1. How can I get information about the programs you offer?
Penn State Continuing Education offers bachelor's and associate degree programs, credit certificate programs, and noncredit certificate programs. Our degree programs carry the same weight and prestige as all other Penn State degree programs, while focusing on the many professional and educational needs of adult students. Click here to view the comprehensive list of our degree and certificate programs.
We highly recommend that you meet with one of our academic advisers before deciding on a program of study. Our advisers can help you talk through your long-term goals and guide you into the Continuing Education program that best meets your needs. Contact us to speak with an adviser.
2. How do I register for a course?
It's easy to register for a Continuing Education course, though you must first be admitted to the University as a nondegree, certificate, or degree-seeking student.
Nondegree and Certificate Students
If you are not currently enrolled as a Penn State degree student and this will be your first course, you will need to submit either an Undergraduate Nondegree Enrollment Form or a Graduate Nondegree Application, depending on the level of the course you want to take. There is no application fee for either nondegree application. Contact us if you are uncertain about which application form you should complete.
Important: University policy limits the number of credits you may take as an undergraduate nondegree student to 40 and as a graduate nondegree student to 15. As you approach these limits, we recommend that you consider applying for a degree program.
Certificate students need only complete the relevant nondegree application form for each intended program.
Degree-Seeking Students
Once you are admitted to a Continuing Education degree program, please contact one of our academic advisers for help in selecting your first course(s).
Course Registration Options
1. Mail or Fax: Download the applicable Credit Registration Form or Noncredit Registration Form for completion and submission to our office.
2. Phone: Call the Penn State Continuing Education office at 814-865-3443 or 800-228-1627.
3. Walk-in: Complete your registration form in our office in 121 Outreach Building.
4. Online: If you are currently enrolled in a Penn State course, you can register for Continuing Education courses via eLion. Full-time Penn State resident-instruction students may add Continuing Education evening courses to their schedules only on a space-available basis.
3. How can I pay for my courses? Is financial aid available? Are there payment plan options?
You will be charged for tuition, the information technology fee, and the activity fee at the time of your Continuing Education course registration. These fees vary, depending on the number of credits you take. Visit our Tuition and Fee page for more information. Payment may be made by check, money order, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, VISA, or by request to bill your employer (which must include a letter of authorization).
Financial Aid: Eligible students can apply most forms of financial aid and scholarships toward Continuing Education tuition and fees. This includes aid that originates from the FAFSA application (such as Stafford Loans, Pell Grants, and PHEAA aid), private sources of financial aid (such as CitiAssist, TERI loans, and scholarships), and TAP credits. Visit the Aid for Adult Learners page of the Office of Student Aid Web site for more information about financial aid and eligibility.
Payment Plan (Deferment) Policy: A deferred-payment policy is available to all Continuing Education students for a $45 fee. You may defer two-thirds of your current semester's net payable tuition beyond the current due date (see the "Deferred Payment" section of your semester bill). Any eligible aid and loans you have must be applied to reduce current charges before your deferment option can be taken. Penn State has the right to refuse the option of a deferred payment to any student who has not met prior payment agreements.
Important: Your deferment plan should be arranged when you schedule your courses for the semester. We cannot guarantee that a deferment plan will be available if your request is made after your courses have been scheduled. Please contact us for more information.
