regional adult-specific scholarships available, so it’s worth doing a Google search to look for more opportunities that might be a good fit for your situation.

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Employee Education Benefits

If you’re employed, you may want to take a second look at that sheaf of paperwork HR sent you on your first day. These days, an increasing number of companies offer employee education benefits as part of their compensation package.

Three common types of benefits are tuition assistance, tuition reimbursement, and student loan repayment. Each of these works a little differently, but all of them can help offset the out-of-pocket costs of an education.

With tuition assistance, your employer may partner with specific colleges or universities to bring you discounted, or even free, classes — particularly if those classes will improve your performance at work.

Starbucks, for instance, is famous for its tuition assistance program, which covers 100% of employees’ out-of-pocket cost for first-time undergraduate students enrolled in Arizona State University’s online program.

Tuition reimbursement, on the other hand, means your company will repay you for out-of-pocket educational costs up to a certain limit.

Home Depot offers a tuition reimbursement program that allows employees to attend the university or college of their choice and receive up to 50% of tuition, fees and other approved expenses. The following maximums apply: $5,000 (for salaried employees), $3,000 (for full-time hourly workers) or $1,500 (for part-time hourly workers) per year.

Finally, some companies offer student loan repayment programs that help employees repay the loans they’ve taken out from third-party lenders.

Many of these programs have specific eligibility requirements, such as working a minimum number of hours or maintaining a certain GPA, so be sure to double-check the fine print.

Also keep in mind that certain colleges offer course credit for work and life experience, which could help you save money by cutting down on the total number of classes you need to take (and pay for). Check with your university to see if it offers this perk.

Federal Student Loans

Even if you successfully apply for scholarships and get employee education benefits, you may still be left with more college expenses than you can pay for out of pocket.

That’s where student loans come in — and generally, the first place to look for student loans is the government.

Despite the common misconception that federal student loans are only available to traditional-age college students, there’s no upper age limit. And unlike many private student loans, applying for federal student aid doesn’t require a credit check.

Depending on your income, you may be eligible for Direct Subsidized Loans, which give you a break on interest while you’re enrolled at least half-time and for six months after you graduate. (The Department of Education pays the interest during those times.)

You’ll pay interest on the loan when monthly payments begin, but that subsidy can mean substantial savings over time.

The U.S. government also offers Direct Unsubsidized Loans, which start accruing interest immediately but carry fixed interest rates that are often lower than those from a private student loan lender.

Whichever type of federal loan you take out, you generally don’t have to start making payments until six months after you graduate. With some private student loans, payments begin right away.

To apply for federal student loans, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).

Many colleges will also require you to fill out the FAFSA in order to qualify for institution-specific forms of financial aid. Applying can also help qualify you for work-study programs.


💡 Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.

Private Student Loans

Along with government-sponsored student loans, a wide variety of private student loans are available, many of which may be easier to qualify for as an adult with a more robust credit history.

While traditional-age collegians often need to enlist the help of a cosigner to apply, adult learners may not need to, and might also score better terms if they have good or excellent credit.

That said, it’s important to understand that private student loans sometimes carry higher interest rates than federal loans, and the rates can be variable.

Deferral and income-driven repayment are available to eligible borrowers of federal student loans, but such options may be limited for private student loan holders, depending on the lender. It’s always important to read all the fine print up front.

The Takeaway

Paying for college as an adult learner may feel daunting, but it’s far from impossible. By combining funding sources — such as scholarships, grants, employer education benefits, and federal or private student loans — you can create a financial plan to fit your circumstances.

Start your research early, ask plenty of questions, and don’t overlook options like credit for work or life experience that can reduce both the time and cost of earning your degree. With persistence and smart planning, you can pursue higher education without letting the price tag hold you back.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

How do adult learners pay for college?

Adult learners often combine several funding sources to cover tuition and expenses. Common options include federal and state financial aid, scholarships specifically for nontraditional students, employer tuition reimbursement, and private grants. Many also use savings, payment plans, or part-time work to reduce debt.

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is a good place to start, as it can unlock grants, low-interest loans, and work-study programs, even for students who have been out of school for years.

What is the $7,000 grant for college students?

The “$7,000 grant” often refers to the federal Pell Grant, which provides need-based aid to eligible undergraduate students, including many adult learners. For 2025-26, the maximum award is $7,395. This money does not need to be repaid and can be used for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. Award amounts are based on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. Students must complete the FAFSA® to apply.

What income is too high for FAFSA?

There is no set income cutoff for the FAFSA®, as eligibility depends on multiple factors, including your family’s income, assets, and living expenses. While very high incomes may reduce or eliminate grant eligibility, many middle- and upper-income families still qualify for federal loans or work-study. Even if you think you earn too much, filling out the FAFSA is worthwhile — some scholarships require it regardless of income level.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

While applying to college, students and parents may consider a variety of factors before enrolling. Those factors could include a school’s academic programs, location, sports programs, tuition, and potential financial aid.

But there is one more thing families may want to think about: A college or university’s endowment. Not familiar with the term?

Here’s helpful information about university endowments, how they work, how they are managed, which schools have the largest ones, and how those university endowments could potentially benefit students.

What Is an Endowment?

A university endowment refers to the amount of money a college or university receives via donations from its alumni or other interested parties. This money is then invested by the academic institution to help grow its savings and to provide funding for the future.

Some schools can have endowments well into the billions made up of potentially hundreds or thousands of individual gifts.


💡 Quick Tip: When shopping for a private student loan lender, look for benefits that help lower your monthly payment.

Types of Endowments

Not every university uses the same endowment system. Typically, a university has one of four types of endowments. Those include unrestricted endowments as well as term, quasi, and restricted endowments.

An unrestricted endowment means the university may choose to spend or distribute the donations it receives however it wishes. With a restricted endowment, the academic institution must hold the principal of the invested donation in perpetuity.

With a restricted endowment, the academic institution must hold the principal of the invested donation in perpetuity. The earnings from the invested assets can be used, but only at the donor’s specifications at the time of giving. For example, if a donor gives a $25,000 donation specifically earmarked for a scholarship, any principal earnings must be used on the scholarship.

A term endowment means a university can use the principal after a period of time has passed or if a specific event occurs. With a quasi endowment, the university (rather than a donor) decides to retain, invest, and use earnings for a specific purpose.

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How Does University Endowment Giving Work?

If a person wants to donate to their alma mater, or just give to the academic institution of their choice, they can do so at any time. With a standard donation, however, the donor typically does not have much, if any, control over how the funds are spent.

If a donor wants control over how their donation will be used, they may prefer to give via endowment. Colleges and universities typically set a minimum when it comes to endowment gifts, and those minimums can be quite hefty.

For example, Michigan State University’s law program endowments begin at $50,000. Other universities set different minimum funding levels for different types of endowments.

At the University of Illinois Springfield, for instance, you can create an “endowed” scholarship for $25,000. You can even name the scholarship fund, perhaps in honor of a family member or someone you admire.

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Who Manages a University Endowment?

Every school decides how to best manage its own endowment. Some colleges and universities hire internal staff to manage their endowments while others hire outside firms and professional investors to oversee the money.

There may be an endowment manager or a committee or team that works to manage the funds. They will generally work with the university to decide its goals for the endowment, such as making as much income as quickly as possible, or going for more long-term sustainable growth. Then, decisions about how and where to invest the money are made to help the endowment meet its goals.


💡 Quick Tip: Need a private student loan to cover your school bills? Because approval for a private student loan is based on creditworthiness, a cosigner may help a student get loan approval and a lower rate

Which Universities Have the Largest Endowments?

According to US News and World Report, Harvard University has the largest endowment at around $50.7 billion. Yale University comes in a distant second with roughly $40.7 billion, and Stanford University comes in third with approximately $36.5 billion.

Princeton University comes in at number four with $33.4 billion and Massachusetts Institute of Technology rounds out the top five with $23.5 billion.

University of Pennsylvania, Texas A&M University, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, University of Notre Dame, and Columbia University make up the remaining top 10 with endowments ranging from around $13.6 to $21 billion.

However, these schools can be considered major outliers on the endowment scale. According to a 2024 survey of 658 U.S. colleges by the National Association of College and University Business Officers, the majority of university endowments are $250 million or less; nearly a third of schools reported endowments of less than $100 million.

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How Are University Endowments Used and Why do They Matter?

University endowments can be used for a variety of financial needs, including hiring new professors, building new buildings or upgrading old ones, offering students fellowships or scholarships, and distributing financial aid.

Beyond these uses, endowments also allow colleges and universities to look ahead into the future. It helps schools plan for faculty hiring, stave off tuition increases, plan for new facilities, and more.

Recommended: What Is the Average Cost of College Tuition in 2023?

Taking Advantage of Endowments

While students will never have direct access to a college or university’s endowment, they could still reap the benefits of any and all donations. Those benefits could come in the form of having access to newer facilities and equipment, through research opportunities, or via learning from the highest skilled professors.

Of course, students can also take advantage of a university’s endowment by applying for specific scholarships funded by donors, or by applying for any and all available financial aid to help them pay for college.

The Takeaway

University endowments are donated funds that schools invest to support long-term goals like scholarships, faculty hiring, research, and campus improvements. They come in different types, each with rules on how the money can be used, and are often managed by professional investors or dedicated staff. While the largest endowments belong to a handful of wealthy universities, even smaller ones can enhance student opportunities, from upgraded facilities and academic programs to more general financial aid packages.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

How do universities use endowments?

Universities use endowments as long-term investment funds to support their mission. The principal (original donation) is typically preserved, while investment earnings are spent on specific purposes, such as scholarships, faculty salaries, research, campus maintenance, and academic programs. Many endowments are restricted by donor intent, meaning funds must be used for designated projects.

Why does Harvard have a $50 billion endowment?

Harvard’s endowment has grown to over $50 billion due to centuries of donations, strong investment returns, and careful financial management. Alumni and philanthropists contribute large gifts, often earmarked for specific purposes, while Harvard’s investment team diversifies across stocks, bonds, private equity, and real estate. Over time, compounding returns significantly increase the fund’s value.

How is an endowment paid out?

Colleges and universities generally distribute a fixed percentage — often 4% to 5% — of their endowment’s value each year. This payout policy helps ensure consistent funding without depleting the principal investment. The distributed funds are typically used for donor-designated purposes, such as student aid, faculty support, or program funding.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOISL-Q325-084

An internship is an opportunity to work in a field that interests you, gain valuable work experience, enhance your resume, and possibly even earn some extra money.

While internships are more commonly available to college students, it may be possible to get an internship when you’re still in high school.

Read on to learn more about high school internships, including how they work, their pros and cons, and how to find one.

What Is the Purpose of an Internship?

An internship is a temporary position that’s often related to a student’s academic field of study or career interests. It offers students a chance to apply lessons learned in the classroom in a professional setting, while also developing additional skills. Internships also give students an opportunity to make connections in their field of interest and determine if they want to pursue further study and a career in that area. Internships also give employers the opportunity to discover and develop future talent.

The Duties of an Intern

The duties of an intern vary from job to job. For example, those interning at a doctor’s office might shadow medical professionals and take notes on patient visits. Those interning at a marketing firm might sit in on marketing meetings and assist in any communication needs.

An internship experience can be somewhat similar to an entry-level employee position. However, there is typically an educational component. The point is to learn more about the career path, not just get coffee or file the office mail (though you may be asked to do this, too).

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Pros and Cons of High School Internships

There are plenty of pros when it comes to getting internship experiences in high school. For one, an internship allows you to learn about a particular career path without having to commit to a lifelong job.

Learning about a path early on could help you determine whether you want to go to college (rather than directly enter the working world) and help you decide on your college major.

Another pro of completing an internship in high school is gaining new experiences and skills. An internship allows you to learn from professionals and add relevant skills to your resume. This can give you a leg up in applying for jobs in the future.

And, of course, all this experience and new learning make for excellent items to add to any potential college applications.
A potential downside to seeking an internship in high school is that they can be hard to find. In addition, the position may not be paid, and might be time-consuming, taking time away from other obligations like homework, studying for SATs, and applying to college.

Finding the Right Internship

Finding the perfect internship is a wholly personal experience. A good first step is to consider your interests in both the near and far term. By thinking about career paths you might be interested in, you might identify internship opportunities around you.

However, not every young person knows, or believes they know, exactly what they want to do in the future. But you may have a general interest. For example, if your favorite class is English, an internship at a local newspaper may make sense. If you’re interested in nature, an internship with a local parks and recreation group may make a good fit.

If you’re a high schooler, make a short list of interests and sit down with a parent or guardian to identify careers that may fit within these bounds.

Next, it’s time to identify a few companies you might be interested in interning with. Search for companies near you that may be taking interns. From there, check out career pages on the individual companies to see if they have internship listings. If they don’t, try emailing the company to get in touch with the human resource (HR) department to see what may be available.

One quick tip: While researching and reaching out about internships, make sure to stay realistic about the time commitment. If an internship takes place during the school year, you may only be available in afternoons, or perhaps just for a few hours per week during the hardest year of high school. Ensure the hiring manager knows the hours you’re available before committing to any long-term work.

Recommended: 10 Ways to Prepare for College

Resources to Find Internships in High School

While there isn’t any centralized listing location for internships for high school students, there are still plenty of places to find information on opportunities.

Schools: You can reach out to school resources like guidance counselors, principals, and individual teachers who may know of companies worth looking into.

Individual companies: Again, seek out information from company websites and reach out to human resource departments to see what may be available.

Job search websites: Check out job search websites, such as Linkedin and Indeed, and search for “Internships in [specific field here].” Make sure to search by location to ensure the internship is nearby.

Friends and family: This is the simplest tip — just ask around. Friends and family members are the ultimate social and work network. Make it known you’re looking for an internship and ask people for their advice on just where to look.

Recommended: College Planning Guide for High School Students

Questions to Ask Before Accepting an Internship

After figuring out your interests, asking your network, and finding an internship opportunity, you may think the work is done. However, there are still a few more questions to ask.

Before accepting an internship offer, make sure to ask about the full details. What are the hours? What can you expect to learn while on the job? What are the specific job duties and how will you be evaluated along the way? Will there be opportunities for mentorship? And finally, one of the most important questions: Is the internship paid or could you get extra credit for it?

Paid vs Unpaid Internships

Scoring a paid internship isn’t a guarantee, but it’s not a completely far-fetched idea either. If a paid internship isn’t available, you can always ask about an exchange for class credit. Unpaid internships are a hotly contested issue so just make sure to do whatever feels right and comfortable for your situation.

Also keep in mind that even a paid internship likely won’t pay enough to make a major dent in your college expenses (though it can help).

If you’re concerned about how you and your family will pay for the cost of tuition, a good first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with your family. This will let you know if you are eligible for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans. If those do not cover your costs, you may also consider private vs. federal student loans.

Private student loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment and deferment or forbearance — that automatically come with federal student loans.

The Takeaway

While internships are often thought of as college-age experiences, high school students may find them as well. They can provide good exposure to the work world, build skills, and expand a student’s college application credentials. Some internships may be paid, but it’s unlikely to make much of a dent in the cost of college. Grants, scholarships, and federal and private student loans can help with that.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Should you get an internship in high school?

An internship in high school can provide an interesting glimpse into the work world and help a student refine their career interests. It may also help add dimension to a college application, though it’s important not to add too many responsibilities to an already challenging
schedule.

Do colleges care about high school internships?

Colleges may indeed care about high school internships. Securing an internship can show initiative and a good work ethic and that an applicant is interested in getting a jump on their career in addition to pursuing other aspects of student life.

Should you intern in high school?

Whether or not to intern in high school is a very personal decision. However, for students who are motivated to learn more about the work world or a particular field, internships can be a very valuable experience for high school students and can expand their college application credentials.

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Choosing a major in college is no small decision, but that doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind at some point down the road. Indeed, roughly one-third of undergraduates actually change majors during their college careers, and around 10% change majors more than once.

While the decision to change your major can be stressful, actually making the switch doesn’t have to be. The key to a smooth transition is to do some strategic planning and to keep up communications with your university.

Here’s what you need to know to successfully change your major.

First, Declaring a Major

Many colleges and universities ask undeclared students to choose a major by the end of their sophomore year. This gives students time to earn general education credits and try different types of classes to see what interests them.

Once you’re ready to declare a major, the official process varies by school. Generally, you need to schedule a meeting with your assigned academic advisor. You might also need to meet with a department advisor for your chosen major.

In a department or advisor meeting, you will typically review your academic progress and roughly outline the rest of the required courses you need in order to complete your major.

These courses and their timing aren’t set in stone, but it can help give students an idea of how heavy their course load will be until graduation, and set expectations for how long it’ll take them to complete the degree.

From there, the request to declare a major needs to be approved by that specific department or college. That might be as informal as a meeting or as formal as an application.


💡 Quick Tip: Pay down your student loans faster with SoFi reward points you earn along the way.

Possible Reasons to Change a Major

Deciding to change majors is a personal choice. There’s no one sign for all students. In fact, a combination of factors may inspire a switch.

While not an exhaustive list, here are a few reasons why you might feel it’s a good idea to change majors:

•  More excitement about a different area of study: Maybe you’re a computer science student but feel more excited by an art history elective than anything else on your schedule. That could be a reason to think about changing majors. Of course, a major isn’t only about passion for the subject, but that does come into play. When nearly every class is boring, it might be time for a change.

•  Poor grades: College courses should be challenging, but if you’re regularly failing, or just barely passing required courses, it might be time to consider a different major. Not only does it indicate that the area of study might be outside your talents, but bad grades can also jeopardize graduation and completing the degree on time. If you’re giving a course your all and still coming up short, it might be time to consider alternatives.

•  Really, really good grades: This might sound counterintuitive, but if courses aren’t challenging, then the major might not be the best fit. If you feel bored in class but continue to ace the coursework, it might be a good idea to look at other majors or consider a double major or adding a minor.

•  Money: Selecting a major is often a delicate balance between finding something you love and something that leads to a career post-graduation. Picking a major solely because it could mean big bucks after college could lead to regrets down the line. Remember that post-grad life should feel fulfilling, too.

•  An awful internship: Now this can be a little tricky. If you end up hating a summer internship related to your major, you should try to evaluate if it was the work or the management that you disliked. It might have been a poor fit culture-wise but a good fit workwise.

If any or all of the above sound familiar, it might be time to think about changing majors. Additionally, it might just be helpful along the way to evaluate satisfaction with a major, even if you decide to continue in that area of study.

Recommended: Credit Hours: What Are They & What You Need to Know

Considerations Before Changing a Major

If it feels like it may be time to change majors, here are a few considerations to keep in mind before crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s:

•  What courses transfer? If your desired new major is far outside your current area of study, you might have to basically restart college. For example, a psychology major who changes tack to engineering might not have much overlap on course curriculum. Just like mapping out courses when declaring a major the first time, you’ll want to consider doing the same before changing majors. It can show you how much work or courses will be required.

•  Will it cost more? Depending on tuition pricing or area of study, changing majors might end up costing you more in the long run. That could be from additional course fees or taking more classes to catch up over the summer. Once you map out the course load for a major change, crunching the numbers is a good idea.

💡 Quick Tip: Even if you don’t think you qualify for financial aid, you should fill out the FAFSA form. Many schools require it for merit-based scholarships, too. You can submit it as early as Oct. 1.

•  Will it take longer? It may not be possible to graduate in four years if the new major is vastly different or the change comes late in an academic career. More time at school could mean more taking out more student loans. (Then again, less than half of bachelor’s degree earners graduate within four years.)

•  Will it line up with post-graduate goals? It’s important to enjoy an area of study, but it’s also important to ensure it aligns with jobs you want after graduating. If you enjoy classes in international relations but don’t like the job prospects, that might be a poor choice of major.

Time, money, or heavy course loads don’t have to squelch a change in major, but they should be factors to be aware of before making the switch.

💡 Quick Tip: Even if you don’t think you qualify for financial aid, you should fill out the FAFSA form. Many schools require it for merit-based scholarships, too. You can submit it as early as Oct. 1.

How to Change a Major

The reality is, deciding to change majors is likely harder than the actual process of doing so. Changing majors won’t be so different than declaring a major in the first place.

First, you’ll want to schedule a meeting with your current academic advisor to talk through the choice. Your advisor may be able to offer insight or even provide course recommendations in your new major.

Typically, students are required to fill out a short form and have their current as well as new academic advisor sign it to make the major change official.

Depending on the college or area of study, you might have to apply to the specialty school on campus you wish to transfer to as well.

The Takeaway

How to change your major? It requires thought and a talk with your academic advisor. Changing majors can alter a lot about the college experience, from course load to post-grad plans. It can also impact how many years you’ll spend in school and the total cost of your education.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Is switching your major easy?

Switching your major can be relatively straightforward, but the ease depends on your school’s policies, the timing, and your intended new major. Generally, the earlier in your college career you change majors, the easier it will be. Some majors have competitive entry requirements or limited spots, which can make switching harder. Your academic advisor can guide you through the prerequisites, paperwork, and deadlines.

How can you change your major?

Changing your major typically involves meeting with an academic advisor to discuss your goals, reviewing degree requirements, and completing a formal change-of-major form. Some schools allow changes online, while others require department approval, especially for competitive programs. You may need to meet minimum GPA requirements or complete certain prerequisite courses before switching.

What year is too late to switch majors?

While there is no absolute “too late,” switching majors becomes more complicated the further you progress in your degree. Changing during your first or second year usually causes minimal disruption, but doing so in your third or fourth year may require additional semesters to meet new requirements.

How common is it to change majors?

Changing majors is actually fairly common. Studies show that around one third of students switch at least once during their college career. Many students enter college unsure of their long-term goals, and discovering new interests through coursework often leads to a change. Some switch for better career prospects, while others change to follow passions they hadn’t considered before. While changing majors can extend graduation for some, it’s a normal part of the academic journey and not a sign of failure.

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