Academics > Continuing Education and Academic Outreach > Adults Belong in College > FAQs
FAQs
- What should I do first? The first step is to contact the Adults Belong in College office. We offer free adults-only back to school information sessions each semester, or you can talk with us individually.
- How will I pay for college? Approximately 70 percent of Murray State students receive financial assistance. Financial aid is a combination of non-repayable grants, low interest loans, and optional part-time employment available to full-time and part-time students. In addition, several MSU scholarships are earmarked for adult students, and many employers will pay for courses that improve your job skills.
- What if I have forgotten how to do math and write papers? Most beginning adult students have to take refresher math courses, and many also need to take a refresher English course. These courses can be a part of your first semester. We also offer courses to improve your reading and study skills and free tutoring in many courses.
- I’m afraid I won’t fit in. Usually, you will be in a class with one or two other adult students. It is normal to feel uncomfortable at first, but this feeling soon wears off. Also, professors enjoy having adult students in class because they are motivated, interested, hard-working and serious. What instructor wouldn’t want students like this?
- I am too old. Almost one-fourth of the undergraduates at Murray State are older than 23, and nation-wide, half of all college students are adults. We have helped several students age 45 and older start and complete college degrees.
- I started college but didn’t finish, and now I’m busy with work and family. The Bachelor of Integrated Studies program is a flexible degree designed especially for adults who already have 60 college credits and can’t come to campus.
- I don’t know what career I want. This is not unusual. Counselors and advisors can help you find a career that suits you. You can start school and decide on a career while you are taking required courses.
- What programs are available at Murray State? MSU offers more than 100 different academic programs from which to choose.
- Can I take classes at night? Yes, many of the required classes are offered at night and online. Also, one degree program, the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, is available at night. If you have at least 60 credits, you may be eligible for the online business administration or telecommunications systems degrees.