Updated: Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

A combination of bad economy and a desire to enhance their business career prospects are contributing to an increase in school applications from adults, an expert has said.

Brenda Harms, consultant at Stamats, a Cedar Rapids company that researches higher education trends, told Des Moines Register that adults look particularly at cost, convenience and flexibility, which means online degrees are in particular demand among that group.

She also offers some tips for those planning to enter a masters program or an MBA, including exploring programs with multiple start dates and evening courses, considering Hybrid courses that mix online and classroom time as well as discussing credit for experience or testing out of classes.

Harms also echoes the views of many other experts who say tuition costs should not keep anyone from going back to school as there are plenty of financial aid opportunities, grants and scholarships for eligible adult students, as well as payment deferrals and employer tuition reimbursement options.

Her observations come as no surprise as holders of MBAs and other business degrees have bright careers and earnings prospects.

According to Pay Scale.com, a research company, average salaries of those with MBA degrees ranged from $73,510 to $171,583 in 2008, depending on the field, position and years of experience.

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