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An adult learner is someone who is 24 years of age or older; a veteran of the armed services; 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, employee, and student. Adult learners also may start taking courses one at a time, credit or noncredit, and may not go through the admissions process until later in their educational experience.
Read the Adult Learner article in Penn State Outreach Magazine
As an adult learner at Penn State York, you'll have unlimited potential. You can:
- Get professional guidance and support all along the way.
- Select from more than 200 noncredit, certificate, and degree programs.
- Take advantage of a variety of scheduling options, including enrolling part- time or full-time, participating in day and/or evening classes; completing a program at your workplace; or studying at home through correspondence or courses via the Internet.
- Interact with a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff.
- Accumulate college credits that are transferable to other learning institutions.
- Earn a certificate or degree that is respected worldwide.
Adult Students often enter the college environment anxious and uncertain about their ability to succeed and compete successfully with more traditional students. Current research tells us that adult students are typically more successful than younger students because of their maturity and the experience that they bring to the classroom. Adults are likely to exhibit high levels of motivation, more specific occupational goals, and an uncompromising desire to get the most education possible for their money. Penn State provides a variety of services and activities to help students be successful in their college experience.
More information for adult learners can be found at our Undergraduate Admissions Web site.
