Are you an Adult Student?

An adult learner is identified as an individual 24 years of age and up, a veteran or active duty service member, an individual returning to school after four years or more of employment or a stay-at-home state, or an individual who assumes multiple adult roles such as parent, spouse/partner, employee, and student. 

Adult students may enroll on a part-time or full-time basis while enrolled in credit or non-credit courses. Some adult students apply to the University immediately while others take classes on an informal basis and choose to undergo the admissions process later in their educational journey.

What to Expect as an Adult Learner 

  • Professional career strategy and advising guidance throughout your Penn State Lehigh Valley academic journey
  • 12 degree options completable at the Lehigh Valley campus including credit, non-credit, and certificate options or begin over 275+ degree programs at Lehigh Valley and complete at another Penn State campus
  • Part-or full-time enrollment with flexible daytime, evening, or virtual courses
  • Immersion into a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff
  • Transferable college course credits
  • An official degree or certification from The Pennsylvania State University with access to the largest alumni association in the world

First-Year Admissions

Official high school transcript (and/or GED, if applicable)

  • High school transcripts and GED transcripts (if applicable) are required for all applicants, with the following exception: If you are an adult learner and have completed 18 or more credits at a regionally accredited university, you may be considered for admission without a high school transcript by confirming your graduation from high school.
    If your high school is in operation and able to provide a transcript, it is to your advantage to submit one as high school course work may influence eligibility for specific programs.
  • In order to be considered official, transcripts must be sent from the high school (or GED testing service) directly to Penn State.

Please note: Penn State does not require SAT or ACT scores for adult applicants, provided the applicant can be considered an adult learner.

Transfer Admissions

Official high school transcript (and/or GED, if applicable)

  • High school transcripts and GED transcripts (if applicable) are required for all applicants, with the following exception: If you are an adult learner and have completed 18 or more credits at a regionally accredited university, you may be considered for admission without a high school transcript by confirming your graduation from high school.
    If your high school is in operation and able to provide a transcript, it is to your advantage to submit one as high school course work may influence eligibility for specific programs.
  • In order to be considered official, transcripts must be sent from the high school (or GED testing service) directly to Penn State.
  • University/College Transcripts (if applicable): Penn State requires applicants that have taken any college credits after high school to submit official transcripts from all colleges where coursework was attempted. All transcripts must be sent directly from the college/university (educational institution of origin) to Penn State to be considered official. If applicable, please submit your current class schedule.

Please note: Penn State does not require SAT or ACT scores for adult applicants, provided the applicant can be considered an adult learner.

Re-enrollment

If you attended Penn State previously as a degree candidate and want to return, there is a process to follow. Learn more about Re-enrollment.

If you have questions regarding re-enrolling at Penn State Lehigh Valley, please contact the Registrar’s Office.