Adult students continuing their education at local colleges and universities
By Celia Goodyear
It is the time of year when stores are filled with school supplies, and students are getting ready to start another year of their education. Most of them are children or teenagers, making their way through kindergarten to 12th grade. Others, however, are less traditional students.
They are adults who are going back to school.
Adults go back to school for a variety of reasons. It can be for something as big as a career change or as simple as wanting to learn something new. Regardless of the reason, Florida has a variety of options for adult students.
The University of South Florida
USF offers many academic programs to cultivate success for all students including traditional learners, special needs learners, distance learners, veterans and adults who want to advance their careers.
USF offers 180 majors and degree programs in 14 colleges under the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. The programs range from medicine and the arts to marine science and business. Programs are also available at the graduate, specialist and doctoral levels including a Doctor of Medicine.
The university also offers a variety of non-degree enrollment options for students to enrich their lives, earn certifications, complete a degree started elsewhere or meet pre-admission requirements for graduate degree programs.
USF, as well as all the other state universities, is able to waive fees for “senior” citizens who want to audit courses thanks to Florida state law –– meaning 60+ learners can attend in person classes for free.
According to Florida Statute Chapter 1009.26 (4), “A state university may waive any or all application, tuition and related fees for persons 60 years of age or older who are residents of this state and who attend classes for credit…”
For more information, go to: https://www.usf.edu/registrar/services/non-degree-admission/index.aspx.
University of Florida
Even though it is located outside of Greater Tampa Bay, the University of Florida offers a robust online program for students all over the country. UF is also ranked as one of the top schools for adult learners, according to Best Colleges.
UF Online offers degree programs at an affordable cost for students of all ages. The program’s mission is to enable students to lead and influence the next generation and beyond to benefit economics, culture and society by providing a comprehensive offering of high-quality, affordable degree programs online. Various minor programs are offered as well as graduate and certification ones.
For more information, go to: https://ufonline.ufl.edu/about-us/.
