Adult Learners
Your goals are within reach, and we've built a university to help you achieve them.
Whether you’re returning to school, changing careers, or completing a credential you started years ago, Commonwealth University meets you where you are—with online and evening options, generous transfer and prior‑learning credit, career‑aligned programs, and clear paths to affordability.
Your education is personal, and your path forward should reflect your goals, strengths, and lived experience. At Commonwealth University, we honor the journey you’ve already taken—and support you in building the one ahead.
It’s never too late to start. It’s never too late to return.
Your next opportunity begins at Commonwealth University.
Learning That Fits Your Life
Choosing to pursue education as an adult is a powerful decision that can open doors that experience alone may not. For adult learners, this isn’t about starting over — it’s about building on what you’ve already done and raising the ceiling on income and opportunity.
National labor data consistently shows that earnings increase with each level of education. Adults with a bachelor’s degree earn significantly more, on average, than those with a high school diploma or some college but no degree. They also experience lower unemployment rates throughout their careers.
A college degree doesn’t guarantee a specific outcome, but it does provide measurable advantages. For adults balancing work, family, and long‑term goals, education can be a strategic investment in stability, flexibility, and long‑term career growth.
College today looks different than it once did. Flexible schedules, online and evening classes, transfer credit, prior‑learning recognition, and non‑degree options mean you can pursue education in a way that fits your life, your goals, and your timeline.
Depending on the program or pathway you choose, your time investment can range from a few hours to complete a single course to a few years for a full degree. You decide the pace that works best for your schedule, allowing you to move forward steadily without overwhelming your day‑to‑day responsibilities.
Programs and Learning Pathways
- Degree and Certificate Programs
- Online Degrees and Certificates
- Career Training (non-credit to credit certificates)
- Work Based Learning
Additional Resources
For many adult learners, cost is the biggest question—and the biggest concern. Understanding your financial options brings clarity to the process and empowers you to make confident, informed decisions about your education.
Exploring available resources, including tuition assistance, scholarships, grants, and employer benefits, can help you find an approach that aligns with your budget.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid
Additional Resources
- Employer Assistance (coming soon)
- Grow PA
- Military and Veteran Resources
- PA CareerLink
You may be able to earn academic credit for prior coursework, certifications, licensure, military training, or professional experience. By applying credit for prior learning and eligible transfer credits, you can shorten your overall timeline and avoid repeating material you’ve already mastered. This approach acknowledges the value of your experience and helps you move forward more efficiently.
Invest in Skills That Open Doors
Explore our flexible online degree and workforce development programs designed to help adult learners grow, advance, and stay competitive.
Your Journey Starts Here
Applying for Admission
Begin your journey by selecting the application path that applies to you.
If you’ve never attended college, this pathway is designed to help you take your first step with confidence and get the support you need to begin your degree at Commonwealth University.
If you previously attended Bloomsburg, Clearfield, Lock Haven, or Mansfield, this pathway helps you return and complete your degree with the guidance and flexibility built for adult learners.
If you previously taken courses at another institution, this pathway helps you transfer your credits to Commonwealth University and continue your degree with flexible options built for adult learners.
If you’re looking to take courses without committing to a full degree, this pathway lets you explore your interests, build skills, or advance your career one class at a time.
I've Been Accepted
Congratulations and welcome to Commonwealth University!
Complete the steps below to finalize your enrollment and get ready for classes.
Read your acceptance letter in your admission portal and follow the instructions to accept our offer of admission.
This typically displays within 24 hours of acceptance.
Once you accept the offer of admission, your record will be activated and you will receive a confirmation letter in your application portal that will include your ID number, email address and temporary password.
This will take approximately 48 hours after you accept the offer of admission.
You must follow the instructions in the confirmation letter to setup your email account before you can move forward with any other action items.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve accepted your admission, here’s what to do next to stay on track.
- Contact the department chair to discuss your schedule. Faculty and Staff contact information can be found in the Faculty & Staff Directory.
- Please understand that faculty are on break between 12/15/25 - 1/23/26 and may not be checking their email/voicemail. If you do not receive a reply, please contact the associate dean for your college.
- Students should meet with their department chair or academic advisor each semester for guidance on degree progress and course registration.
- Once your department chair assigns you an academic advisor, you will find their information in your Banner Student Self-Service account.
- A list of course options are available for you to review. For step-by-step instructions on how to register, visit the class scheduling web page.
- Courses are offered with multiple start times throughout the year, making it easier to build a schedule that works for your life. Explore term information and key dates in the academic calendar.
- You can view your progress toward your degree by utilizing our degree audit tool, Degree Works.
- Bookmark the MyCommonwealthU page for quick access and descriptions of our systems and applications.
Apply for financial aid as soon as possible. The process often takes several weeks to complete.
You must have an updated transcript sent to us from any colleges or universities you have attended since leaving Commonwealth University (Bloomsburg, Clearfield, Lock Haven, or Mansfield campuses).
Helpful Resources
Coming soon.
Articles and Handouts
- CAEL Adult Learner Resources
- Beyond the Homepage: How and Whether Websites Address the Questions and Needs of Adult Learners of Color
Books
- Rose, Amy D., Ross-Gordon, Jovita M., Kasworm, Carol E. Creating a Place for Adult Learners in Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2024.
- Klein-Collins, Rebecca. Never Too Late: The Adult Student’s Guide to College. The New Press, 2018.
Flexible LearningOnline or On‑Campus
At Commonwealth University, adult learners benefit from flexible pathways designed to fit real life. With options to study online or attend classes at any of our three campus locations, you can choose the environment that works best for your schedule, goals, and learning style while having access to the resources and guidance you need to move forward with confidence.
