Community Learning Resource Center

We are excited to welcome you to College Unbound’s Community Learning Center CLC). College Unbound is committed to increasing access to higher education for adult learners who have faced obstacles to obtaining or completing their college degree. This online Community Learning Center is designed to provide those who wish to pursue or complete a college degree with the necessary tools, tips, and resources to get started on that path.

We understand that starting college or returning to college as an adult can feel exciting, overwhelming and maybe even a little anxiety producing, especially given the need to juggle work, family, and school. At College Unbound, we seek to demystify the process of getting into college and returning to college. We also want to ensure that those who pursue a college degree are connected to relevant resources to support their success in college, regardless of whether they choose College Unbound as their school of choice or not.

Below you will find a road map for making your dream of obtaining a college possible.

Tap or Click Here - Getting Started: Understanding College & University Types

Take a deep breath. We’ve got you. First, it might be helpful to understand a little bit about colleges in general because there are different types of colleges. In your exploration

, you might find information about colleges and universities that are public versus private and non-profit versus for- profit. You may even be wondering what the difference is between a college and a university or between a two-year college and a four-year college. Here’s a quick guide.

Public and Private Colleges

Public colleges are generally partially funded by the state government and usually offer lower tuition rates than private colleges, especially for students who are residents of the state where a college is located.

Private colleges are not supported through state government funds and depend on tuition, fees, and non-government funding sources.

For-Profit Versus Non-Profit Colleges

For-profit colleges are businesses that are designed to make money from delivering an education to their students. These colleges may offer a variety of degree programs, which often come at a higher cost than non-profit colleges.We encourage students to be cautious when applying to for-profit schools. In addition to being more expensive, credits earned may not transfer to other colleges. Non-profit colleges do not function as businesses attempting to make a profit. Instead, they are providing an education to students with the goal of only breaking even.

Two-year colleges Versus Four-year Colleges

Two-year colleges generally offer associate degrees that can be completed in two years. They also tend to offer a number of certification programs. Two-year colleges can be community colleges, career specialization colleges, or vocational/technical colleges. More specifically, community colleges prepare undergraduates for four-year institutions offering bachelor programs. They also provide career-specific associate degrees and certificates. Community colleges are an affordable option for many people because the cost of tuition is lower.

Four-year institutions are referred to as undergraduate colleges. Four-year colleges specifically offer bachelor's degree programs. These include universities and liberal arts colleges.

What is the difference between a college and a university?

A college is a smaller institution that may offer a variety of academic programs for people seeking undergraduate degrees. Colleges are more often private institutions with a lower student population, which allows for smaller class sizes. A university is a bigger institution that offers undergraduate and graduate-level degrees, and may support substantial research efforts.

What is better, a university or a college?
If you think you learn best in a smaller and more intimate environment with a lower student- faculty ratio and stronger connections to faculty, you may want to consider a college. If you are looking for a range of academic programs, then a university might be a better fit.

Liberal Arts Colleges

These institutions offer numerous courses in liberal arts in areas like literature, history, languages, mathematics, and life sciences. Most of these institutions are private and offer four-year bachelor's degree programs. These colleges prepare students for a variety of careers as well as graduate studies.

Vocational-Technical and Career Colleges

Vocational-technical and career colleges offer specialized training in a particular industry or career. Areas of study might include the culinary arts, firefighting, dental hygiene, medical assisting, and medical-records technology. These colleges usually offer students certificates or associate degree programs.

College Unbound Spotlight 💡- Introducing CU

College Unbound (CU) is an accredited, private, non-profit educational institution focused on adult learners based in Providence, Rhode Island, with additional student cohorts in Philadelphia, PA, Camden, NJ, and Chicago, IL. CU helps adults enter/ re-enter and stay in college, and earn their Bachelor of Arts degree with our unique approach and comprehensive wrap around support services. College Unbound’s academic content and instruction builds on a student’s prior studies, life experiences, and interests to create a student-driven curriculum.

Our students range in age from 19-65 and the majority work and parent full-time. Most CU students qualify for federal financial aid; and like millions of other adults, many of our students have attended multiple colleges, both in-person and online but without earning their degree.

If you are someone who wants to obtain your bachelor’s degree and needs a college that understands that you have to balance a busy professional and personal life, then College Unbound might be the right place for you. Click here for more information about College Unbound

Now that you know a little about the different types of institutions, you can decide what college or university will best meet your needs and help you move you toward your future goals. Using the information about different types of institutions might help you narrow your options.

Selecting a College

Choosing a college should be about what the best fit for you is. You should consider the college's location, academic program including majors offered, cost to attend, etc. To make it easier to find the right college, start by researching your options.. For more help finding the right colleges for you, check out College Search.

Tap or Click Here - Applying to College

In order to successfully apply to college, it is helpful to understand the typical parts of the college application. Some things may vary from one college to another. Most

college application include the following:

Application Forms - Most colleges use an online application form. To complete all the blanks on the application form, you may need to collect documents. There are also websites that will allow you to complete one application online and submit it to several colleges. This is called the Common Application.
Personal Statements/ Essays - College essays are an important part of your application process.College admissions staff want to get to know a little about you. Application essays are a chance for you to give admissions officers a better understanding of who you are, what your strengths might be, and what you care about. Be sure to answer the essay question fully. Essays are usually in response to open-ended prompts, allowing you to demonstrate your writing skills. Remember to proofread your essay carefully before you submit it.

Here are some tips for writing a good essay:

- Open Strong - Write a strong opening paragraph that gets the reader’s attention.
- Demonstrate Writing Ability - Colleges want to know that you have the basic writing skills to be successful in college courses.
- Respond to the Prompt - Admissions staff want to know that you can write a clear answer to a question. Think about the points you want to make, develop an outline, and then write up your essay.
- Stick to Your Style - Write in your natural writing style. Don’t use fancy language that isn’t natural to your style. Just be yourself.
- Proofread - Take time to read through your essay multiple times. Make sure the grammar, punctuation, and spelling are all correct. Once you have a final draft, ask someone else to proofread it just to be sure it is ready for viewing by the admissions staff.
- Keep Track of Length - Pay attention to the recommended essay length or word count. Don’t go above it and don’t short-change the reader.

School Transcripts - You can contact your high school and request that they send a copy of your final transcript to the colleges you hope to attend. This transcript informs the college about the classes you took during high school and your grades including your last year. You should request that an official transcript be sent directly to the college to which you are submitting your application. If you didn’t finish high school and completed a GED instead, you can submit evidence of completion of the GED.
Application Fees - College applications fees vary from institution to institution. In fact, some colleges do not have an application fee, while others may have a significant application fee. Most colleges offer fee waivers to students for whom the fee might be a barrier. Look for information about application fee waivers on the college admissions webpages.
Letters of Recommendation - Most colleges will request letters of recommendation. It is best if your recommender is someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths as a learner. This could be a former teacher, a former guidance counselor and supervisor at work, etc. Your letter of recommendation shouldn’t be written by a family member. You will want to have your recommender submit their letter well in advance of the application deadline. Ask the person writing your recommendation how much time they will need and plan accordingly. It might be helpful to share a summary of your accomplishments or share your resume with your recommender so they can write a comprehensive letter.
Interviews - Some colleges may request an interview. Even if a college does not require an interview, you will likely have an opportunity to speak with admissions representatives during the application process. Check out College Interviews: The Basics to prepare for the interview if one is requested.
Application Checklist:
- Complete college application.
- Save copies of your application and any application materials.
- Pay application fee or submit an application fee waiver.
- Submit application.
- Request your high school transcript to be sent or provide evidence of GED.
- Confirm receipt of application materials by checking your application status online.
- Have test scores forwarded ( SATs, ACTs, etc.).
- Recommendation letters - Touch base with those who will be drafting your letters of recommendation.
- Share links to any portfolios, websites, etc.
- List of leadership and/or community engagement activities.

College Spotlight 💡- Applying to College Unbound

Your journey begins here! If you are an adult learner who is looking for a college intentionally designed to support you as you balance your professional and personal life, then you should be Applying to College Unbound.

Tap or Click Here - Paying for College: Financial Aid Basics

Figuring out how to pay for college can be challenging. The good news is that there are different types of financial aid available that may help to make attending college

not just a dream but a reality. reality. It is important to explore the different kinds of financial aid in order to determine what you might be eligible to receive. Here is some information about the types of financial aid that might be available to students:

Grants: Grants are funds received by students to defray some of the costs associated with attending college. Eligibility for grant dollars and the amount of grant dollars are determined based on need. Grants do not need to be repaid. Your eligibility to receive a grant is determined by the financial resources you report on your financial aid forms.
Loans: Loans are funds that are borrowed and have to be repaid to the lender. Loans are typically repaid with interest. Here are some types of loans:
- Federal Direct Loans - The U.S. Department of Education provides loans that have certain benefits, e.g. fixed interest rates, different repayment options, etc. Federal Direct Loans can be subsidized or unsubsidized. If you have a subsidized loan, the federal government pays any accrued interest during your time in college. If you have an unsubsidized, you will be responsible for any interest on the loan accrued during your time in college.
- Private loans - Banks and other financial institutions also provide loans to assist students with the costs of attending college but tend to have a higher interest rate than federal loans. An application, credit check, and maybe even a cosigner is required.
- Institutional loans - Some colleges offer loans to their students. The interest rate and repayment plans will vary.
- Federal Direct PLUS loans - These loans are often referred to as Parent PLUS Loans and are available to parents who want to obtain a loan to support their child’s education. These loans require an application and credit approval. Repayment of the loan is the sole responsibility of the parent.
Scholarships - Scholarships are awarded for a number of reasons. Merit scholarships are often based on academic achievement, special talents, athletic or artistic abilities, etc. Scholarships don’t need to be repaid. Some scholarships may require that a certain grade point average (GPA) be maintained throughout a student’s time in college. College scholarships can come from your institution or an outside source. Most scholarships require an application.
Work-study: Work-study is a type of federal financial aid that requires you to work to earn money.

Eligibility for most financial aid begins with completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form helps the government to determine the level of financial support you might be able to receive to help defray the cost of attending college. Click on the above link for additional information about the FAFSA.

Sources of Financial Aid:

Federal Government: The federal government provides financial aid for college. Federal financial aid eligibility is based on the information you report on FAFSA.
State Government: Most states offer financial aid to residents who live in and attend college in that state. You may need to fill out a state-based financial aid form in addition to the FAFSA to be eligible for any aid your state offers. If you have questions about state aid forms and eligibility, you can search online or reach out to your financial aid office.
Institutions: Colleges have their own financial aid funds to give students. Some colleges may require the CSS Profile or an institutional aid form to award this aid, while others may only require the FAFSA.
Other sources: Although federal and state governments and institutions are the 3 main sources of financial aid, other sources are available. For example, there are outside scholarships or private loans that can be used to pay for college.

College Unbound Spotlight 💡 - CU Financial Aid Resources

Financial aid at College Unbound draws upon the combined resources of the student, the federal government, scholarships and the College itself. It is important that students apply for financial aid if they have reason to believe that the cost of attendance (COA) might exceed what they can reasonably be expected to contribute for their time at CU. Financial aid is renewable for a portion of or all undergraduate years, assuming eligibility continues. Students must reapply each year for financial aid by filing a new FAFSA.

Your first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), regardless of your financial status. You may file the FAFSA beginning October 1. Your FAFSA information determines your eligibility for a broad range of financial aid. Even if you do not have financial need according to your FAFSA results, many students qualify for some form of financial aid.

Click here for more information about Financial Aid at College Unbound Process. We have a great team of people who can help you figure it all out.

Oftentimes prospective college students, especially those who are adult learners, have acquired knowledge and expertise that could advance their progress toward a

degree by earning credit for prior learning. At most colleges, there are two options - The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the DANTES Subject Standardization Test (DANTES). Exploring mechanisms for gaining college credit might help you to save time and save money.

What is Clep? CLEP provides students with a means to demonstrate their knowledge of a particular subject through an exam. CLEP offers exams in a variety of areas including literature, composition, world languages, history, social sciences, science and mathematics.

What is DANTES DSST? Although the DSST started as an exam for members of the military to earn college credit, it now can be accessed by anyone who wants to earn college credit from learning outside the classroom.There are a range of exams including exams in social sciences, technology, math, science, business, and humanities.
Find out if your school accepts CLEP courses or visit the CLEP website to learn more.

Find out if your school accepts CLEP courses or visit the CLEP website to learn more.

College Unbound Spotlight 💡

At College Unbound students may receive college credit through our Learning in Public (LIP) program, which includes the process of identifying, reflecting on, and crediting learning that takes place outside a college course. LIP creates a path for you to earn college credit for your workplace and life experience.

Many forms of learning traditionally go unseen by colleges. At CU, LIP allows students and faculty to acknowledge, honor, and potentially credit not only classroom lessons, but your life lessons too!

Find out more about CU’s innovative program for valuing the lived experience of our students. On the LIP Resource page, you will find information on how to build a LIP portfolio, structured LIP sprints, examples of LIPs, CU's policies around LIP credit, and guidance for LIP assessors.

As you apply to college, you may come across language that you may not understand. Don’t worry. College admission staff have their own lingo and it can be helpful to have a guide to understanding all of the terms. Click here for a useful resource - Learn the Lingo.