Continuing Education
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen are classes held?Courses are offered in a variety of formats, including weekly meetings in the evening, Saturday classes, sessions one weekend per month, and independent study.Where are classes held?Courses are held in Harrisburg, Hershey, Middletown, and Carlisle. Directions and maps to classroom locations are available by calling (717) 948-6505. All courses for each program are not offered at each location.How much do classes cost?Tuition changes from year to year. Current costs can be found at http://www.tuition.psu.edu. An additional information technology fee is also required, which supports unrestricted student access to University computing facilities, email, World Wide Web, and key information services. This is a non-refundable fee assessed to all students according to the highest number of credits taken in asemester. Students enrolled in at least one course at the Penn State Harrisburg Campus will also be assessed a non-refundable student activity fee. The purpose of this fee is to enhance the overall quality of the college experience from the student's perspective and is assessed according to the highest number of credits taken in a semester.Can I receive financial aid?If you are a degree student taking at least six credits (normally two classes) in a semester you are eligible for financial aid through Penn State. Most aid is available in the form of low interest loans, although Penn State Capital College also offers some grants and scholarships. For more information, please call the Office of Financial Aid at (717) 948-6307. Many employers, as well, offer their employees educational benefits and tuition reimbursement. Check with your employer to see if they will help pay for your courses.Will courses taken at other colleges transfer to Penn State?Many courses will transfer and count toward your credit certificate or Associate Degree. You can only transfer a maximum of two courses, however, for certificate programs.Can I earn credits through examination?Depending on the program, some CLEP, CPS, and ACT-PEP exams will earn you credit at Penn State. Be sure to talk to an advisor prior to taking an exam.Do I have access to advisors?Absolutely. In fact, you are encouraged to talk with one before registering for your first class with Penn State Capital College. Students can call either Susan Kemmerer in Continuing Education at (717) 948-6504 or the Advising Center at (717) 948-6083 to schedule an appointment. All are welcome to talk to us, regardless of whether you take a Penn State course or not.Do I have access to other student services and activities?Yes. As a registered student, you have access to our career services, libraries, athletic facilities, and all other University resources. Your student ID can also give you discounts at a variety of local vendors and organizations.Are there minimum grades for courses in these programs?Yes. You must earn a “C“ in all certificate courses. Depending on the degree program, several core courses will require a “C“ to be earned. Overall, students in a degree program need to maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.If I am starting out as a non-degree student, but want to pursue an Associate Degree, when should I formally apply?We do not recommend that you apply to a degree program with zero credits earned. You should have completed at least nine credits before applying. If you have 18 or more credits from another college, then there is no need to delay your application. It still may be best, however, to talk with an advisor before submitting an application, no matter how many credits you have earned.Where can I find the schedule of classes for each semester?A printed schedule of classes will be sent to you prior to the start of classes. (Please complete the student record sheet in the back so that we have your address). You can also access the schedule online or pick up a copy on campus.How do I register for classes?You may register for classes by phone, fax, or in person. Credit cards are accepted for Continuing Education courses and your tuition can be billed directly to your employer. Before registering for your first class, however, we recommend that you speak with an adviser. Complete registration instructions are included with the course schedule each semester. You can register at any time, although registrations received during or after your first week of classes will be assessed a $10 late fee.Is there an opportunity to take courses by distance education or independent study?Yes, and this opportunity gives you greater freedom to pursue the courses you want on a schedule that is convenient to you. If a course you want or need is not on the schedule, talk to us and we will try to make those arrangements.
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