Adult Learners

The Rhode Island Association of Admission Officers strives to support adult learners in the State who have a desire to start or continue their education while balancing the many work and family obligations in their lives.

Below are specific programs in Rhode Island that are designed with the unique needs of the adult learner in mind.

STATEWIDE SERVICES

Rhode Island Reconnect: https://rireconnect.org/ 

We want to help Adult Learners pick up where they stopped. Whether that means changing careers, learning a new trade, or getting on the path to a degree or certificate, we’re here to help - for free.

DEGREE COMPLETION

Community College of Rhode Island

COVID Recovery Finish Scholarship: https://www.ccri.edu/covid_recovery/ 

This scholarship supports returning adult learners to complete their degrees – for free!

Rhode Island College

Bachelor of Professional Studies: https://www.ric.edu/department-directory/office-professional-studies-and-continuing-education/bachelor-professional-studies 

The BPS is the college’s first fully online adult degree completion program.

University of Rhode Island

Finish What You Started: https://web.uri.edu/admission/fwys/

URI’s Finish What You Started program offers creative pathways for all students, but especially adults looking to return to college after a break in their education.


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Brown University

School of Professional Studies: https://professional.brown.edu/ 

Brown’s professional education programs are designed to break down silos and integrate a diversity of perspectives to bring new ideas forward.

Bryant University

Executive Development Center: https://edc.bryant.edu/ 

We provide innovative professional certificate educational programs that address today’s changing landscapes impacting both business and society. Our cutting-edge programs are designed to help individuals and organizations gain knowledge within specific competencies to advance individual careers and build a more capable, engaged workforce.

Johnson & Wales University

College of Professional Studies: https://www.jwu.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-online-education.html 

The college serves adult learners who are pursuing their education and seeking a career change or advancement, or perhaps working full-time and supporting a family, a home, and other obligations.

New England Institute of Technology

Degrees Programs for Adults and Working Professionals: https://www.neit.edu/the-neit-edge/degree-pathways/for-working-professionals 

New England Tech has been a pioneer in professionally-focused, industry-based education designed for working professionals and adult learners who may have weekday responsibilities.

Providence College

School of Continuing Education: https://continuing-education.providence.edu/ 

Affordable degrees, certificates, and courses for adults. Here, you’ll find a wide range of affordable programs that build skills, advance careers, and enrich lives. 

Roger Williams University

University College: https://www.rwu.edu/uc 

Our goal is to meet students where they are and help build a path to their success. Whatever age, whatever demands and challenges you face, whatever education and career paths you have or haven't taken, we will work with you to break barriers and find opportunity. 

Rhode Island College

Office of Professional Studies and Continuing Education: https://www.ric.edu/department-directory/office-professional-studies-and-continuing-education

Rhode Island College supports a variety of professional development, workforce development, continuing education, and adult education and community programs and initiatives that serve the interests and needs of working professionals, adult students, community members and those seeking to attain training and skills to enter or reenter the workforce.

Rhode Island School of Design

RISD Continuing Education: https://ce.risd.edu/adult-programs/ 

A wide variety of creative experiences await adult students at RISD Continuing Education.

Salve Regina University

Graduate and Professional Studieshttps://salve.edu/graduate-and-professional-studies

 Graduate and professional studies programs at Salve Regina transform motivated individuals of all career stages into bold thinkers and doers, positioning them to meet the ever-changing demands of today’s marketplace. With classes available in the evening or online, our programs are highly accessible and can be tailored to meet individual needs based on educational, personal and professional goals.

University of Rhode Island

School of Professional and Continuing Studies: https://web.uri.edu/ceps/about/school-of-professional-and-continuing-studies/ 

The School of Professional and Continuing Studies provides adult and non-traditional students with an outstanding education in a convenient, adult-focused environment.