• Where do I start?
• Will I be the oldest student in class?
• Do I really need a college degree?
• What degrees to do you offer?
• I am a single parent. Can I get assistance to go to school?
• Will I do well in college even through I didn't do well in school before?
• I have been out in the work force for several years. Will I fit in?
• What if I have forgotten how to take notes, take tests, and how to study?
• Are there any activities on campus for non-traditional students?
• I attended college several years ago. Can I still use my credits?
• How do I know that I will be able to manage a family and college classes?

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I start?

Contact our Admissions office for more information or the Office of Adult and Returning Students These offices are located in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center.

Will I be the oldest student in class?

Nontraditional students make up almost half of the student body at UA Fort Smith. Ages range from early twenties to the seventies.

Do I really need a college degree?

Most high paying jobs require some education beyond high school or GED. UA Fort Smith offers technical certificates and two-year associate degrees as well as bachelor degrees. As important as earning potential is, trained and educated people have a better chance of getting a job they really want, not what they have to accept.

What degrees to do you offer?

New degrees are offered as the University grows. UA Fort Smith provides certificates of proficiency, technical certificates, associate of arts degrees, associate of general studies, associate of applied science degrees, and bachelor's degrees as well as work-based learning and community education. All courses and programs are designed to meet specific needs of the community.

I am a single parent. Can I get assistance to go to school?

There is a variety of financial aids including some scholarships for single parents. Funding is based on need and some other qualifications. OARS (Organization of Adult and Returning Students) serves partly as a support group for adult students, including SPIN (Single Parents Information and Networking) which is a division of OARS.

Will I do well in college even through I didn't do well in school before?

Success in college is largely a matter of maturity, motivation, and work habits; therefore, many returning students do better than they did in secondary school. The university offers a course, Foundations of Learning, which addresses the skills needed to succeed in college.

I have been out in the work force for several years. Will I fit in?

Nearly half of our students are adults who have been working and many continue their employment as they return to school. Experience in the “real world” often helps in college.

What if I have forgotten how to take notes, take tests, and how to study?

The University offers a course, Foundations of Learning, which addresses those issues. In addition, there is the Gordon Kelley Learning Assistance Center, with staff ready to help students, and tutorial services are available.

Are there any activities on campus for non-traditional students?

Students of all ages are welcome at all campus activities and the Organization of Adult and Returning Students (OARS) offers special programs and social get-togethers for members and prospective members.

I attended college several years ago. Can I still use my credits?

Usually credits can still be used. Credits that are specific to one major area might not count toward a degree in a different area. Credit hours can sometimes be used as elective hours.

How do I know that I will be able to manage a family and college classes?

Returning to school while maintaining family relationships, and often while working too, is a challenge. Organization, motivation, and cooperation are keys to success.