{"id":2065,"date":"2023-04-05T10:12:58","date_gmt":"2023-04-05T15:12:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eastcentral.edu\/admissions\/?page_id=2065"},"modified":"2026-05-07T10:13:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T15:13:22","slug":"adult-learners","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.eastcentral.edu\/admissions\/prospective-students\/adult-learners\/","title":{"rendered":"Adult Learners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Graduated high school a few years ago, or maybe longer? Looking to come back to college?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modern students or adult learners are often financially independent from parents, work full-time or nearly full-time, and may have children. We offer in-person or online options to help fit your busy schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have several resources and services to help you manage your personal life, work life and your work as a student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

View Enrollment Checklist<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Oftentimes, as an adult returning to school or starting school for the first time, you have lots of questions. We are here to help get you started. Please check below to see a list of frequently asked questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How do I get started?<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Your first step will be to complete our online application<\/a>. Once we have received and reviewed your application, you will hear from an Enrollment Services team member within 2-3 business days with your next enrollment steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a look at what to expect from the enrollment process<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Who will help me through the enrollment process? Where should I direct my questions?<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Haley Walter, Enrollment Counselor \u2013 Diverse Populations, will guide you through the enrollment process and answer any questions you may have about returning to school or starting school for the first time. Here is her contact information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Haley Walter<\/strong>
Enrollment Counselor – Diverse Populations<\/em>
haley.walter@eastcentral.edu<\/a>
636-584-6574<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Do I need to fill out a FAFSA?<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Yes, if you are applying for any kind of aid or scholarships, you will need to complete the FAFSA<\/a>. Even if you do not think you will get any kind of aid, we still encourage you to submit it. We host in-person FAFSA nights throughout the year and if you have any questions or concerns, you can drop by the Office of Financial Aid<\/a> for assistance.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Are there scholarship opportunities for adult learners?<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Yes, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø awards over $525,000 in academic and need-based scholarships annually. There are many opportunities specifically for adults returning to school or adults starting college for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

View our complete list of scholarship opportunities<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Do you need my high school transcript if I graduated 20 years ago?<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Yes, no matter if you graduated this year, 5 years ago, or 30 years ago, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø needs your final high school transcript or GED\/HiSET transcript. Proof of high school completion is required to attend ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and is also required for financial aid. Also, if you graduated less than 4 years ago, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø may be able to use your high school transcript for placement purposes. Here is how you can send your official high school transcript to ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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I have taken some college courses. Will those count?<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Possibly. Depending on the courses and where they were completed, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø may be able to transfer those credits to help you complete a degree. Our Registrar\u2019s Office will review your previous college coursework to let you know what classes may transfer in. Here is how to send your official college transcript to ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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I have certificates or an apprenticeship. Does that count for anything?<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Maybe. Students who have acquired technical skills may petition for credit for prior learning. Students would contact the appropriate department and meet with college officials to review their petition. If this petition is approved, the discipline or program faculty would prepare an appropriate measure (test or other instrument) of proficiency and establish with the student guidelines for passing. A fee per course will be assessed. In addition, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø has a partnership with the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), Local 1, Bricklayers, and Allied Craftworkers of Eastern Missouri to provide a seamless opportunity for workers in the masonry trade to receive an Associate of Applied Science Skilled Trades degree<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Can I do my program online or at night?<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Maybe. ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø does offer night classes, hybrid classes, and online classes but course offerings are determined on a program by program and class by class basis. Many of our general education classes can be completed online. To see specific class times for upcoming semesters, you can check our course catalog<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What is the placement test, and why do I have to take it?<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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The Accuplacer placement test covers math, reading, and writing. It is computer-based, not timed, and can be taken on a walk-in basis at our Testing Center on both our main Union location<\/a> and our Rolla location<\/a>. We receive those scores immediately, which allows your enrollment counselor or academic advisor to determine the most appropriate placement for reading, writing, and math classes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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When can I take the placement test?<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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You can take the placement test on a walk-in basis at our Testing Center on the main Union campus and our Rolla campus. The test will not be offered on days when the college is closed. Test administration stops one hour before close every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n