Adult Learning

We get it. We know the challenges adults face when going to school. From working parents to military veterans, returning students, transfer students, and first-time students, we’ve seen it all. We have over 50 years of experience serving adult students, and that experience matters. Your experience does, too. Adults contribute to our classrooms and enrich our community. We want you here. You don’t make the decision to invest your time and money lightly, so we make affordability, flexibility, and accessibility a priority. You have the drive to reach higher, and we have the resources and services to help you succeed.

As an adult student looking to enroll at the College, know that we offer flexible and convenient programs to fit your busy schedule. Microcredentials offer a fast track to specific, in-demand skills. You can earn a valuable career credential upon completion, and courses can also be applied to an existing degree or certificate program if you want to continue on. Fifteen of our degrees and certificates can be completed fully online with many others offered half or more online. In-person alternatives in the afternoon and evening are available, too.

Interested in non-credit options? We also offer professional development and workforce training opportunities through our BIZ department. With over 40 degree programs and a growing list of certificates and microcredentials, you’re sure to find a fit with us. It all starts with a conversation.

Learning online doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality for convenience while you earn your degree. All of our online degree programs and courses are fully accredited the same as our traditional classroom courses and programs.

Also, many of the classes required to complete other degree programs are offered online, allowing students to tailor their schedule to their specific needs.

You can access your Tompkins Cortland online course using any Internet connection, anytime, anywhere.

Degrees Offered Fully Online

These degree programs can be completed fully online: 

• Accounting, A.A.S.
• Business Administration, A.A.S
• Computer Information Systems, A.A.S.
• Computer Support Specialist, A.A.S.
• Creative Writing/Screenwriting, A.A.
• Criminal Justice, A.A.S., A.S.
• Hotel and Restaurant Management, A.A.S.
• Paralegal, A.A.S.

Certificates Offered Fully Online

These certificates can be completed fully online: 

• Accounting
• Business Management
• Chemical Dependency Counseling
• Criminal Justice
• General Studies
• Paralegal Studies

Visit online learning or use the Course Search to search for online courses by semester and discipline.

Enrollment

First steps (in the following order)

• Apply online.
• Have your official transcript(s) sent. Include high school and any colleges you have attended in the past. Electronic transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to transcripts@tompkinscortland.edu. 

Next steps (order is flexible)

• Complete your immunization requirements.
• Apply for Financial Aid.
• After you’re accepted, take placement tests (if needed).
• Attend new student orientation, where you’ll get registered for classes.
• Get your certificate of residence and pay your tuition bill.
• Get your student ID and purchase books.

Final step

• Attend Welcome Week events (extended Orientation) and go to class!

Childcare

As a resource for our students, faculty, staff and members of the community, the College operates the Arthur Kuckes Childcare Center at the main campus in Dryden. The Center provides care from six weeks through pre-kindergarten.

For more information or to schedule a visit contact Casey Goodwin, the center director, at 607.844.8222, Ext. 4477.

Other Local Options

The Cortland Area Child Care Council offers information about other childcare options in Cortland County.

The Child Development Council offers childcare information for residents of Tompkins County.