Adult Students

More than one-third of Evergreen students are adults (25 years of age or older) and come from all walks of life. Adult students make a significant contribution to the learning community because they bring the rich diversity of their experiences to the classroom.

Watch Bonnie McLeod's video on her return to the classroom after working 20 years at a bank. Bonnie took advantage of an opportunity to re-career and discovered a new interest in natural science.

Two ways adult students can take classes at Evergreen.

1. Go through the formal admission process, as a degree-seeking student, or
2. Register for an 8-credit program or 4-credit course without applying for admission.

What's the difference?

• A student who is formally admitted is considered a degree-seeking (matriculated) student. A student who has not been formally admitted and registers for classes is considered a "special student," or is not registered as degree-seeking.
• Degree-seeking students register first for programs and courses. Special students may register after regular admits - first come, first served.
• Degree-seeking students may register online. Special students register for classes in person.
• Degree-seeking admits may register for a maximum of 20 credits per quarter (though the typical credit load is 16 credits per quarter). Special students may register for a maximum of 8 credits per quarter.
• Degree-seeking admits may register in either daytime programs or evening/weekend programs and courses. Special students may only select evening/weekend programs and courses.
• Degree-seeking students may be eligible for state and federal financial aid programs if he or she is registered for at least 6 credits. Special students are eligible for emergency loan and alternative loan programs only. Students registered in a program or course listed in the Evening and Weekend Studies class listing may qualify for a tuition waiver.

Many special students start by taking a program or course through the Evening and Weekend Studies curriculum and complete the formal admission process simultaneously. However, you may continue your studies as a special student for as long as you like. You will pay the same tuition rate as degree-seeking students. All of the credits you earn as a special student can count toward an Evergreen bachelor's degree. But remember: you will need to apply for formal admission to Evergreen before you can graduate and be given a degree.

If you are interested in applying for formal admission to Evergreen, please review the information for:

Freshman Student
Transfer Student
International Student

A Curriculum for the Adult Student

The average age of a new Evening and Weekend Studies student is 35 years old.

At the core of the curriculum are 8 and 12 credit interdisciplinary programs. There are also 4 credit single-subject courses that complement these interdisciplinary programs. These programs and courses meet in the evenings or on the weekends to fit busy lifestyles. There's even an 8-credit program taught in Grays Harbor. This program welcomes transfer students, veterans of the military and individuals returning to college after starting their career.

Questions?

Contact an Admission Counselor to answer your questions about Evening and Weekend Studies.