Adult Learners
Graduated high school a few years ago, or maybe longer? Looking to come back to college?
Modern students or adult learners are often financially independent from parents, work full-time or nearly full-time, and may have children. We offer in-person or online options to help fit your busy schedule.
We have several resources and services to help you manage your personal life, work life and your work as a student.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oftentimes, as an adult returning to school or starting school for the first time, you have lots of questions. We are here to help get you started. Please check below to see a list of frequently asked questions.
How do I get started?
Your first step will be to complete our online application. Once we have received and reviewed your application, you will hear from an Enrollment Services team member within 2-3 business days with your next enrollment steps.
Here is a look at what to expect from the enrollment process.
Who will help me through the enrollment process? Where should I direct my questions?
Haley Walter, Enrollment Counselor – Diverse Populations, will guide you through the enrollment process and answer any questions you may have about returning to school or starting school for the first time. Here is her contact information:
Haley Walter
Enrollment Counselor – Diverse Populations
haley.walter@eastcentral.edu
636-584-6574
Do I need to fill out a FAFSA?
Yes, if you are applying for any kind of aid or scholarships, you will need to complete the FAFSA. Even if you do not think you will get any kind of aid, we still encourage you to submit it. We host in-person FAFSA nights throughout the year and if you have any questions or concerns, you can drop by the Office of Financial Aid for assistance.
Are there scholarship opportunities for adult learners?
Yes, East Central College awards over $525,000 in academic and need-based scholarships annually. There are many opportunities specifically for adults returning to school or adults starting college for the first time.
Do you need my high school transcript if I graduated 20 years ago?
Yes, no matter if you graduated this year, 5 years ago, or 30 years ago, ECC needs your final high school transcript or GED/HiSET transcript. Proof of high school completion is required to attend East Central College and is also required for financial aid. Also, if you graduated less than 4 years ago, ECC may be able to use your high school transcript for placement purposes. Here is how you can send your official high school transcript to ECC.
I have taken some college courses. Will those count?
Possibly. Depending on the courses and where they were completed, ECC may be able to transfer those credits to help you complete a degree. Our Registrar’s Office will review your previous college coursework to let you know what classes may transfer in. Here is how to send your official college transcript to ECC.
I have certificates or an apprenticeship. Does that count for anything?
Maybe. Students who have acquired technical skills may petition for credit for prior learning. Students would contact the appropriate department and meet with college officials to review their petition. If this petition is approved, the discipline or program faculty would prepare an appropriate measure (test or other instrument) of proficiency and establish with the student guidelines for passing. A fee per course will be assessed. In addition, ECC has a partnership with the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), Local 1, Bricklayers, and Allied Craftworkers of Eastern Missouri to provide a seamless opportunity for workers in the masonry trade to receive an Associate of Applied Science Skilled Trades degree.
Can I do my program online or at night?
Maybe. ECC does offer night classes, hybrid classes, and online classes but course offerings are determined on a program by program and class by class basis. Many of our general education classes can be completed online. To see specific class times for upcoming semesters, you can check our course catalog.
What is the placement test, and why do I have to take it?
The Accuplacer placement test covers math, reading, and writing. It is computer-based, not timed, and can be taken on a walk-in basis at our Testing Center on both our main Union location and our Rolla location. We receive those scores immediately, which allows your enrollment counselor or academic advisor to determine the most appropriate placement for reading, writing, and math classes.
When can I take the placement test?
You can take the placement test on a walk-in basis at our Testing Center on the main Union campus and our Rolla campus. The test will not be offered on days when the college is closed. Test administration stops one hour before close every day.
It has been a few years since I took a college class, and I do not feel prepared for the placement test. What should I do?
The Learning Center offers free test prep sessions to maximize your scores. The test prep sessions utilize sample test questions from the Accuplacer and provide helpful tips to help you better prepare. As an extra incentive, students who attend a review session will have their $10.00 re-take fee waived. Additional study materials are available online through the Learning Center.
Can I take just one class?
Yes, you can take one class, go part-time, or full-time – whatever your schedule allows. If you are choosing to take just one class, you will still need to fulfill the same requirements and prerequisites as if you were going to be attending full-time. East Central College also offers community education classes. These courses are one or two days and are designed to provide children and adults with opportunities for personal and professional enrichment. They range from crocheting and hunter education to stick welding and leadership training. Check the Community Education Class Schedule for more details on these classes and how to register.
Are there resources for adult learners?
Yes, East Central College has many resources available for our adult learners. We have our Advising and Career Services team, which helps students achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals.
The Learning Center focuses on student success by providing access to academic resources and technology that will help you succeed in the classroom. We also provide free tutoring services; sessions can be scheduled either on an appointment or walk-in basis. In addition, each student is paired with a Success Coach, who will assist you through your time at ECC, promote resources, and be a point of contact for you. Our Wellness Services team offers a variety of support services such as confidential counseling services, access services to ensure you have the necessary accommodations to thrive in your classes, and social services and resources (childcare, housing, medical, food insecurity, etc.) in the community, ensuring you have access to everything you need personally so you can succeed in the classroom.
Scholarship Opportunities for Adult Learners
East Central College awards over $525,000 in academic and need-based scholarships annually. There are many opportunities specifically for adults returning to school or adults starting college for the first time. Here are a few examples:
HiSET Transition Scholarship
Students who have earned a high school equivalency diploma (HiSET) through the AEL program at East Central College are eligible to receive a tuition waiver of a three (3) hour college credit class at East Central College. For a student to qualify for the incentive, a student must have completed the HiSET program or/and exam with East Central College within twelve (12) months prior to enrollment and it must be his or her first time attending any college.
Apply for the HiSET Transition Scholarship
Non-traditional Student Scholarship
This non-renewable award is for students over the age of 23 whose family income makes the student ineligible for need-based federal financial aid. To be eligible, the student must be enrolled in no fewer than six (6) credit hours and have completed a minimum of 15 credit hours at East Central College with a 3.0 grade point average. Awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fees charge.
Marylou Epple Memorial Scholarship
Established in December 2023 by the Epple Family in memory of their beloved wife and mother. This scholarship was created to serve a non-traditional age female accounting major. Can be used for tuition, fees and supplies.
Qualifications:
- Gender – Female
- Will you reach the age of 23 or older by the start of next semester?
- What is your program of study?
Catherine E. Vollmer Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1996 by the family and friends of Catherine Vollmer with the support of Wal-Mart and Wal-Mart associates. When the late Catherine Vollmer was a student at East Central College, she spoke of her “yearnin’ for learnin'” and the fulfillment of a childhood dream by going to college. She was not only a student herself, at the time of her death, but she passed along to her children a desire to learn. Seven of her 16 children are ECC graduates.
- Applicants must be in-district.
- The applicant must be a returning adult.
- Applicant must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours