The economy. Do we really need to get into it? The government promises we're not in a recession, but this sure feels like it. The cost of everything has gone up--not just of gas and food, but of nearly everything we use and consume. And yet, our paychecks stay the same.

One tip often heard for increasing the amount of money you make is increasing your level of education. And since folks have recently found themselves forced to remain in the workforce longer and retire later, many may be thinking of going back to school, of earning that extra degree or certificate that may push their pay scale up a notch.

Others may be thinking of switching careers--of entering the nursing or manufacturing industry, where jobs seem more plentiful but that require specific rigorous training.

While that sounds easy on paper, finding the time to go back to school can be nearly impossible. As you juggle work and family and try to find a few hours on the weekend to play or, if you're really lucky, relax, you may find yourself wondering if there's any possible way to fit something else into your ever busy schedule.

But, if you're really dedicated to increasing your earning potential by going back to school, know that you can make it work. There are more than a few learning institutions in Tulsa dedicated to serving adults continuing their education. We've scouted out a few of them in an attempt to provide you some basic information about what degrees are out there, how much earning one will cost you and how long it might take.

When thinking about the cost of returning to school, be mindful of any special circumstances you may have. All of the schools we looked into provided some kind of tuition assistance--ether federally funded or privately funded through the school itself--and your chances of receiving some of that assistance could increase if you're a member of the military, a single mom or earn a certain income. You may think you can't afford to go back to school, but look into it. Chances are, you can.

And, you can probably make school fit into your already busy schedule. Each program offered is different, but nearly all offer day or night and even weekend and online classes to accommodate just about any schedule. The schools also offer counselors and services that can assist you in juggling the added workload.

If you've been thinking about returning to school but have always made an excuse for not doing so, now may be the time to reconsider. We hope our short survey of continuing education institutions provides some inspiration or motivation for going back to school--or at least prompts you to learn more about whether or not continuing your education is the right choice for you. We could all use more smarts, after all.

Tulsa Community College

Degree programs: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associated in Applied Science, various certificates of achievement

Go here: For training to enter the medical field, i.e. nursing, medical assistant, dental assistant; to earn general education credits before moving on to a four-year university to complete a Bachelor's degree or higher; to take Continuing Education courses, which provide education but don't earn you college credit

Tuition: begins at $57.50 per credit hour for Oklahoma residents. Cost increases with various fees. Flexible payment plans are available, as are scholarships, grants and loans through the federal government and other private lenders by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Location, location: Four campuses citywide--Metro (909 S. Boston), West (7505 W. 41st St.), Northeast (3727 E. Apache) and Southeast (10300 E. 81st St.) or online at www.tulsacc.edu.

Plus/Minus: Students here are generally recent high school graduates looking to earn less expensive general education credits before moving on to a four-year university, so you could end up sitting next to or behind someone young enough to be your daughter. But with four campuses, a number of programs, various student organizations and activities and plenty of helpful student support services, TCC could be the right fit for someone looking for a more involved educational experience. Classes offered day and night at all four campuses and online, so they fit nearly any schedule.

Enroll: Fall, spring and summer semesters. Call for dates and deadlines.

For more information: www.tulsacc.edu

University of Tulsa, Division of Continuing Education

Degree programs: Certificate in Information Security, Certificate in Women's and Gender Studies

Go here: If you're looking for extra training in one of the specified areas because you're looking to switch careers or advance in your field. Various other courses are offered for personal enrichment only.

Tuition: $1,635 per three-credit hour class in 2008. Financial aid available through the TU Office of Student Financial Services (www.utulsa.edu/financialaid).

Location, location: 2820 E 5th St., between Delaware and Harvard Avenues and 4th and 11th Streets.

Plus/Minus: The Continuing Education programs are geared toward working adults, so classes are offered in the evenings and as part of flexible academic schedules. Tuition rates are 30 percent less than non-continuing education programs. However, certificates are limited and tuition is higher than programs elsewhere.

Enroll: Fall and spring semesters. Call for dates and deadlines.

For more information: www.utulsa.edu

Northeastern State University, Broken Arrow, Continuing Education

Degree programs: None specified. Courses offered in computers and technology, professional development and personal interest.

Go here: If you want to take one or two courses to brush up on specific skills related to your chosen career path or one you aspire to enter.

Tuition: Starts at $89 per course.

Location, location: 3100 E. New Orleans St., Broken Arrow

Plus/Minus: NSU offers various courses designed to improve specified skill sets, but no degree programs are offered. Students willing to start fresh (or finish what they may have started years ago) can forgo the continuing education route and opt to enter the university as an undergraduate or graduate student.

Enroll: Fall, spring and summer semesters. Call for dates and deadlines.

For more information: www.nsuok.edu and click on "continuing education."

Tulsa Technology Center

Degree programs: Daytime, nighttime, weekend and online classes offered in agriculture, food and natural resources; architecture and construction; arts, A/V technology and communication; business management and administration; education and training; finance; health science; hospitality and tourism; human services; information technology; manufacturing; marketing, sales and service and transportation, distribution and logistics. Continuing education courses also available in a number of areas.

Go here: If you're looking to enter a job market that requires a specific set of skills but not necessarily a four-year degree. Continuing education classes are for those who have already entered a chosen career path but want to learn more about their field.

Tuition: Varies depending on length of course. Course cost is typically calculated at $2.50 per hour and does not include tools, books, uniforms, insurance, instructional materials or other fees. Tuition assistance is available.

Location, location: Four campuses citywide--Lemley (3420 S. Memorial), Peoria (3850 N. Peoria), Broken Arrow (4600 S. Olive) and Riverside Campus for Applied Science, Technology and Research (801 E. 91st St.)--as well as 10 off-campus sites.

Plus/Minus: TTC offers training for careers primarily in the trade industry. Folks looking to change careers can get an education in a matter of months if need be. Classes are offered day and night at various locations and online to accommodate working adults' busy schedules.

Enroll: Fall, spring and summer semesters. Call for dates and deadlines.

For more information: www.tulsatech.com

Platt College

Degree programs: Courses available in the medical, dental, pharmacy, surgical, nursing, massage, restaurant management, culinary, medical office administration and information technology fields.

Go here: If you have more time to invest in your education but still don't want to attend a four-year university. Those looking to earn an entry-level career in the medical or dental industry should be especially interested.

Tuition: Varies depending on field of study. Financial aid, scholarships and payment plans are available.

Location, location: 3801 S. Sheridan. Campuses also in Oklahoma City, Dallas, Lawton and Moore.

Plus/Minus: Programs are designed for 12-month (for full-time students) or 22-month (for part-time students) completion and immediate entry into the workforce. Hours aren't as flexible as other trade institutions but students can still complete programs quickly.

Enroll: Fall and spring semesters. Call for dates and deadlines.

For more information: www.plattcollege.org

St. Gregory's University, College for Working Adults

Degree Programs: Associate of Science in Business, Bachelor of Science in Business, Bachelor of Science in Human Development, Master of Science in Management

Go here: If you want to earn a degree but don't have four years in which to do it.

Tuition: Varies depending on the degree program. Students are considered full-time and eligible for federal financial aid.

Location, location: 5801 E. 41st St., Suite 900. Campus also in Shawnee.

Plus/Minus: The programs are designed specifically for working adults, so students attend class only one evening per week and meet with small groups once a week as well. Students can usually earn degrees in two years. Degree programs are limited, though.

Enroll: Fall and spring semesters. Call for dates and deadlines.

For more information: www.stgregoryscwa.org

Other institutions to look into:

Tulsa Dental Specialties, www.tulsadental.com

University of Phoenix, www.phoenix.edu

Southern Nazarene University, www.snu.edu

Community Care College, www.communitycarecollege.com

ITT Technical Institute, www.itt-tech.edu

Oklahoma Health Academy, www.oha.edu

Wright Career College, www.wrightcareercollege.com

Vatterott College, www.vatterott-college.edu

Tulsa Welding School, www.weldingschool.com