Adult Learning
We get it. We know the challenges adults face when going to school. From working parents to military veterans, returning students, transfer students, and first-time students, we’ve seen it all. We have over 50 years of experience serving adult students, and that experience matters. Your experience does, too. Adults contribute to our classrooms and enrich our community. We want you here. You don’t make the decision to invest your time and money lightly, so we make affordability, flexibility, and accessibility a priority. You have the drive to reach higher, and we have the resources and services to help you succeed.
As an adult student looking to enroll at the College, know that we offer flexible and convenient programs to fit your busy schedule. Microcredentials offer a fast track to specific, in-demand skills. You can earn a valuable career credential upon completion, and courses can also be applied to an existing degree or certificate program if you want to continue on. Fifteen of our degrees and certificates can be completed fully online with many others offered half or more online. In-person alternatives in the afternoon and evening are available, too.
Interested in non-credit options? We also offer professional development and workforce training opportunities through our BIZ department. With over 40 degree programs and a growing list of certificates and microcredentials, you’re sure to find a fit with us. It all starts with a conversation.
Learning online doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality for convenience while you earn your degree. All of our online degree programs and courses are fully accredited the same as our traditional classroom courses and programs.
Also, many of the classes required to complete other degree programs are offered online, allowing students to tailor their schedule to their specific needs.
You can access your ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Cortland online course using any Internet connection, anytime, anywhere.
Degrees Offered Fully Online
These degree programs can be completed fully online:
- Accounting, A.A.S.
- Business Administration, A.A.S
- Computer Information Systems, A.A.S.
- Computer Support Specialist, A.A.S.
- Creative Writing/Screenwriting, A.A.
- Criminal Justice, A.A.S., A.S.
- Hotel and Restaurant Management, A.A.S.
- Paralegal, A.A.S.
Certificates Offered Fully Online
These certificates can be completed fully online:
- Accounting
- Business Management
- Chemical Dependency Counseling
- Criminal Justice
- General Studies
- Paralegal Studies
Visit online learning or use the Course Search to search for online courses by semester and discipline.
Enrollment
First steps (in the following order)
- .
- Have your official transcript(s) sent. Include high school and any colleges you have attended in the past. Electronic transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to transcripts@tompkinscortland.edu.
Next steps (order is flexible)
- Complete your immunization requirements.
- Apply for Financial Aid.
- After you’re accepted, take placement tests (if needed).
- Attend new student orientation, where you’ll get registered for classes.
- Get your certificate of residence and pay your tuition bill.
- Get your student ID and .
Final step
- Attend Welcome Week events (extended Orientation) and go to class!
Paying for Classes
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is key to opening the door to college for almost all of our students, yet it can be the most intimidating part of the applications process. As a working adult, you may still qualify for Financial Aid.
Scholarship
Pathways Scholarship - Aid and Support for the Adult Student
The Pathways scholarship is designed with the specific needs of adult student in mind. This scholarship can essentially fund your education at ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Cortland Community College, with a maximum award of $7,000. Full-time students will receive $1,750 for up to four semesters. Part-time students will receive $875 for up to eight semesters.
Eligibility
You are eligible for a Pathways Scholarship if:
- You reside in Cortland, ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ, or Tioga County
- You are 24 years of age or older when application is completed
- You have demonstrated financial need – as determined by filing the.
- You enroll for at least six credits per semester
- You have never been a college student, you’ve been out of college at least five years, or you have attempted or earned 16 or fewer college credits
- You have never earned a degree
To Apply
- Complete the .
- Apply for admission to the College .
- Complete the . Deadline: July 1 for Fall Semester and December 1 for Spring Semester.
Email pathways@tompkinscortland.edu or call 607.844.8222, Ext. 4521 with any questions to get started on your application.
Childcare
As a resource for our students, faculty, staff and members of the community, the College operates the Arthur Kuckes Childcare Center at the main campus in Dryden. The Center provides care from six weeks through pre-kindergarten.
For more information or to schedule a visit contact Casey Goodwin, the center director, at 607.844.8222, Ext. 4477.
Other Local Options
The offers information about other childcare options in Cortland County.
The offers childcare information for residents of ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ County.