An adult learner studying at Allen University
Adult Learners · Working Professionals

It’s not too late. It’s your time.

You’ve been building a career, raising a family, and carrying responsibility. Allen’s adult program is built around that life, with evening and weekend classes and a cohort that moves through the program together.

  • 3 yearsto finish a four-year degree
  • Evenings & weekendsso you can keep working
  • Every 6 weeksa new set of courses begins
  • Your cohortmoves through the program together
Built for Your Life

We’ve heard every reason to wait. Here’s why you don’t have to.

Going back to school as an adult takes courage. Here’s how Allen answers the questions adults ask most.

  • You might be thinking“I work full time.”
    At Allen

    Classes meet on evenings and weekends, so you don’t have to choose between your job and your degree.

  • You might be thinking“I have a family to take care of.”
    At Allen

    The program is designed for adults juggling work, family, and other commitments, with the flexibility to keep your life in balance.

  • You might be thinking“I’ve been out of school a long time.”
    At Allen

    You won’t be alone. You’ll join a cohort of adult students and move through the program together, in smaller classes with personal attention.

  • You might be thinking“I don’t have years to spare.”
    At Allen

    Complete your four-year degree in three years, with a new set of courses starting every six weeks.

  • You might be thinking“Will my experience count for anything?”
    At Allen

    Yes. Your professional experience is part of the classroom. You bring real-world insight, and your coursework connects directly to your work.

  • You might be thinking“Is this a real Allen degree?”
    At Allen

    Yes. You’ll earn an Allen University bachelor’s degree, taught by qualified faculty at an institution serving students since 1870.

You Belong Here

Worried you’ve been away too long? You’re not alone.

Self-doubt stops more adults than almost anything else. The truth is, you bring something younger students can’t: real experience, real goals, and the discipline you’ve built in life and work.

49%of U.S. adults surveyed said fearing they won’t succeed, or that they’ve been out of school too long, would be a challenge if they enrolled.Source: Strada Public Viewpoint survey, July 2020
Majors & Concentrations

Two degrees. Built to move your career forward.

Kick-start or advance your career, update your skills, or enrich your personal and intellectual life.

Bachelor of Science

Business Administration

For professionals ready to lead, manage, and grow, in the workplace or in a business of their own.

  • Accounting
  • Banking & Finance
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Organizational Management
Explore Business Administration →
Bachelor of Arts

Religion

For those answering a call to serve, in the pulpit, in ministry, or in the community.

  • Religion
  • Pastoral Ministry
Explore Religion →
An adult student at Allen University
Why Allen

Practical as it is profound.

Allen’s adult program blends theory with real-world application, and your professional experience becomes part of how you learn.

  • Smaller classesYou’re a name, not a number.
  • Personal attentionFaculty who know you and your goals.
  • Qualified facultyLearn from faculty dedicated to your success.
  • A diverse student bodyClassmates who bring their own stories.
Paying for Your Degree

Cost is the #1 worry. Let’s make it clear.

Most adults say cost is their biggest barrier. There may be more help available than you think. Here are the places to look.

  • Start here

    See your estimated cost

    Use Allen’s Net Price Calculator to estimate what you might pay after aid.

    Net Price Calculator →
  • Federal & state aid

    File the FAFSA

    Most aid at Allen is based on financial need, and the FAFSA is how it’s determined. Use Allen’s federal school code: 003417.

    Applying for financial aid →
  • Ask your HR office

    Employer tuition help

    Under a qualified employer educational assistance program, up to $5,250 a year can be tax-free to you. Ask your employer if they offer one.

    Source: IRS Publication 970

    Use the email-to-HR tool ↓
  • At tax time

    Lifetime Learning Credit

    Eligible students may claim a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 per tax return for qualified education expenses.

    Source: IRS Publication 970

    IRS details ↗
  • Veterans & military

    Veterans Assistance

    Academic advising, financial aid guidance, career counseling, and wellness support for veterans. No academic penalty for deployment.

    Veterans Assistance →
  • Make it manageable

    Payment options

    An approved payment plan can spread your balance over three consecutive months.

    Payment options →

Tax rules can change and eligibility depends on your situation. Talk with a tax professional and Allen’s Financial Aid Office about your options.

Two Tools to Get You Moving

See your finish line. Then ask for help paying for it.

Tool 1 · Your finish line

When could you graduate?

Allen’s adult program is designed so you can finish a four-year degree in three years.

You could finish as early as—

An estimate based on the program’s three-year design. Your timeline depends on transfer credits and how many courses you take. Admissions can map out your exact plan.

Tool 2 · Ask your employer

Request tuition help, in one click.

Many employers offer educational assistance, and up to $5,250 a year can be tax-free to you under a qualified program. Here’s a ready-to-send note to your HR office.

Open email to HR →
Getting Started

Your next chapter, in three steps.

  1. Talk with Admissions

    Ask about start dates, your schedule, and how your past college credits may apply. Call (803) 376-5735.

    Contact Admissions →
  2. Explore financial aid

    Every Allen student is assigned a Financial Aid Counselor. Call (803) 376-5900. Start with the FAFSA, and see ways to pay.

    Applying for financial aid →
  3. Apply online

    Submit your application and take the first step toward your degree.

    Start your application →

Questions to bring to your first call

  • How many of my past credits will transfer?
  • When does the next cohort start?
  • What will my class schedule look like?
  • What will my total cost be after aid?
  • Can I use my employer’s tuition benefit?
  • I’m a veteran. How do my benefits apply?

The degree you’ve been putting off is closer than you think.

Allen’s adult program is designed so you can finish a four-year degree in three years. Let’s get started.