If you started college but left without earning a degree, take comfort that you are hardly alone. Nearly 40 million Americans fall into the “some college, no credential” (SCNC) category.
A surprising number of SCNCs eventually return to undergraduate study. US Department of Education data indicates that adult learners (students age 25 and over) comprise 40 percent of the nation’s 2.9 million part-time bachelor’s degree candidates, and nearly three-quarters of surveyed returning adult students complete a postsecondary credential. You could be one of them.
The University of Tennessee offers a program to help you do just that. Its Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Programs (BAIP) bachelor’s completion program is open to candidates with an associate degree or at least 60 undergraduate credits. You can complete the program entirely online from wherever you live. All you need is internet access and a desire to earn your degree.
The first step to earning your degree is to apply. It’s probably been a while since you applied to an academic program; you may want guidance on how to begin. Here’s more good news: you don’t have to manage the process alone. An enrollment advisor (EA) can help.
What is an Enrollment Advisor?
An enrollment advisor helps students successfully enroll in and transition to a university program. They work one-on-one with students to identify a student’s needs. They can answer candidates’ questions about admissions requirements, program details, financial aid, and enrollment. They can also guide you on how to put your best foot forward as you complete your application.
Explore the Benefits of One-on-One Application Support
Applying to an academic program can be stressful. You want to make sure to get every part of your application right. How can you be certain?
Working with an EA offers you direct support throughout the application and enrollment process. EAs can answer your questions and even provide step-by-step guidance as you apply. An EA’s assistance delivers several benefits. We discuss a few below.
Individualized Guidance
You may be wondering about the academic options at a program you’re considering. Perhaps you have questions about the admissions process or financial aid availability. Maybe you’re trying to figure out how to fit a degree program into your schedule.
Regardless of your questions, an EA can offer one-on-one guidance that focuses on your needs and goals. They can review your academic history to determine whether you qualify for the program, advise you on strengthening your application, and help you choose between the two areas of emphasis (Public Policy & Administration and Cultures & Societies) the UT BAIP program offers. In short, your EA can help you clear the hurdles between you and admission to the UT BAIP program.
Comprehensive Application Support
The UT BAIP application requires:
- An associate’s degree OR 60 undergraduate credit hours from an accredited university
- Official academic transcripts
Military veterans qualify with an associate’s degree or 45 credit hours.
If you lack an associate’s degree, your coursework must pass review to determine whether it meets UT BAIP prerequisite coursework requirements. An EA can help with that. They can look over your transcripts to ascertain your program eligibility and advise you on how to address problem areas.
Time Management Assistance
EAs can help you establish an application timeline that starts the process early enough to finish well before the deadline. Once accepted to the program, you can work with your EA to prepare for your first semester.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Expertise
Cost can be a barrier to pursuing your college degree. Fortunately, financial aid and scholarship options can help relieve the financial burden. UT students qualify for federal financial aid, merit-based scholarships, and other financial aid options. An EA can direct you to the various available financial assistance resources.
Take the Next Step: Schedule an Application Walkthrough
Applying to school can be a lonely process, but it doesn’t have to be. An enrollment advisor can provide information, advice, and support to shepherd you through your application and enrollment.
Going back to college is a big but worthwhile step; earning your bachelor’s degree can make a huge difference. A college degree opens career opportunities that would not otherwise be available to you. The Pew Research Center reports a growing earnings gap between workers with and without a college degree.
Online study can make the process easier, adding convenience and scheduling flexibility to the mix. You can complete your bachelor’s degree online at the University of Tennessee without ever visiting campus; the program is delivered 100 percent online. Once you graduate, you’ll join an alumni network of over 250,000 Volunteers in all 50 states and over 100 countries.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards completing your degree, contact an enrollment advisor to schedule an application walkthrough.