It’s never too late for college

MERRIMACK - As Merrimack’s closest public college, Merrimack High School alumni comprise the third largest high school cohort at Nashua Community College. These are traditional students, enrolling in college immediately after high school. However, the largest group of students at NCC, and at most colleges around the country, are adult learners.

Being an adult learner, also known as a “post-traditional” or “non-traditional” student, is about more than age. While they typically do not enroll in college immediately after high school, adult learners also usually work part or full-time, have military experience, or care for children or other family members.

They’re also looking to balance significant family, life, and work responsibilities with continuing their education.

Admissions staff often hear adult learners worry that they won’t fit in at college, or that they’ve waited too long. “It’s never too late to go back to school,” said Alicia Jean, an enrollment specialist in the NCC admissions office. Jean recalled adult students she’s worked with, many of whom return to college to change careers, “If they have the aspirations, then they can do it; nothing’s holding them back.”

As far as fitting in, the mission of a community college is truly to serve everyone, she said, “Every student is welcome here; be it a first-time student, transfer student, or adult learner. We really embrace the adult learner, and we have people of all age ranges in the classrooms -- and working at the campus.”

Spring 2020 begins Tuesday, Jan. 21. Students can select a class, or enroll in one of the degree or certificate programs that begin in both the spring and fall such as the business programs, early childhood education, general studies health, or psychology.

“General studies health is a big one, those who have any nursing aspirations can begin now in this program,” said Jean, adding that many students in the “spring start” programs are adult learners. “In early childhood education, a good number of them are already in the field, and seeking to complete their education while they work.” Many of the business and psychology students start at NCC, and transfer to a four-year institution. “They start here to get their feet wet and decide what they like, then transfer their credits to complete a four-year degree,” she said.

NCC offers classes during the day, evening, weekend, and online. Hybrid classes are held on campus and online to give students the classroom experience with the flexibility of online learning.

The term length varies to suit different schedules too. The familiar 16-week terms (August to December, and January to May) are a staple during the spring and fall, but accelerated 8-week terms are also offered at the start and mid-way point of each semester. Full summer terms are 12 weeks, or back-to-back 6-week terms. The summer kicks off with a single 2-week “turbo term” for those who want a course done quickly and can commit to a full-time schedule of coursework.

Browse the spring schedule online <<hyperlink http://nashuacc.edu/images/PDF/course-schedule/SP20-SCHEDULE-ONLINE.pdf to “online”>> or contact admissions for more information at 603.578.8908, or nashua@ccsnh.edu.

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