Adult Enrollment

Introduction
The Office of Adult Admissions and Enrollment, part of the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education, assists with admission, and provides an avenue to resources of academic advisement, registration and related services to adult undergraduate and post baccalaureate students. The staff is committed to serving the diverse needs of adult learners who are preparing for new careers, looking for job advancement, returning to the classroom to expand their knowledge in specialized areas, seeking to complete their education, or engaging in academic pursuits for their enrichment and enjoyment.

Adult Undergraduate Programs
Mercyhurst University invites applications from adults- defined as an individual aged 24 or older, or married, or a veteran of the armed forces or someone who has a dependent. Credits earned at other accredited post-secondary institutions may be transferred in and applied towards a Mercyhurst degree. Students may pursue the following programs on a full-time or part-time basis: Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Music. Adult students, including those enrolled at another post-secondary institution, may complete up to four undergraduate courses as a transient (visiting) student.

Post-Baccalaureate Programs
Mercyhurst University invites applicants who hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited post-secondary institution. Students may pursue the following programs on a full-time or part-time basis:

Post-Baccalaureate Advanced Certificate
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification

Academic Policies
Adult undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students are subject to the academic policies and procedures outlined elsewhere in this catalog. This includes the ability to earn credit for life experience as outlined in the Academic Affairs section of the catalog.

Schedule
The Office of Adult Admissions and Enrollment responds to inquiries from prospective adult and post-baccalaureate students throughout the year. Admitted students may begin their studies in the fall, spring or summer semesters. A wide selection of courses for adult undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students are offered on weekday mornings, afternoons and evenings, as well as Saturday and Sunday. Online courses are also available (see below).

Financial Aid for Adult Students
Financial Aid is available to eligible adult undergraduate students.

Reduced Tuition
Adult students who begin university at least four years after graduating from high school or receiving their GED qualify for reduced tuition. Reduced tuition is also available to any student who holds a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or university.

Company Reimbursement
Many employers offer a tuition reimbursement plan for successfully completed courses. Qualifying students may defer their tuition until the end of the semester. No interest will be charged. Forms are available in The Office of Adult Admissions and Enrollment Services.

Catherine McAuley Adult Student Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available for nontraditional students who meet academic and financial need criteria and who do not receive tuition assistance from their employer.

Federal and State Grants
Full-time (12 credits/semester) and half-time (6 credits/semester) students are eligible to apply for a Federal PELL Grant. If a student is a resident of Pennsylvania for at least one year, he/she also may qualify for a Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Association Grant (PHEAA). To apply for these grants, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the Mercyhurst Financial Aid Application. Use 003297 for the Mercyhurst University Title IV school code on the FAFSA form. For quicker return, file the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Federal Direct Loan (Master Promissory Note)
Full-time (12 credits/semester) and half-time (6 credits/semester) students can obtain low interest student loans (subsidized) that are not payable until 6 months following graduation. A student can borrow additional funds in unsubsidized student loans. Unlike the subsidized loan, interest on unsubsidized loans begins the day the loan is disbursed with the principle deferred until 6 months after graduation. Applications are available through The Office of Adult Admissions and Enrollment Services. A student must file a FAFSA at fafsa.edu.gov. Use 003297 for the Mercyhurst University Title IV school code on the FAFSA.