I've heard that Salem College has an excellent Continuing Studies Program. A friend of mine was accepted by Salem even though grades were not her top priority when she went to college the first time. I was surprised to learn of her acceptance but pleased that Salem would consider her. Now I'm hoping Salem will accept me. What do I need to do to have Salem consider me?

Salem considers applicants based on all the information which they send. The application form includes a list of what you need to submit. Salem is more interested in the person that you've become than in who you were. Therefore, we look at your commitment to your goal, your interest in learning, and your desire to expand your horizons.
The interview is an important part of the application process. We often spend at least an hour together, talking about your goals and interests, your dreams and-yes-your fears as well. We know that it can be scary to return to school, especially when you have other life responsibilities as well.

Tell me about the Continuing Studies Program? Is it part of the whole Salem Degree Program? If so, why is it a separate program? And, who is eligible to apply?

The Continuing Studies Program is that part of Salem which assists, admits and advises adults who are interested in taking individual courses or pursuing a degree plan at Salem; therefore, when adult applicants are accepted, they become Salem College students. Those who enter Salem through the Continuing Studies Program must be at least twenty-three (23) years of age. There is no upper limit. In fact, in the last few years we have graduated more than one 70-year-old. One of our recent 70-year-olds is now in graduate school.

I've never been to college, I work full time, and I am the single parent of three children. Will Salem consider my application?

Yes. While some of our adult students have been to several other colleges, others have never been to college before entering Salem.

Salem is my first choice. I know there are other schools with Continuing Studies programs (I've checked them out), but I have heard such good things about Salem's commitment to its students. How long do I have to wait to hear if I am accepted?

As soon as we have received your application, fee, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statement, we set up an admission interview. Usually within a week to two weeks following the interview, we notify you by letter. In a few instances when all the application materials have been evaluated, an applicant has received confirmation of acceptance immediately after the interview. Since Salem does not require test scores for returning adult students, you do not have to wait for tests to be taken or scores to be returned.

If I have attended another college, will Salem accept my course credits?

Salem will accept course credits from accredited colleges or universities. Your transcripts will be evaluated and a transfer sheet will be prepared indicating which courses will be accepted. Some adults even enter Salem needing only nine courses in order to complete their degree.

Who will be my classmates if I am accepted into Salem College?

They will be students of all ages, backgrounds, races, and religions. Salem is a diverse community of individuals from many cultures. Students range in age from eighteen to eighty.

Salem College is a mixed age campus, but age is only one way to define diversity. Some of our adult students originally come from other nations; they now live in the Triad. Others who have grown up in various parts of the United States but more recently settled in the Triad choose Salem College as the school where they wish to complete their degree or even, perhaps, take a second bachelor's degree.

Adult students are drawn to Salem from various counties including Surry, Wilkes, Yadkin or Rowan and from towns and cities beyond Winston-Salem such as Salisbury or Greensboro, Statesville or Elkin. They come from various socio-economic environments and from work places where one may be the mother, another the mentor, one the manager, another the mechanic, one on the day shift, another on the night, one in the front office, another in the executive suite. Still others commute from as far away as South Carolina or Virginia to attend Salem College. Salem is the school of their choice because it is nationally recognized for its excellence as an institution of higher education.

What is the size of a class at Salem? How would I register for one?

The ratio of students to faculty is 13:1, that is, thirteen students to one professor. While some classes may have more than thirteen students, others will have fewer. Consequently, at Salem your professors get to know you.

How do I find out about financial aid?

Salem College has a financial aid office which makes the financial aid award once you have completed the appropriate forms. Those forms can be picked up at the Continuing Studies office or will be mailed to you with your application packet.

When are classes offered? Who can attend which classes? What majors are available in the evening or in the day?

Come to Salem day or evening. If you enroll as an evening student, you may still take courses during the day and vice versa: if you enroll as a day student, you may take classes during the evening.
Students in the Adult Evening Degree Program have the choice of any one of several majors: Accounting, Arts Management, Business Administration, Communication, Interior Design and Sociology. Students in the Adult Day Degree Program have the choice of a full range of majors as well as the majors which are also offered to evening students.

Is housing available on campus for adult students?

Adult students usually do not live on campus. Continuing Studies students may apply to become Residence Hall Directors (RHDs) by contacting the office of the Dean of Students.