Are You An Adult Learner?
An adult learner may be 24 years of age or older; or a veteran of the armed services; or active duty service member; or returning to school after four or more years of employment, homemaking, or other activity; or a person who assumes multiple adult roles such as parent, spouse/partner, and employee.
Adult learners may start taking courses one at a time, or as a full-time student. Many courses are offered in the day, evening, and online. Adult students may start as a non-degree (non-matriculated) student or apply for a degree program.
Adult Learners can:
- Take advantage of advising and career services
- Enroll full-time or part-time
- Interact with a diverse community of students, faculty and staff
- Take a few courses, earn a certificate, or complete a degree that is respected worldwide
Adult learners at Penn State have several options. Those who have a high school diploma with a strong grade point average can apply as a first year student.
Those adult learners who have attended another college or university and have at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average can apply as a transfer student.
If you are an adult learner who has a GED or weak academic preparation, you might want to consider our provisional admission program.
If you are an adult learner interested in taking a few courses for personal or professional development, you can apply as a non-matriculated student.