FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated classes work?
Most accelerated, 3-credit courses meet for five or eight weeks and are offered online. A significant amount of self-directed learning outside the classroom is expected (average time is 15-20 hours per week).
My schedule is hectic and I need to plan my time. How do I know what to expect in my classes?
Our small, seminar-style classes are based upon detailed syllabi that clearly identify course learning outcomes. All syllabi are available for review by students prior to the start of class. Course information outlines required books, assignments and due dates, and activities that will happen throughout the course. Reviewing the syllabus is an excellent way of planning your time to fit school into your life.
Does Elizabethtown offer online classes and programs?
Elizabethtown College's School of Graduate and Professional Studies offers many online, accelerated courses and programs. Course learning outcomes are achieved completely online. Online classes require that the student remains active throughout the course through participation in discussion boards and submission of assignments. Students can access the course site at times most convenient to them (asynchronous learning). Some online classes include live chat sessions (synchronous). If you are unable to attend, a recording of the session will be available to you. At times, a brief additional assignment may be required after viewing the recorded session.
What programs are available?
View a list of our programs.
How long will it take to get my degree?
The time it takes will vary depending on several factors, including prior coursework and whether or not you elect to go through an entire program without taking time off between courses. The more credits you transfer in, the faster you'll complete your degree. In the undergraduate programs:
- There are eight five-week sessions available each year for students to take.
- The school offers a four-week online session between the fall and spring semesters.
- In addition, there are opportunities for weekend seminar courses at specific times throughout the year.
This provides the possibility of earning 36 credits in a year. Our admissions staff can meet with you and give you an estimate of completion based on your individual situation. In a traditional 15-week program, it could take more than twice as long to complete your degree. And the program is flexible— if you need to skip a session, it's okay. You are not out of sequence with your program. You take your courses in the order you want and at the pace you set.
In the graduate programs, there are six eight-week sessions available each year for students to take. This provides the possibility of earning 18 credits in a year.
How much will it cost?
UNDERGRADUATE TUITION
$525/credit
GRADUATE TUITION*
Varies by Program (View Specific Graduate Programs)
*Discounts may be available for Elizabethtown College Alumni for graduate programs and certificates
Am I eligible for Financial Aid?
Matriculated adult students enrolled in an accelerated program are eligible to receive financial aid. Students in the accelerated undergraduate programs must take a minimum of six credits within a semester in order to qualify for federal financial aid. This does not mean you have to double up on classes. Taking two of the three sessions available in an undergraduate semester satisfies this requirement. Graduate students enrolled in a master's degree program must take a minimum of three credits within a semester (one course).
In order to determine a student's specific financial aid eligibility, the following forms must be completed:
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may apply on the web at www.fafsa.gov.
- Employer Educational Assistance Verification Form (This is different than the tuition deferment form completed by students with reimbursement through their employer.)
The Elizabethtown forms are available from the Elizabethtown College's School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Our admissions staff can help you through the process of completing the necessary paperwork. If you have questions or wish to apply for Financial Aid, you may contact an admissions counselor at 717-361-1411.
Can I get a scholarship to continue my education?
Edward and Carol Murphy/Charlotte Newcombe Scholarship for Mature Women Students The Edward and Carol Murphy/Charlotte Newcombe Scholarship for Mature Women Students is open to students ages 25 and older, on basis of financial need, academic record and professional/career aspirations. In June/July, an email is sent to all matriculated SGPS students who meet the criteria, inviting them to apply for the endowed scholarship.
James L. Fritz/Charlotte Newcombe Scholarship for Mature Women and Men Students The James L. Fritz/Charlotte Newcombe Scholarship for Mature Women and Men Students is open to male and female students ages 25 and older, on the basis of financial need, academic record and professional/career aspirations. In the summer, an email is sent to all matriculated SGPS students who meet the criteria, inviting them to apply for the endowed scholarship.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities There are numerous external scholarships available to nontraditional students. We've compiled a list for both graduate and undergraduate students. Please know that these links take you off our website; we do not monitor or control the information provided on these websites. This information is provided for your convenience only.
Is Elizabethtown's adult degree program accredited?
Elizabethtown College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. This accreditation requires compliance with rigorous academic standards. The School also relies on its own quality assurance processes such as faculty assessment and student and employer satisfaction surveys. Students can review documents of accreditation by contacting the Registration and Records Office at 717-361-1409.
How do I apply to a degree program?
We've designed our admissions policies to be inclusive and simple.
Undergraduate Degree Application Process
Graduate Degree Application Process
Graduate Certificate Application Process
Will my previous college credits transfer?
Our staff will work with you to maximize the number of credits from previous college work that you can transfer into your Elizabethtown Program. Transfer credits must carry a grade of C- or better and not include remedial courses.
View our partners page for more information on our educational partners.
Can I take a class without applying to a program?
Yes, students may take individual classes without applying to a degree program. Students should be aware of any prerequisite requirements for courses to ensure they are capable of completing the course. Our staff is happy to help in this registration process. Contact our office at 717-361-1411.
Can I get college credit for what I already know?
We recognize that learning takes place outside the classroom as well as inside. If you are a working adult, you are bringing a wide variety of valid learning experiences with you when you enter the classroom. Your advisor will assess where your outside-the-classroom learning translates into college credit.
The following are some ways previous work/life experience can be translated into credits:
- Corporate Training (with American Council on Education ACE credit recommendations)
- Military Credit (Military education and experience can be awarded credit upon receipt of documentation such as Joint Services or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript.)
- CLEP and DANTES Examinations (Learners must achieve ACE recommended passing scores for credit to transfer.)
- Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is a process by which learning mastered outside of the classroom is reviewed for college-level equivalency.
What is the average class size?
Our average class size is 10-12 learners. Classes are generally capped at 20. Certain classes have lower maximums due to the course requirements.
What kind of advising services are available?
You will be assigned an academic advisor who will help you in selecting courses to complete your degree program. Your advisor will assist and advise you on course selection, syllabus access, course transfer issues, course equivalency proposals, internships, etc. The School of Graduate and Professional Studies places significant importance on our advising services to ensure our adult students feel connected to the College, plan well, and understand graduation requirements.
What are the highlights of the program?
- The curriculum is designed specifically for adult students.
- Accelerated classes allow you to speed up the process of getting your degree. You control how long it takes!
- Bestcolleges.com ranked Elizabethtown College School of Graduate and Professional Studies online programs #15 overall and #9 in affordability in Pennsylvania.
- Elizabethtown College's MBA is ranked in the top three regional MBA programs by Central Penn Business Journal.
- Graduate and undergraduate online classes
- Flexibility offered by step-in, step-out program.
- Specially assessed faculty made up of working practitioners.
- Students can convert experiential learning into college credit utilizing the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) process
- Personalized one-on-one advising. Emphasis on providing services to the adult student.
- Free preliminary evaluation of transcripts.
- No age restrictions on transfer credits.
- No technology, computer or parking fees.
Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2298© 2024 Elizabethtown College