Information for Adult Students

Adult students are typically recognized as being 24 years of age or older; a veteran of the armed services or an active duty service member; returning to school after four or more years of employment, homemaking, or other activity; or someone who assumes multiple roles such as parent, spouse/partner, employee, and student.

Penn State has many opportunities for adult students who wish to start or complete a degree, or enhance their professional skills. One of the first steps in getting started is to explore what types of financial aid for which you may be eligible.

Because Penn State's financial aid process is the same for all students, you can get the information you most need to know by selecting whether you are a:

For more information about opportunities for adult students, good places to start are: