Adult Learners at Lane

Getting Started

You don't need to have every detail figured out. Start by exploring programs and identifying what you'd like to accomplish. When you're ready, Lane's How to Apply & Enroll page walks you through the steps for different types of students. You can also contact Admissions with questions.

Finding Your Path

When you apply to Lane, you'll be asked to select a program of study. But that doesn't mean you have to have your whole future figured out! You can explore different careers and programs, and you may be able to change your program as your goals become clearer.

If you're not sure where to start, Lane's Career Exploration resources can help you explore your interests and possible career paths.

Absolutely! Lane's Admissions team is happy to help you get started and answer questions about the application process. You can call, email, or stop by our office during business hours.

Finding Your Program

Start with what you'd like to accomplish: enter a new field, qualify for a specific job, advance at work, or transfer to a university. Browse Lane's programs or visit our Career Exploration resources to explore your interests and possible career paths. If you need help identifying your options, connect with someone at Lane.

Short Term Programs

Lane offers Career Pathways certificates and other short-term education options, including programs of 45 quarter credits (about a year or three terms) or fewer. Depending on the program, you may be able to build skills for a new job, advance in your current field, or work toward further education. Program length and admission requirements vary.

Online/Part Time Learning

Yes! Lane offers online classes, and students can attend college either full time or part time. Online course options and schedules vary by program, and some programs have specific enrollment requirements or schedules that may limit part-time options.

Explore Lane's online and distance learning options to learn more. If you have a particular program in mind, check its requirements to understand what options are available.

Taking fewer credits may mean it takes longer to complete a certificate or degree. If you plan to use financial aid, check with Lane's Financial Aid office to understand how your enrollment level may affect your eligibility.

Attending College While Working

Many students balance college with work and other responsibilities. The best approach depends on your goals, the number of credits you take, and the schedule of your program. Explore course schedules and ask about options before committing to a particular timeline.

It depends on the credential, the number of classes you take each term, course availability, and any prerequisites. You can explore program requirements in Lane's Catalog and work with your academic advisor to plan a realistic timeline for your goals and schedule.

Costs

Tuition depends on the type of classes you take and your tuition classification. Students may also pay term-based fees, class or program fees, and expenses for books and supplies. Your total cost will depend on the classes you take and your individual circumstances.

View Lane's current Tuition and Fees

Explore Lane's Net Price Calculator and info about Paying for College

Financial Aid

Adult learners may qualify for financial aid depending on their circumstances and program. Eligibility varies by funding source, enrollment level, and other requirements. Start with Lane's financial aid information.

Scholarships

Lane offers scholarships and resources to help students find and apply for funding. Check out Lane’s Scholarships page or visit one of our drop-in scholarship workshops for hands-on support with applications, essays, and questions. 

Possibly! Some employers help pay for classes or training. Depending on your employer's policy, you may pay for classes yourself and get reimbursed later, or your employer may arrange to pay Lane directly.

If your employer pays Lane directly, you'll need to follow Lane's third-party payment authorization process.

Check with your employer to see what education benefits are available and whether your program qualifies.

Support for Parents

Lane offers resources to help student parents balance college and family responsibilities, including on-campus childcare through the Lane Child and Family Center, parenting and pumping spaces, tutoring, and connections to community resources. Childcare availability, costs, and eligibility vary, so contact the Child and Family Center directly to learn more

Other Support

Lane's Daily Living Support page connects students with resources for basic needs and community support. If you're a parent, you can also explore Lane's Resources for Parents page for information about parenting-related resources. Some services require current enrollment or other eligibility, so check the requirements before relying on a resource.

Returning to Lane 

If you're returning after four or more terms away, you will need to reapply. Visit How to Apply & Enroll, Readmission for readmission steps. If you're unsure whether you need to reapply, contact Admissions. 

Previous Credit

In many cases, previously completed Lane courses may still count toward a degree or certificate. However, how credits apply depends on the program's requirements, course applicability, and any applicable time limits. If you're considering returning to Lane, contact Admissions to discuss your previous coursework and learn about your next steps. Learn more about Credit for Prior Learning. 

Get Credit for Previous College 

Possibly. Lane has a process for evaluating previous college coursework for transfer credit. Eligibility requirements apply, and not all courses will transfer or meet requirements for a particular program.

Learn about transferring previous college credit. 

Get Credit for Work, Military Services, or Other Experience

Lane has options for credit for certain types of prior learning, including qualifying exam scores and military educational experience. Other forms of prior learning may be considered under applicable policies and assessment processes. Not all experience qualifies for credit.

Explore Lane's credit for prior learning information. 

If you see a Balance Due hold, 7 Year Account hold, or SOCS Collection hold on your account, it means you have an outstanding balance from a previous time you attended Lane that was not paid in full. To find out how much you owe or get help understanding your account, contact Lane's Bursar/Student Accounts Department.

Learn more about collection accounts.

If you have a different type of hold, contact Admissions for help identifying the appropriate office.