Adult Learner

Welcome to the University System of Georgia’s (USG) Adult Learner website. Congratulations on taking the initial steps in your journey to complete or begin a lifelong pursuit of a college degree. While the task may seem daunting – you will see that it only takes desire and persistence to get on the right track.
Currently, thirteen USG campuses form the Adult Learning Consortium. This Consortium is designed to assist in improving adult learner-focused services, programs and outreach to Georgia adults who are interested in completing college. The Georgia ONmyLINE website provides access to several courses and degree programs that are well suited for adult learners.
Adult Learning Consortium Campuses
- Armstrong Atlantic State University
- Atlanta Metropolitan State College
- Bainbridge State College
- Columbus State University
- Dalton State College
- Fort Valley State University
- Georgia Perimeter College
- Georgia Southwestern State University
- Gordon State College
- Middle Georgia State College
- Southern Polytechnic State University
- University of North Georgia
- Valdosta State University

The Consortium members have pledged to collaboratively develop adult learner-focused programs and share resources to facilitate improved adult college access, completion and success. Together, these campuses are leading an effort to adopt a range of Prior Learning Assessment options to facilitate and accelerate degree attainment of adult learners who have creditable college-level learning acquired through life and work experiences. If you are interested in applying for Prior Learning Assessment, visit the campuses’ individual websites to learn more about
- Qualifications
- Course Credits
- Tuition/Financial Aid
- Participating Programs
Georgia ONmyLINE: Flexibility and Convenience
If you’re an adult considering going back to college or attending college for the first time, online courses and degrees that are available on Georgia ONmyLINE may be the perfect solution for you! Many courses and programs listed on Georgia ONmyLINE are offered by the Adult Learning Consortium institutions in addition to other colleges and universities within the University System of Georgia.
As an adult learner, you undoubtedly have many responsibilities to consider when making choices about your education. Because you won’t have to attend class at a specific time, online college gives you incredible flexibility. While you’re still held to the same high standards as on-campus students, you can study when and where it’s convenient for you, which is a huge draw — especially for adult learners. No matter where you live, as long as you have a reliable Internet connection, you can access your course materials and assignments. This opens up a whole new world of learning experiences and degree options for adult learners.
Consortium campuses offer degree programs that are aligned with strategic workforce needs such as healthcare, law enforcement, general business and others. Explore the Consortium campus websites and use the Georgia ONmyLINE website to determine your best next step.
Your Life is Worth Credit
Use Your Experience to Further Your Education
In today’s world, experience is everything. Whether you are seeking a job or a degree, life and career experiences are invaluable in attaining your goals. Many institutions now recognize that learning occurs everywhere, not just within the walls of a university. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) allows you to use the skills, training and knowledge gained in the workforce to attain a degree. PLA is a helpful option for busy adults who have learned through life experiences and wish to use that knowledge to further their education. PLA is quickly becoming a common method of acquiring college-level credit and offers adult students the opportunity to move toward a degree more quickly.
Several institutions within the University System of Georgia use Prior Learning Assessment to grant credits toward your degree, based upon relevant experience. If you’ve traveled, served in the military, or earned significant experience in the workforce, PLA might be for you.

What You Need to Know
Prior Learning Assessment is a process put in place by some institutions that allows students to acquire credit hours for learning acquired through work, life and practical experiences.
After reviewing and submitting your qualifications and undergoing assessment, your experience may be recognized and used for class credits. Some experiences that may qualify are job training, licensure, seminars, military service, travel, and volunteering. However, each institution differs in what it recognizes and how many credits will be awarded.
Your institution will work with you to assess your experience and award credits toward college-level learning if applicable. Methods of assessment range from written examinations to PLA courses, interviews, training and certificate evaluation, and portfolio review. It is important to check with each individual institution to learn about specific requirements for Prior Learning Assessment. It is also not guaranteed that you will receive credit for your experiences, and this often depends on the number and type of assessment techniques utilized by the institution.
Is This for Me?

Prior Learning Assessment is for adult learners who have gained significant work and life experience that may be equivalent to coursework necessary to attain a degree. PLA is especially useful for professionals and current or former members of the military, who may use updated, relevant knowledge to boost their education. PLA is also helpful for busy adults seeking to lessen the amount of time spent taking classes for a degree. If you are unsure as to whether PLA is right for you, visit the institution’s website to learn more about qualifications and methods of assessment.
Get Credit Toward Your Degree!
Another bonus for our adult learners is the option to determine if you have creditable college-level learning acquired through life and work experiences that could accelerate degree attainment through one of our PLA tools. Many Georgians use PLAs to get the credit they deserve towards their college degree. A college degree — what’s it worth to you? Everything! If you are interested in applying for Prior Learning Assessment, visit the campuses’ individual websites above to learn more about:
- Qualifications
- Course Credits
- Tuition/Financial Aid
- Participating Programs
Adult Learning Consortium Campuses
Currently, thirteen USG campuses form the Adult Learning Consortium. This Consortium is designed to assist in improving adult learner-focused services, programs and outreach to Georgia adults who are interested in completing college. Consortium campuses offer degree programs that are aligned with strategic workforce needs such as healthcare, law enforcement, general business and others. Explore the Consortium campus websites and use the Georgia ONmyLINE website to learn more about online education opportunities offered by the consortium institutions.
- Armstrong Atlantic State University
- Atlanta Metropolitan State College
- Bainbridge State College
- Columbus State University
- Dalton State College
- Fort Valley State University
- Georgia Perimeter College
- Georgia Southwestern State University
- Gordon State College
- Middle Georgia State College
- Southern Polytechnic State University
- University of North Georgia
- Valdosta State University
Life as an Adult Student
Deciding to go to college as an adult can seem overwhelming. There are so many things to consider — family, work, life, and now you just might add “school” to that list. The University System of Georgia campuses are working diligently to make going to or back to college easier for adults. With our newly developed Adult Learning Consortium, thirteen of our campuses are focused squarely on identifying ways to ease your transition back into college life — without sacrificing work and family responsibilities.
Adult Learning Consortium Campuses
- Armstrong Atlantic State University
- Atlanta Metropolitan State College
- Bainbridge State College
- Columbus State University
- Dalton State College
- Fort Valley State University
- Georgia Perimeter College
- Georgia Southwestern State University
- Gordon State College
- Middle Georgia State College
- Southern Polytechnic State University
- University of North Georgia
- Valdosta State University
Are You Ready for Online Learning?
After you begin to explore your options, you will see that your choices include traditional classroom time as well as online learning. There is an assessment on the Georgia ONmyLINE site that you can take to help determine your readiness for distance/online learning.
Georgia ONmyLINE Offers Many Programs and Degrees to Fit the Busy Life of an Adult Learner.
Online courses provide students flexibility to attend courses when and where they choose using a computer with Internet access. Online courses cover the same high-quality material as traditional classrooms; however, information is exchanged using email, discussion boards, chat sessions, and submitting assignment and exams electronically. The Adult Learning Consortium provides a wide variety of programs and degrees offered online – check out the Georgia ONmyLINE website and get ready to take control of your career and your future!
The Flexibility You Need to Help Balance Education, Duty, Family, and Career
The University System of Georgia (USG) thanks all current and former military members for their service to our country. USG institutions provide quality and affordable online education to U.S. Armed Forces and their families to pursue their educational and career goals.
Whether you have earned some college credit and want to complete your degree or you are seeking to advance your career by earning an advanced degree or certificate, Georgia ONmyLINE is your source for online programs offered by accredited colleges and universities within the University System of Georgia as well as admissions requirements, application procedures and costs.
- Search Georgia ONmyLINE by degree, subject or institution for more than 200 online programs and 3000 online courses.
- Complete your first two years of college in a totally online environment. The eCore®™ or electronic core curriculum is offered by designated USG colleges and universities.
- Military personnel, their spouses, and their dependent children stationed in or assigned to Georgia and on active duty may be eligible for in-state tuition rates.
- Members of the Georgia National Guard and the U.S. Military Reserves, who have seen combat, and their offspring, may qualify to receive up to $8,000 each to attend college in the USG. Veterans who qualify for HERO Scholarship are eligible for the mandatory-fee waiver. Learn what other education resources are available for Veterans. You can also call the Veterans Administration toll-free at 888-GIBILL1.
Get started today!
Adult Learning Consortium Campuses
- Armstrong Atlantic State University
- Atlanta Metropolitan State College
- Bainbridge State College
- Columbus State University
- Dalton State College
- Fort Valley State University
- Georgia Perimeter College
- Georgia Southwestern State University
- Gordon State College
- Middle Georgia State College
- Southern Polytechnic State University
- University of North Georgia
- Valdosta State University
