Adult, or "non-traditional" students are defined by Ball State as individuals entering college for the first time at age 23 or older. A wider definition of the population served, however, includes anyone whose primary roles and responsibilities are focused outside the university. To get more information or answers beyond the FAQ below, contact Academic Advisors David Chalfant or James Mills,  located in the Advising Center in NQ 324, phone: 765-285-1161.

Some available services:

• General advice on degree programs and requirements
• Special orientation days
• Scholarship announcements
• Assistance with course registration and other administrative procedures
• Basic information referral
• Child Daycare may by available through the Child Care/Child Study Center. Call 765-285-1987 for more information
• Distance Education, Independent Learning, and Internet courses through the Office of Online and Distance Education 

Questions and Concerns Frequently Expressed by Adult Students:

Am I a Non-traditional Student? Adult students, often referred to as "non-traditional" students, are defined by Ball State University as anyone age 23 or older who is entering college for the first time.  Another good definition, however, is that adult students have life concerns outside the university that take precedence over their academic needs in times of crisis.

How can credits I have previously earned be applied to my current coursework?  Your advisor will be able to help you determine where and how previous coursework will be applied to your current situation.  There are many ways to earn credit:

TransferIN shows many courses which transfer from school to school in Indiana, as well as application of credits to various U.S. Schools
Advanced Standing possbilities through testing
Military Information is a page on the Transfer Indiana web site which covers many areas to consider in the bridge from the Military Experience to College
Military Credit (Office of Admissions Information)

I get confused and/or lost when I visit the campus.  Adult students often feel uncomfortable and disoriented during their first few visits to Ball State.  The Advising and Orientation Offices host orientation days and provide Campus Map (Admissions) and information to students new to the college campus.

I can't compete with all those 18 year olds fresh out of high school!  This is a common, but unfounded, fear.  Our statistics prove that adult students commonly earn better grades in classes than traditional students.  However, for those whose skills are a little rusty, The Learning Center at Ball State provides tutoring and supplemental instruction outside the classroom. Academic Advisors can help you locate and make arrangements with these services
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Instructors won't understand that I have other responsibilities as well.  This is simply not true.  Adult students are openly welcomed in the classroom by most instructors because of their unique perspectives, maturity, and firm resolve to do well.  Establishing good communication with instructors early in the semester is a key factor in avoiding any problems. Advisors and the Learning Center Services are beneficial resources when issues or questions related to communicating within the college setting come up.

I simply can't afford school. You might be surprised how easy it is to obtain scholarships and financial aid, if you start your search early.  Sometimes your employer will be willing to help you financially.  If not, you can test the waters by applying for government grants and loans.  Scholarships are also numerous, but you must keep your eyes open for opportunities.  February and March are the best times to be on the lookout.

Won't I be on social security before I finish a degree?  Maybe it will take a long time, but this is a bad excuse not to make a start.  Earning college credit can help you advance and earn more in your current career, whether you earn a degree or not.   College classes will help you grow as a person and give you a sense of accomplishment that you may be missing in your private or work life. Consider, as well, that there are many degree (and non-degree) programs at Ball State that take much less than the traditional "four years" to finish.