MAKE YOUR COMEBACK ADULT LEARNER SERVICES
we are
CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY Our journeys look different, but at CSU we are united in our determination to lift each other up, explore interests, carve out futures, advance our fields of study and positively impact our communities and the world at large. We are resilient and innovative, inspired to finish what we’ve started. We strive to remain lifelong learners, and we welcome students in all chapters of their lives. You’ll fit right in. It’s time to invest in yourself and make your comeback. You’re older now, wiser. Trial and error have defined your goals and interests. You know yourself better and have a clear vision of the future. And time has shown you how very capable you are. Finishing your degree is within reach.
175 +
27
Academic Programs
Faculty
Experts in their field and the classroom
Up To
570
Average Age of CSU Students
32+
Doctorates
Fulbright Scholars
$5,000
Debt Forgiveness with the Ohio College Comeback Compact
170 + Adult Learners Received
$2.3M
in Donor-Funded Renewable Scholarships
17:1
Student to Faculty Ratio Small class sizes for more personalized learning
Course Options In-person and online
CSU will help you through roadblocks that limited you in the past, design a flexible schedule that fits into your life and provide resources to support your success every step of the way.
BENEFITS OF EARNING A DEGREE Research shows that a graduate with a bachelor’s degree earns 53% more than workers with some college but no degree, and 67% more than high school graduates. On average, college grads earn $1 million more in their lifetime. Though increased earning potential is a strong motivator, earning a degree leads to more than just a larger paycheck.
Job Opportunities Greater access to available jobs
Employee Benefits Such as retirement funds and health care
Job Stability
NEO unemployment rate for HS grads is 4% versus 2.2% for college grads
Healthier Lifestyle More likely to exercise regularly and less likely to use tobacco
Civic Engagement Higher rates of voting, donating blood and volunteering
Six years after being academically dismissed from Cleveland State University, I decided I wanted to finish what I started.
Adult Learner Services helped me restart my college career. While working full time as a paramedic, I was able to finish the classes I needed and graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in psychology in August 2023.
CAITLIN FISH Psychology, 2023
NOT READY TO PURSUE A DEGREE? Consider CSU’s non-credit programs and certifications for workforce development and continuing education.
csuohio.edu/continuing-education
ADULT LEARNER INTAKE APPOINTMENT We have a longstanding tradition of serving adult and returning students. We recommend scheduling an intake appointment with one of our adult learner specialists as your first course of action. Together, you will discuss your education and career goals, evaluate credits that may apply given your previous coursework and employment history, review programs that may be a good fit, map your degree and address potential roadblocks that may impact your education. We can also walk you through the enrollment process and how to tackle financial aid.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY Learn how CSU can make earning a degree possible for you. adult.learners@csuohio.edu (216) 875-9709
csuohio.us/trfappt
NON-TRADITIONAL CREDITS You’ve taken courses, gained knowledge and work experience—life experience. We’ll do our best to make sure it counts. You may qualify for alternative credits that help reduce the number of courses needed to earn your degree. Plus, new courses taken at CSU can be applied to complete an associate degree at a previously attended Ohio community college with our reverse transfer credit. »
AAPLE. Assessment and Accreditation of Prior Learning Experience (AAPLE) allows you to earn academic credit for significant prior learning through eligible work experience.
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CLEP. The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a series of subjectspecific tests offered by the College Board. Eligible scores may earn you course credit in subjects such as English, math, foreign languages and sciences.
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Credit by Exam. Select departments may accept credit by examination for specific courses. Subject material, examination method, passing score/grade and awarded semester credit hours are determined by the academic departments.
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Military Credit. Military training and experience may qualify for transfer credit based on American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations for each completed course through the Ohio Values Veterans Program.
YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR SUCCESS CSU is committed to supporting you every step of the way. That’s why we offer a full spectrum of services at no additional cost to help you stay on track and finish strong. Below are just some of the resources available. »
CARE (Community Assessment Response and Evaluation) Team to support student wellbeing and safety
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Lift Up Vikes! Resource Center and Food Pantry
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Math Learning Center
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Career Development and Exploration
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TRIO for first generation students
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Center for eLearning
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Counseling Center
Tutoring & Academic Success Center (TASC)
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Disability and Testing Services
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Veteran and Military Success Center
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Graduation Coaches
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Mareyjoyce Green Women’s Center
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Health and Wellness Services
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Writing Center
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LGBTQ+ Student Services Center
CSU COMMITMENT Your academic success matters. Period. Streamlining your path to graduation is just another way CSU ensures forward momentum.
RTA U-Pass
Bus pass for students enrolled on campus provides transportation you can count on
Degree Audit Tracks your credit requirements, so you can monitor your progress toward graduation
Locks in your tuition rate for consecutive semesters at CSU
Multi-Term Registration
Lets you schedule fall, spring and summer classes at one time
Academic Advising
Whenever you need it
At this age and stage of the game, I have learned to be loyal to myself.
I returned to Cleveland State University 20+ years later to obtain my degree. It would not be possible without the support of Adult Learner Services. Their belief in me and dedication to my goals was evident when they listened to my past and then assisted me beyond measure for what will certainly become a success story for the adage: It’s never too late.
NEAL HODGES Communication Studies, 2023
FINANCING YOUR DEGREE Cleveland State University has one of the lowest tuition rates in Ohio because we believe everyone deserves access and opportunity to find their place and defy expectations. We also match students with financial aid opportunities. Adult learners may benefit from available grants and scholarships, including: »
The PNC Last Mile Grant helps close the gap for undergraduate students who have exhausted their financial aid and are within one to two semesters of graduation by providing up to $3,000 per semester, based on financial need.
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College Now Greater Cleveland offers several scholarships including the Adult Learner scholarship and the Jane D. White scholarship for adult students Find and apply for scholarships at collegenowgc.org.
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Hebrew Free Loan Association (HFLA) of Northeast Ohio offers interestfree loans to degree-seeking students who demonstrate financial need. Successful applicants demonstrate genuine need, have been unable to receive loans from conventional sources, will be able to repay the loan in monthly installments and have one or more guarantors for the loan. Interestfree.org
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Cleveland State University offers institutional scholarships for degree-seeking students. Eligibility, amount and application processes vary by scholarship. Review the list at csuohio.edu/financial-aid/scholarships to find options that fit your situation.
COLLEGE DEBT FORGIVENESS Cleveland State offers several ways for qualifying students with an unpaid or delinquent tuition balance of $5,000 or less to wipe the slate clean, so outstanding debt doesn’t get in the way of re-enrollment. View eligibility requirements at csuohio.us/debt-forgiveness.
Ready to take the next steps?
APPLY TODAY engagecsu.com/apply
(216) 875-9709 | adult.learners@csuohio.edu
CSU is an AA/EO institution. ©2023 University Marketing 230192 — Adult Learner