LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. — Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, has been ranked as No. 1 in the "2-Year Colleges for Adult Learners" category of the 2018 Washington Monthly College Rankings. The rankings were released in late August.
Two-year associate degree programs at Fayette include Business Administration; Electrical Engineering Technology; Human Development and Family Studies; Letters, Arts and Sciences; and Physical Therapist Assistant.
Ranking Methodology
According to Washington Monthly, the rankings are based on data from two federal government sources, as well as the College Board’s Annual Survey of Colleges. Assessments are made by seven metrics of “colleges’ openness and responsiveness to adult students and of how well those students fare once they leave.”
Among the considerations were each school’s flexible course schedules, adult-learner support programs, and the ability to transfer or apply previous coursework. With 19 percent of the student body over the age of 25 (as of August 2018), Penn State Fayette received the maximum scores in each category. Fayette students earn a mean income of $52,441 at ten years after college entry, among the highest of the schools surveyed.
A myriad of resources for adults
Penn State Fayette offers a full spectrum of academic advising and career services tailored to meet the unique needs of adult learners, including veterans. Students may enroll full- or part-time and apply existing credits. The 2+2 Plan allows students to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree at Fayette before transferring to another Penn State campus for degree completion.
Additional resources include a designated Center for Adult Learners, Veterans and Transfers, located on the first floor of the Eberly Building. Here, students have access to two computers, a printer, a microwave, a mini-fridge, and a lounge for studying and socializing.
“We’re pleased with this distinction,” said Charles Patrick, chancellor and chief academic officer. “As the only higher education institution granting four-year degrees in Fayette County, we’re proud to offer unique resources and opportunities to adult learners in our community.”
The complete list of rankings for 2018 may be found here. For more information on adult-learner resources and two-year degree programs, visit fayette.psu.edu or call 724-430-4130.