Some of my college credits are pretty old and from different schools. Can those be used in this program?
Credit earned at regionally-accredited colleges and universities is generally transferable. Courses taken through the U.S. Armed Forces, business, industry, and hospital schools may be acceptable if recommended by the American Council on Education.

There is no time restriction on the acceptance of "old" credits. However, it may affect how a course is applied. For example, a specific math course may have been acceptable for meeting a math requirement in 1965, but may be acceptable only as an elective today.

Courses taken at your home institution prior to admission to the BLS may or may not be counted towards the 32 credits needed from your home institution. That decision is made on an individual basis. A maximum of 65 credits may be transferred from a two-year college. Ask our BLS adviser for a preliminary transfer evaluation.

Can I complete the BLS degree without taking courses on the Ames campus?
The feasibility of completing the degree entirely off campus depends on your location and/or the number of credits earned previously from Iowa State. Courses are offered in the evenings at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny. Some courses are available online. Correspondence courses and telecourses may be taken from the University of Iowa or the University of Northern Iowa. Consult our BLS adviser to assess your options.

Can I continue on to graduate or professional school after earning a BLS?
Many BLS graduates have received graduate and professional degrees. Graduate departments often require certain course work for admission. Check with the specific department to see what course work is recommended or required for graduate work.

How much do these courses cost?
The tuition at the three Regents schools is set by the Iowa Board of Regents. Undergraduate tuition for summer 2005 through spring 2006 is $204/semester credit.

Is financial aid available?
Contact the Iowa State financial aid office for information, (800) 478-2998 or visit the Web site.
If you're employed, check with your company's human resources department. Many companies and government agencies offer tuition assistance.
You may also be eligible for a federal income tax credit, the lifetime learning credit. Check out the details.

For federal assistance and many other opportunities, file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may submit a paper copy or apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. To qualify for federal money, you need to be enrolled in at least six credits per semester. An exception is the federal Pell Grant. It may be awarded to students with financial need enrolled for less than six credits.

List your home institution's number: ISU 001869, UI 001892, UNI 001890. The three schools will coordinate your financial aid when you take courses from an institution other than your home institution.

How useful will a BLS be after graduation?
Graduates from Iowa State's BLS program are currently employed by a variety of the nation's top companies, including General Mills, Pioneer Hi-Bred, IBM, Principal Financial Group, Motorola, Engineering Animation, Gateway 2000, Meredith Corporation, Cargill, 3M, Wells Fargo Bank, and United States Cellular.

The purpose of a liberal arts education is to help you develop broad intellectual capabilities and skills that increase your ability to adapt to changes in life and work. Many jobs do not require a particular major, but do require a general college background or specific courses. If you have a career goal in mind, work with our adviser to select appropriate courses.

How can I decide which of the three Regents universities is the one I should get my degree from?
The BLS advisers from Iowa State University, University of Iowa, and University of Northern Iowa work cooperatively. Contact any one of the BLS advisers. After the adviser reviews your past college courses and the tailoring of your BLS program, the adviser can tell you which school seems to be the best fit for you.
Kathleen Timmons, ISU, ketimmo@iastate.edu, (800) 262-0015
Angela Ward, Iowa, credit-programs@uiowa.edu, (800) 272-6430
Karen Cunningham, UNI, karen.cunningham@uni.edu, (800) 772-1746

How much homework should I expect?
The general rule is for every hour you spend in class, expect to study two hours on your own. If you've been away from school for years, you may be anxious about homework. However, research shows adult learners are often more dedicated, focused, and organized than the typical college student.

How do I pay for these courses offered by the different Regents schools?
Each school sends you a bill for the course you take from that institution. Paying in several installments is an option at each university.

How do credits from the quarter system transfer in?
One quarter hour equals .67 semester hour.

Do CLEP test out credits work in the BLS?
Credits from CLEP subject exams generally substitute for courses in the general education and distribution areas. Credit from the CLEP general exams could come in as electives. A BLS adviser can evaluate your CLEP credits.

What is the graduation requirement in foreign language for the BLS?
The requirement varies by university. At Iowa State, the foreign language requirement is two college semesters or three years in high school. The UNI requirement is two years in high school or two semesters at the college level, only if you graduated from high school after 1989. At Iowa, the requirement is 16 college semester hours or four years of high school foreign language. American sign language may be substituted for a foreign language.