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Georgian Court University Named Among Top Undergraduate Programs for Adult Learners

Happy student smiling at her mom

National Guide Highlights Excellent Learning Opportunities for Adult Learners, Degree Completion

Georgian Court University, which is committed to the education of adult learners and the returning student population, has been recognized by Abound: Finish College as one of the nation’s Top Adult Undergrad Degree programs.

Abound: Finish College, a college guidance system for undergraduate degree-seeking adults, recognized Georgian Court University for addressing the issues that matter most to adult learners and degree-completion students: affordable options for attending college, access to professors, campus professionals, support services, and ways to accelerate their path to graduation.

Focusing on adult learners and their needs is important at Georgian Court. In 2016, the university launched GCU@Hazlet, which works closely with adults who want to complete their bachelor’s degree in programs like psychology, business, English, interdisciplinary studies, and other subjects.

In addition, GCU@Cumberland—located on the campus of Cumberland County College—has attracted dozens of adult students who want to earn a B.S.W. and become social workers. In 2018, GCU will expand its specialized, online degree programs in criminal justice and business to adult learners who already have college credits.

The university also has plans to establish degree-completion programs in Hunterdon County, where GCU is working with developers of the new Flemington Courthouse Square project.

Focusing on Adult Learners, Degree Completion

A woman smiling in front of a GCU banner
“Being a nontraditional student has its advantages. We’re hungry, driven, and very disciplined.” —Tiffany Thomas ’17

“We’re thrilled to award Georgian Court University for their commitment to adult students,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Abound: Finish College. “Georgian Court is a proven leader in advising students from start to finish. GCU demonstrates expertise and a strong willingness to further educate the 34 million Americans who do not have an undergrad degree.”

“Being a nontraditional student has its advantages. We’re hungry, driven, and very disciplined. I set the bar high for my children,” said GCU’s Tiffany Thomas, who graduated with a degree in social work in 2017. “I was able to accomplish great things at Georgian Court. I was a Dean’s Scholar with a 3.95 grade point average. I was named into the National Social Work Honor Society, Phi Alpha, and inducted into the National EOF Honor Society, Chi Alpha Epsilon.”

Nationally, more than 7.5 million adults over the age of 24 are pursuing some form of postsecondary education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Increasingly, adult learners are going back to school for degree-completion programs that will help them get ahead in their careers. Across the United States, experts predict a 21.7 percent growth in nontraditional students through 2022. That’s more than double the projected enrollment growth rate for students right out of high school.

GCU—All About Accessibility, Affordability, and Acceleration

Abound: Finish College’s Top Adult Undergrad Degree programs must meet criteria for accessibility, affordability, and acceleration. Each school is analyzed for its transfer-credit assessment data, career services it offers, accessibility of campus resources, breadth of engaged learning opportunities, and more. Institutions are invited to the guidance system network only after interviewing with the Abound team and distinguishing their dedication to their students.

“Abound is different than the annual statistical rankings of colleges and universities. We go beyond surface numbers in order to hand-pick institutions that offer adult and returning students a truly valuable experience,” said Mr. Schritter.

“As with Georgian Court University, we recognize schools that provide the experience and success every student deserves,” he said.

View Georgian Court University’s profile at Abound: Finish College. Adult learners interested in completing their degree with GCU can also contact the undergraduate admissions office at 732-987-2700 or e-mail admissions@georgian.edu.

About Abound: Finish College

Abound: Finish College focuses on colleges and universities that offer regionally accredited undergraduate degrees for adult and returning students. Abound: Finish College helps students find the best place to earn an undergraduate degree, graduate degree, nursing degree, or MBA. It works with colleges that are recognized for program excellence and offer courses on campus, online, or both.

Aerial view of GCU.

About Georgian Court University

Georgian Court University is a leading regional university that provides a transformative education, preparing students for ethical leadership and service in the Catholic Mercy tradition. Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University is Central and South Jersey’s only Catholic university. The university has a strong liberal arts core and a historic special concern for women.

As a forward-thinking university that supports diversity and academic excellence, GCU is known for expanding possibility for more than 1,900 students of all faiths and backgrounds in 35+ undergraduate majors and 10+ graduate programs. The GCU Lions compete in 16 NCAA Division II sports in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC). In 2020, GCU was named a Best Value College by Money.com and a Best Bang for the Buck (Northeast) by Washington Monthly. High student retention and graduation rates make GCU a Top Performer on Social Mobility on U.S. News & World Reports rankings.

The main campus is in Lakewood, New Jersey, on the picturesque former George Jay Gould estate, a National Historic Landmark. Georgian Court, which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, also serves students through its Center for Professional Studies, and at other locations, including GCU at Brookdale, and through multiple online degree and certificate programs.

Deposit Deadline Extended to June 1

Georgian Court University has extended the deposit deadline to June 1 in response to the U.S. Department of Education announcement concerning delayed data availability from the revised Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, deposits are also refundable up to June 1. Click here for more information about the deposit extension.