The R.E.A.L. Program

The REAL Program was established in 1970. Originally designed for women who had not had the opportunity to attend college, or who had interrupted their education to raise families, the program offered these women a chance to advance in their careers through attaining a college degree from a selective university. In 1976, the program broadened to welcome men as well. At a time when most other programs denied institutional funds for financial aid to adult students, segregated them in special degree programs, and ignored the unique needs of adults returning to or beginning a college education, Tufts provided financial aid, enrolled its adult students in the regular undergraduate program, and provided resources to help meet their academic needs.

Today, the program continues this tradition of serving the needs of adult students. Each REAL student receives individual attention from admission to graduation.

The REAL Program is open to adults at least 25 years old who are seeking a Bachelor's degree. Applicants should have some college experience, including at least two courses taken at either a two- or four-year institution within the last five years. Arrangements can be made in special circumstances to take those two courses at Tufts previous to acceptance into the REAL program.

ADVANTAGES OF THE REAL PROGRAM

While some colleges have separate or extension programs for adult students, REAL students attend the same courses and earn the same degree as other Tufts undergraduates. REAL students are welcome to participate in the many student organizations and have access to all university facilities such as the library, the Academic Resource Center, the counseling center, and the gymnasium, with its state of the art fitness center.

A special admission process evaluates applicants to the REAL program on criteria relevant to their experience, such as career history and evidence of motivation, as well as on recent college course work. Applicants also have a personal interview, if possible.

The greatest advantage of the REAL program is the chance to meet with other REAL students who are striving toward the same goals and facing the same challenges. First semester REAL students participate in a credit-bearing seminar that addresses adjustment issues of the adult student while introducing students to Tufts resources.

The university provides REAL students with a space for cooking light meals, meeting with study groups, or just spending time together.

The Tufts Day Care Center is located on the campus, and students in the program may apply for admission for their children.

While other undergraduates at Tufts are not allowed to attend part-time, under certain circumstances, REAL students may take a reduced course load at reduced tuition.

FINANCIAL AID

Tufts admits students without regard to their ability to pay the cost of their education. REAL students are eligible for financial aid and should file the Tufts Financial Aid Form in addition to the FAFSA. There is no financial aid for international students.

TRANSFER OF CREDITS

Tufts accepts credit from all accredited colleges and universities, including courses taken at two-year colleges prior to matriculation at Tufts. Most three- or four-semester hour courses will transfer as a full Tufts course credit. Students in liberals arts may transfer up to seventeen credits; students in engineering may transfer up to nineteen credits. Courses are accepted for transfer through a departmental evaluation process.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The liberal arts and engineering programs at Tufts provide students with both depth and breadth in their education. In liberal arts, a typical degree represents the completion of thirty-four course credits fulfilling the following requirements: Foundation Requirements - two semesters of college writing, three semesters of a foreign language, three additional semesters of a foreign language or a foreign culture, one course designated as world civilizations. Distribution Requirements - two credits in each of these areas: humanities, fine arts, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics. Concentration (Major) - eight to ten courses in the department of the major and two or three courses in a field related to the major. Engineering students must complete thirty-eight credits. About 25% are devoted to math and sciences and another 20% to engineering sciences and other foundation courses. The major requirements take up about 35% of the curriculum, and students are encouraged to choose the remaining 20% from courses in liberal arts.

CONTACT US

For more information or to request an application, please contact Dean Jean Herbert, Director of REAL Program, at (617) 627-2000.