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Health & Fitness

6 Tips on Evaluating College Programs for Adult Students

By Daniel Gerger, President, Adult Education Advocates,

The number of adults returning to college is growing dramatically each year. Currently 40 percent of students on college campuses are over the age of 22. Of course, the curriculum and the quality of the education should be among the primary considerations when an adult comparing colleges.  But adult students have different needs than traditional undergraduate. Here are six things to look for when evaluating college programs for adult students:

1.       Liberal policies on transferring in college credits

The number of transfer credits a school will accept from other colleges can vary significantly.  Some colleges will accept up to 90 credits from previous study while others will only accept up to forty-five credits.  The credits can include College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests and experience for life credits, as well as previous classwork at other schools.  The number of transfer credits reduces the overall cost.  If you transfer in an additional 45 credits, this can be a savings of thousands of dollars, and it can also help reduce the time needed to earn a degree.

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2.       Evening hours to support adult students

When investigating colleges, one of the first things a no-traditional student should find out is if the institution has offices open in the evening.  It is critical for financial aid, the registrar, and academic advising to have personnel available in the evening.  If a school has these types of services it usually is adult friendly.

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3.       Academic advising for adult students

Colleges with robust adult student programs should have academic advisers dedicated to this population.  Likewise, these advisers should have evening office hours to meet with working adults before or after their class. These advisers, ideally, can provide advice on how to complete a degree quickly at the lowest cost.

4.       Discounted tuition for adults

Quite a number of adult programs have discounted tuition.  Many colleges have created permanent scholarships to attract adult students to their programs.   Some colleges do this by offering a locked-in per credit tuition.  This means that the cost of tuition will not increase while a student remains enrolled at the college.  Another type of scholarship offered to adult students is a tuition discount.  Many schools will cut the cost of tuition by 25 to 50 percent for the adult student population.   Some colleges will have a preferred employer discount.  This allows students who are employed by designated businesses to receive a tuition reduction. 

5.       Prior learning options

Many adult learners can demonstrate college-level knowledge and competencies. Such learning—gained from experiences outside postsecondary education—often merits academic credit.  Prior learning assessments (PLAs) provide a range of options from recognition of military and workforce training to national examinations and portfolio development. With more options comes the increased likelihood for greater numbers of learners to complete credentials.

6.       Option for accelerated degree programs

Colleges that recognize the importance of work-life balance for adults offer courses in 6 or 7 week accelerated formats.  The courses usually meet one evening a week, on weekends, or partly online.  Many colleges will have academic advisors who work with the adult student to develop a flexible schedule.  These types of programs allow students to maintain their status as a full-time student so they can qualify for financial aid. 

Daniel Gerger is the President of Adult Education Advocates, an organization that helps adults make the transition back to college. 
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