Frequently Asked Questions
- I work full time during the day and have family obligations. Is there any way I can complete my Bachelor's degree in a realistic timeframe?
- How long will it take me to finish my degree?
- When can I start the program?
- How much will the program cost me?
- Will hours I earned at another university count toward my degree at Lipscomb?
- How many Bible classes to I have to take?
- I haven’t taken the ACT or SAT. Do I have to take one of these tests?
- Are adult students eligible to receive financial aid?
- Are there any scholarships for working professionals, single parents, or transfer students?
- Do I have to send transcripts from every school I have attended?
- How do I request my military transcripts?
- Does Lipscomb accept military credit?
- How can I quickly complete my degree?
- I don't know where to begin the process of returning to college. What's my first step?
- How do I know which courses to take?
- What are the application deadlines for the 2012-2013 academic year?
- How can I apply?
I work full time during the day and have family obligations. Is there any way I can complete my Bachelor's degree in a realistic timeframe?
Yes, all of our classes are offered in a format that will allow you to take a full course load while working full-time and fulfilling your family obligations. Most Adult Degree Program (ADP) courses meet once per week in an eight-week period. Class meetings are primarily on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 5:30-9:30 p.m. Selected classes meet in other formats, such as Friday/Saturday weekend meetings, only Friday evenings, only Saturday mornings, or online. Selected courses are also taught in a non-accelerated, fifteen-week schedule (regular semester). These formats are noted in published schedules.
Meeting once per week provides you with the opportunity to have a full week in between class meetings in order to complete homework. Of course, if your schedule permits, you also may register for a limited number of day classes. The Adult Degree Program schedule provides courses through Maymester and the Summer to allow students to continue year-round progress toward a bachelor’s degree.
How long will it take me to finish my degree?
The length of time it takes for you to complete your degree depends on how many hours you transfer to Lipscomb and how many hours you take each term. Typically, students can complete 24-30 hours per year by taking a full schedule of accelerated courses (eight-week evening courses). You decide on your schedule and you take only the courses you need to complete your degree.
When can I start the program?
You are welcome to start the program during any of our terms. We have classes starting in January, March, May, June, July, August, October and December.
How much will the program cost me?
For ADP students at Lipscomb, undergraduate tuition for the academic year 2012-2013 is $499.00 per semester hour (this is an approximately 30% reduction in tuition for ADP students only). Most courses are three credit hours. A monthly payment plan can be arranged for you, or you may choose to charge your tuition.
Will hours I earned at another university count toward my degree at Lipscomb?
Yes, a transcript evaluation will be conducted once you are admitted. Courses containing grades “C” or higher are typically accepted for credit. Lipscomb University accepts up to 63 transfer hours from a community college or up to 94 hours from a four-year institution.
How many Bible classes to I have to take?
Because Lipscomb is a faith-based institution, all students take Bible classes as a part of their degree. The number of Bible classes you take is contingent on the number of hours you take at Lipscomb.
I haven’t taken the ACT or SAT. Do I have to take one of these tests?
No, if you have not taken the ACT or SAT you will take English and Math placement tests. These will determine which course section you will begin.
Are adult students eligible to receive financial aid?
For first-time, degree-seeking students, you may apply for the same government-backed loan programs that are available to traditional-age students. To qualify for a loan, a student must carry at least six hours over the course of the semester. To qualify for a merit or need-based scholarship, a student must carry nine hours. To qualify for a full Pell grant, a student must carry 12 hours, which is achieved in the Adult Degree Program. Both accelerated terms in fall and spring semesters count together for financial aid programs.
Are there any scholarships for working professionals, single parents, or transfer students?
Yes, all students who are a part of the Adult Degree Program may be eligible for an academic scholarship. If a student is transferring into the Adult Degree Program with at least 24 hours of college credit and has at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, they may be awarded on the following scale.
- 3.00 – 3.39 $1500 per year (½ Fall and ½ Spring)
- 3.40 – 3.69 $2000 per year (½ Fall and ½ Spring)
- 3.70 – 4.00 $2500 per year (½ Fall and ½ Spring)
Do I have to send transcripts from every school I have attended?
Yes, we are required to have transcripts on file from every institution you have attended since you were in high school. (This includes any military transcripts.)
How do I request my military transcripts?
For information on how to request a military transcript, click here.
Does Lipscomb accept military credit?
Yes. Depending on what type of credit you've earned, Lipscomb does recognize some military credit as college-level coursework.
How can I quickly complete my degree?
Earning a bachelor’s degree is a significant investment in your future, and we want to make sure you get the most out of your time at Lipscomb. We suggest that you meet with one of the advisors in the Adult Degree Program to talk about your goals and plot the best path for earning your degree. Click HERE to schedule an appointment.
I don't know where to begin the process of returning to college. What's my first step?
Call or come visit us! We can set up a meeting to talk about your educational and career goals, schedule and finances.
How do I know which courses to take?
Advisors are on staff who specialize in working with adult students. They will help you talk through your educational goals and work with you to develop a plan of action. This will include guiding you on which courses to take. The advisors are on staff full-time to assist you during your entire time as a student. You will meet with them at least once a semester.
What are the application deadlines for the 2012-2013 academic year?
August 13 – for Fall Term I (August 20)
October 8 – for Fall Term II (October 15)
December 7 – for Spring Term I (January 7)
February 18 – for Spring Term II (March 4)
How can I apply?
For information on how you can apply, click here!


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