Adult Learner
The Adult Learner section provides assistance to the nontraditional student who is seeking to begin or resume higher education. Adult students are often referred to as "nontraditional students" due to their unique circumstances, life experience, and wide array of educational needs.
Adult students should contact an admissions officer at the school of their choice to discuss special options that may exist for adults seeking to continue their education.
Click here to find the institutions in North Carolina that have dedicated offices for Adult Student Services.
The CFNC Adult Learner section provides assistance to the nontraditional student who is seeking to:
- complete high school.
Visit our
High School Completer portion of the Adult Learner section for more information on earning your high school diploma through the Adult High School program or the GED tests.
- begin college as a freshman.
If you are an adult student who has decided to pursue higher education, please visit
First-Time College Student in the Adult Learner section.
- return to school as a transfer student.
Perhaps you were previously enrolled in college and had to put your education on hold. Or you'd like to transfer from one institution to another. Visit our
Transfer Student segment of the Adult Learner section for more information on issues of specific interest to transfer students.
- obtain a second degree, attend graduate or professional school.
Visit the CFNC
College Fair to link to area schools and universities to research degree programs of interest to you.
- return to school as a non-degree student.
Did you know that you can enroll in most 2-year and 4-year schools as a non-degree student and take classes? Perhaps you'd like to explore personal interests or take a specific course to enhance your job skills. A visit to the CFNC
College Fair allows you to explore endless education options at more than 100 North Carolina schools.
- explore career options.
Perhaps you are interested in developing a second career, changing careers altogether, or exploring expanded career opportunities. A visit to the CFNC
Career Center could open a world of possibilities for you.
- explore financial aid options, including Veteran's benefits for adults with military service. For a listing of financial aid programs for military and their dependents, visit www.cfnc.org/paying/pubs/info_pubs.jsp and go to page 33 of the PDF document "Student Financial Aid for North Carolinians."
Students with Disabilities
Another group of "nontraditional students" are students with disabilities and/or special needs. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) treats these students, once they become 18 years of age, as adults under the law.
Students with disabilities are expected to meet the same academic standards as other students at their college or university. To accomplish this, reasonable accommodations may be needed which make the method of instruction accessible to the student. If you are a student who may have need of special accommodations, contact the schools you are interested in attending for further information.
Colleges and universities are increasingly open to the needs of nontraditional students. Remember, it is never too late to begin your college career. CFNC can help you find answers to all the questions you face in every aspect of your college experience.