Adult Students Admissions
Northampton Community College

Why Choose Adult Education at NCC

Returning to school or starting for the first time can feel intimidating, but at Northampton Community College (NCC), you’re not alone. As an adult student, you bring maturity, motivation, and a wealth of professional and personal experiences to your studies, professors, and fellow students. This, in addition to your perseverance and knowing who you are and what you want, gives you a real advantage.

 

Flexible Formats: Learn on YOUR time

At NCC, you can build your education on your terms. Our online, in-person, part-time, full-time, and accelerated learning options make your education work for you, and you don't have to sacrifice quality in the name of flexibility.

 

Get Ahead With PLA Credits

Whether you’re beginning your college journey or returning after some time away, NCC makes the most of your drive, effort, and skills. Our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program allows you to earn credit for your previous experiences. If you attended another college or university, you can even transfer up to 75% of any degree, certificate, or specialized diploma at NCC.

 

Take Your Career to the Next Level

Our shorter-term workforce training programs provide an extensive range of options to further your education, enhance your professional skill set, or retool for a new career. Whichever path you choose, we're here to help you reach your goals.

 

The Application Process for Adult Students

Ready to tap into your potential? Follow our enrollment checklist to apply today!
  • Complete your admissions application.
  • Send us your official high school transcript or copy of your GED, plus any test scores or transcripts from other institutions.
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so we can evaluate your financial aid opportunities.
  • If you are applying for one of our Selective Admissions Programs, make sure to review all the requirements and deadlines. You must submit all application materials by the deadline and complete all prerequisite requirements to be considered.

NCC’s continuing education programs are available to adult learners of all backgrounds. Our resources and admissions team can help you navigate the application and admission process. Send your questions to adminfo@northampton.edu or start your application today!

Apply Online Now

 

Resources for Adult Learners

Across NCC campuses, we support the distinctive needs of adult community college students.


Resources for Adult Learners

Across NCC campuses, we support the distinctive needs of adult community college students.

As one of the most affordable colleges in the region, we strive to make an NCC education attainable for everyone. Explore your options for paying for college, from scholarships to financial aid packages.

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Whether you're just beginning, continuing your studies, or nearing the end of your educational journey, NCC is here to support your financial success. Our interest-free payment plan makes it easier to afford your education, potentially saving you thousands in interest and helping you move forward without the weight of student debt.

Payment Plans

Our Center for Career Development offers students and alumni a wealth of resources and services. With our partners in Counseling and Academic Advising, we help students choose a major, explore careers, navigate the job search process, craft compelling resumes, make professional connections, and more.

Center for Career Development

NCC has on-site childcare centers at both our Bethlehem and Pocono campuses for children ages 6 months to 5 years. As a student, you receive a discounted rate and placement priority for your children.

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All students are assigned an academic advisor to assist them with choosing classes and creating an academic plan. They can also provide resources and student organizations to ensure a rewarding student experience at Northampton.

Meet With an Academic Advisor

If you need help accessing any of the NCC systems, such as Workday, Office 365, Brightspace, or any other technology, our IT Help Desk offers in-person and virtual support.

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Our Learning Centers (and Science Resource Center) offer services like tutoring, writing support, and academic coaching to help with goal setting, time management, study strategies, and anything else you need to feel confident in your studies. Learning Center services are available at the Bethlehem campus, the Pocono campus, and virtually.

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NCC embraces the unique qualities military service members bring to our institution and is proud to be a Veterans Administration (VA)-approved Institution of Higher Learning.

Veterans' Resources

We understand that personal and financial challenges can make staying focused on your academic goals difficult. That’s why our Spartan Cares program offers practical support. For all your needs, from transportation and housing to mental health services, Spartan Cares connects you to vital campus and community resources—because your well-being is essential to your success.

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An Adult-Friendly Learning Environment

Adult students who are working full-time, raising their families, and managing busy schedules discuss how Northampton Community College provides the flexibility and balance to find success both in and out of the classroom.

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Why Go Back to School at NCC?

As an adult student, you have a lot to balance. That means you need an institution that provides the flexibility and support you need to be successful and ensures you achieve tangible career outcomes. Our adult-friendly learning environment can help you succeed whether you are starting college for the first time, started a degree but didn’t finish, or already have a college degree and want to pursue a new direction.

120+

Programs and Majors

40+

Online Programs

16:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Earn College Credits for What You Already Know

NCC recognizes that many students come to us with knowledge and expertise already in hand. Our Prior Learning Assessment program offers college credits if you:


We value what you have learned and, whenever possible, want to award you college credit for that work.

Prior Learning Assessment

 

Attend an Adult Information Session

Join us for an Adult Student Information Session to explore how NCC can help you reach your goals and connect you with tangible career outcomes when you're finished. We cover everything you need to know about the advantages we offer to our adult learners, including flexible learning options, credit for prior experience, resources and support services, financial aid, and more!

Sign Up Today

Workforce Training and Leadership Development

NCC provides affordable, short-term workforce training and leadership development opportunities in high-demand fields like healthcare, corporate and public safety, IT education, computer training, and more! These programs help you gain the credentials and confidence you need to thrive in today’s evolving job market. Whether you're upskilling for advancement or reskilling for a new direction, NCC makes it easier to take that next step. If you want to enroll in one of our non-credit workforce training programs or classes, you do not need to complete an admissions application. Instead, you'll register online directly through our LifeLearn system.

Alumni Spotlight

I started taking classes and doors began opening. I found I was able to understand my life and my world so much better, and that was really empowering to me.

Kim Kindred '22
Psychology

Kim Kindred holding her books

Next Steps

With 120+ high-quality programs at a highly affordable cost, you can build specialized skills to advance in your career path — fast. And with flexible class formats and convenient locations, it's never been easier to join us.