Student-centric advice and objective recommendations
Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.
Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here.
What is an Adult Degree Completion Program?
By
Cece Gilmore
Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.
Full BioLearn about our editorial policies
Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.
Full BioLearn about our editorial policies
Earning a college degree does not have an age limit. If you have earned credits at a college or university, but never completed your degree, an adult degree completion program can help you get back on track! An adult degree completion program allows you to finish your degree with a flexible schedule in an efficient timeframe.
Who are adult degree completion programs for?
Adult degree completion programs are especially for students who started college but never completed their degrees. The majority of students who are a part of an adult degree completion program are adults returning to college to finish their degree.
What exactly is an adult degree completion program?
Adult degree completion programs aim to make finishing college less daunting for non-traditional students. The majority of students in adult degree completion programs are adults who likely have other commitments. This includes full-time jobs and families to care for. Many adult degree completion programs are online or utilize a hybrid format. This allows for flexibility in the student’s routines, allowing them to balance their work, personal, and school obligations.
Related: Top scholarships for adults
What are the benefits of an adult degree completion program over a traditional undergraduate classroom setting?
If returning to complete your bachelor’s degree is something you are considering, it is important to understand the benefits of an adult degree completion program in comparison to a traditional undergraduate university setting. An adult degree completion program caters towards adults returning to complete their degree. Some of the benefits include:
- Online or hybrid formats to ensure that students can work around their busy work and life schedules
- Taking classes with adults with similar experiences rather than traditional-aged college students
- Specialized support to stay focused on earning a degree as an adult learner with unique needs and responsibilities
Maria Geiger
Scholarships360 Director of Content
Earned both her BA and MA from Monmouth University as an adult student
What should a quality adult degree completion program have?
Generous credit transfer
A quality adult degree completion program should have a generous credit transfer policy. This means that the program should take most, if not all of previously earned credits from a different university towards earning your degree. This ensures that you do not have to retake classes taken previously.
Related: How long are college credits good for?
Schedule flexibility
Flexibility is arguably the most important aspect an adult degree completion program should have. Flexibility ensures that course completion works around your schedule. Therefore, having a job, children, or any other circumstances should not be an obstacle when earning your degree. Therefore, a good adult degree completion program should offer online or hybrid class formats. This ensures that adults have the flexibility to complete their classes without putting their life on hold.
Quality resources
Adult degree completion programs should be taken at accredited colleges and universities. These schools are more likely to offer vital resources that ensure you are receiving the best education possible. Some examples of quality resources a good adult degree completion program should have include:
- Library (including online) access to books and textbooks
- An easy-to-use learning management system (LMS) to view grades and feedback on assignments
- A support system for the unique needs of adult learners
Helpful staff
If your adult degree completion program is online or hybrid, it is important to have helpful professors, teaching assistants (TAs), and university employees available to help in any situation. For example, having a 24/7 tech number to call in case your computer is not loading the material correctly is vital. In addition, having a responsive professional who is looking out for your best interest can help push you to finish your degree.
Also see: Top scholarships for moms and single moms
What colleges offer adult degree completion programs?
Adult degree completion programs are offered at various colleges and universities across the United States. If you would like a list to get started, check out the Abound: Finish College website. The colleges are listed by state and whether the programs are online or face to face. Before enrolling in any college or university, it is important to do your research. While juggling a job and family, it is especially important to find the right fit.
Key Takeaways
Don’t miss: Top scholarships for nontraditional students
Frequently asked questions about adult degree programs
How are adult degree programs different from traditional college programs?
Can I receive financial aid for adult degree programs if I am over a certain age?
What is required when applying for adult degree programs?
Do adult degree programs accept CLEP (College Level Examination Program) credits?
Also see: Who is considered an adult learner?
