Adult Learners at JCC
Why Choose Jefferson?
Jefferson Community College provides a welcoming and supportive learning environment for adult students. Our services and programs will help you successfully reach your educational, personal, and professional goals.
If you’re older than 25, a parent, currently working full-time, trying to complete a degree, or a veteran of military service, we consider you an adult learner. But don’t worry—you are not alone! At Jefferson:
- More than 31% of our students are over the age of 25
- 32% have dependent children at home
- 45% are taking classes on campus part-time
Many adult learners started college and were unable to finish, while others never attended at all. Some need to change careers or take courses to advance professionally. Whatever your reason for attending college, Jefferson is prepared to help you succeed! At Jefferson, you’ll enjoy small class sizes and individual attention from professors who know you by name.
Degree Programs and Workshops
Our certificate and career degree programs will prepare you to enter the workforce within 1–2 years, while our non-credit workshops can help you grow personally and professionally. Our transfer degrees are designed for easy transfer to a four-year, baccalaureate-degree-granting institution. Several degrees can be completed by taking the majority of your courses during the evening (5:00 p.m. or later) and supplementing them with online courses. You can even earn six of our degrees completely online, from the convenience of your own home.
Jefferson helps you balance college, work and family by offering courses:
- Online or through Distance Learning
- On campus—daytime and evening
- On Fort Drum
- In traditional 15-week spring and fall semesters
- In 8-week blocks each fall, spring and summer
- In abbreviated summer and winter intersessions
Plus, depending upon your program of study, you can continue with your bachelor’s degree right here in Watertown. Jefferson is a partner in education with numerous four-year colleges, including SUNY Potsdam, Paul Smith’s College, SUNY IT, Keuka College, Empire State College, and Franklin University. Certain bachelor’s degrees from these colleges can be earned on JCC’s campus or online.
Applying to Jefferson
When you’re ready, complete the online application or download our free application (PDF) and send it to the Admissions Office.
Don’t have your high school diploma? You will be considered for admission based on your ability to benefit from college-level work. You can also complete Jefferson’s 24 credit-hour program and apply for a general equivalency diploma (GED).
If you have questions about applying, feel free to contact our Admissions Office. To schedule a campus tour or for more information about Jefferson, call, email, or visit the Welcome Center.
Services for Success
Do I need refresher work to help me ease into College? How will I manage my time? How many credits should I take? These are common questions for adults returning to school. We are here to help! Support services include:
- Academic planning, advisement, and transfer and personal counseling services in the Advising, Career, and Counseling Center
- Career assessment and planning, job placement, resume writing workshops, and interview skills workshops at the Advising, Career, and Counseling Center
- Study skill assistance, free peer and professional tutoring, and disabilities services through the Learning & Success Center
- Strategies to Achieve Results (STAR) services for eligible students, including those who are the first in their family to attend college (“first generation”) or who meet certain academic and income guidelines
- Refresher courses in English, reading, and arithmetic through Continuing Education’s practical learning series
- Licensed on-campus childcare for children ages 18 months to 5 years during the fall and spring semesters
- Clubs and events geared specifically for adult learners! Network with your peers in the NUTS (Not Ur Traditional Students) Club, find support in the FRIENDS club for military family members, or join other veterans in the Servicemembers Lounge