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Let's Finish What You Started.
Life happens. Goals evolve. If you’re thinking about returning to UofL to complete your bachelor’s degree, the UofL Online support team is ready to help you pick up where you left off.
Here’s What You Need to Know:
You’re not starting from scratch!
- Previously earned credits may still apply toward your degree re-enrollment
- Flexible online programs are built for working adults just like you
- Real people and resources are available to help you map your next step
Let’s Start the Conversation
The fastest way to re-enter college as an adult professional and online student at UofL is to talk with someone who does this every day. The UofL Online support team is here to help you find the best program and fit for your career pathway, understand how your prior coursework may apply, what steps you’ll need to take next and how to stay focused on your goals to graduation. No pressure. Just clear answers and friendly guidance.
Which Best Describes You?
Based on your journey thus far, you may have different pathways for returning to UofL and completing your bachelor's degree online at UofL.
Ready to learn more? Check out our Returning Student guide.
1
Transfer Student
New to UofL, not new to college. We’ll help you understand how credits you have already earned may transfer and what’s next on your journey map.
2
Former Cardinal (Enrolled at UofL Less Than 2 Years Ago)
You’re closer than you think and you know your way around. Fast-track your re-entry by working with the Registrar Office and your academic advisor. If you plan to change your program/major, talk to an online enrollment specialist.
3
Former Cardinal (Enrolled at UofL More Than 2 Years Ago)
Time away means more experience, new options. Start your application and work with the Adult & Transfer Office. We’ll review your credits and help you choose the best route forward.
4
Former Cardinal with Non-UofL Coursework
Started at UofL and took courses elsewhere? We’ll help you sort the credit that applies to your chosen UofL degree and plan your return. An academic advisor or the Exploratory & Transition Advising team can help you interpret a pre-evaluation transfer credit report.
5
Not Sure Where You Fit?
Talk with an online learning enrollment services specialist who can provide guidance and support for your next step.
Connect with My Enrollment Specialist
You’re Not Starting Over. You’re Picking Up Momentum!
A 10–15 minute conversation can save you hours later. We’ll answer your questions, point you to the right forms and help you map a realistic timeline.
Welcome back, Cardinal!
Returning to college doesn’t mean starting over. It means building on what you’ve already accomplished with guidance designed for adult learners.
Earning a degree online enables you to fit education into your busy schedule and helps you achieve your personal and professional goals faster.
Start With a Simple Conversation
If you’re unsure where to begin, talking with an advisor or enrollment specialist is the fastest way to get clear answers about credits, timelines and next steps.
- Connect with an online learning enrollment services specialist, call 800-871-8635 or email online@louisville.edu
Explore Your Degree Options
Learn more about what’s available online and how different programs may fit your goals. UofL offers bachelor’s degrees in areas like business administration, communication, nursing, organizational leadership, political science, criminal justice, sport administration and more.
Submit Your Application for Admission
Once you decide whether to continue with your previous degree or explore a new area of study, you can start working toward your admission by submitting your application for the online program of choice.
- Start your undergraduate admissions application
call 502-852-6531 or email admitme@louisville.edu
Get Advising Support
Advisors can help you understand degree requirements, registration processes, completion timeline and your best path forward, even if you’re still exploring.
Current students can schedule advising appointments using CardSmart.
Get Your UofL Cardinal Card
The Cardinal Card is the official identification card for the University of Louisville students, faculty and staff.
- Upon enrollment, online students are entitled and encouraged to get a UofL Cardinal Card. You must be registered in the current semester at least one day prior to getting a Cardinal Card. The Cardinal Card grants you access to great benefits like store discounts, TARC service (Louisville public transport) and access to athletic events.
Ready to move forward?
Where to Start and Who to Contact
If you are not sure who you need to speak with next, start with an enrollment specialist and they will guide you from there based on your individual needs.
Application & Admissions
- Take Flight: Undergraduate Application; 502.852.6531 | admitme@louisville.edu
- Other resources: Petitions; Military and Veteran Students
Transfer Services
- Adult & Transfer Student Services; 502-852-016 | transfer@louisville.edu
- Other resources: Transfer Credit Policies
Tuition & Financial Aid
- Online Programs Tuition (see tuition rates and fees for all online programs)
- FAFSA Start to Finish | UofL FAFSA school code: 001999
- Financial Aid Office: 502-852-5511 | finaid@louisville.edu
- Bursar's Office: 502-852-6503 | bursar@louisville.edu
Enrollment
- Schedule your classes (register for your next term coursework)
- Registrar's Office: 502-852-6522 | regoff@louisville.edu
Student Success
- UofL Student Success Center: 502-852-7969 | succeed@louisville.edu
- UofL Online Student Success Coaching: 502-852-7171 | onlinesuccess@louisville.edu
Have questions about our programs? Contact us!
Online Enrollment Counselors
800-871-8635
online@louisville.edu
Understand Your Financial Options
Paying for college as a returning student can look different than it did before. These offices can help you understand aid eligibility, billing and next steps.
Financial Aid and Planning
Get help with FAFSA, aid eligibility and building a sustainable plan.
UofL's Student Success Coordinators are here to help you explore all of your financial options and responsibilities. Connect with a coordinator today at succeed@louisville.edu or 502-852-7969.
The Student Financial Aid Office can also assist you with completing your financial aid application requirements as well as answer any questions you have about your financial aid package. UofL's FAFSA school code: 001999
Billing and Payments
Questions about tuition, charges or payment timing can be handled by the Bursar's Office team. You can contact them by calling 502-852-6503 or emailing bursar@louisville.edu.
Ready to move forward?
Online, But Not Alone!
Returning to college comes with real-life responsibilities — and real support matters. As a returning UofL student, you have access to academic, career, wellness and community resources designed to help you stay focused, connected and moving toward graduation.
Whether you need guidance with coursework, planning your next step or balancing school with life, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. We are here for you and we've got your back!
UofL Online Student Resources
- Library Services
- UofL Virtual Writing Center
- UofL Career Development Center
- REACH Virtual Tutoring
- Blackboard and Blackboard support
- ITS Help Desk
- Student Success Center
Explore your academic path and interests
- Exploratory & Transition Advising team assists students who are exploring online program pathways as well as those seeking to maximize their current enrollment options. To schedule an appointment, please call 502-852-7969.
- University Career Center
UCC career coaches can assist you with exploring majors and careers through individual coaching appointments and interest assessments to explore options.
Not sure college is right for you?
- Student Success Coordinators are available to help you explore your interests, goals and responsibilities as well as where you are in life right now and how college fits into your current reality. Contact UofL’s student success coordinators today at succeed@louisville.edu or 502-852-7969.
- Visit UofL’s University Advising Center and connect with your academic advisor. They can review your time to degree completion and help determine how that aligns with your personal and professional goals, as well as your current needs.
Curious About Career Options?
- UofL's career coaches can assist you with exploring majors and careers through individual coaching appointments and interest assessments to explore options.
- Visit our University Career Center to learn more.
Need mental or physical health assistance?
- Counseling Center
UofL offers free individual counseling to enrolled students who reside in the state of Kentucky. Additionally, they offer additional resources including workshops and access to TAO – an app to help you address stress, anxiety and depression. - Campus Health Services
In addition to offering medical services to students, Campus Health coordinates wellbeing engagement opportunities through Health Promotion and offers services through PEACC to students affected by intimate partner violence and through BRICC to students affected by alcohol and drug abuse.
Want more opportunities to connect with other UofL students?
Connect, engage and network through the following groups and organizations:
- Center for Belonging, Access & Engagement
- Intramurals and Recreation
- Student Affairs
- Student Organizations
Ready to move forward? Take the next step and connect with us or start working on your admission application today!
Frequently Asked Questions
See below some of the most common questions we get from students returning to the University of Louisville to finish their bachelor's degree:
- Am I considered a returning student?
If you previously enrolled at UofL but did not complete your degree, you are considered a returning student — whether you’ve been away for a semester or several years. If you completed coursework elsewhere after leaving UofL, you may also be considered a transfer.
- Will my previously earned credits still count?
In many cases, yes. Credits earned at UofL remain on your academic record and credits from other institutions may be transferable.
- Do I have to reapply to return?
It depends on how long you’ve been away and whether you completed coursework elsewhere. Check out Undergraduate Admissions requirements based on your scenario.
- I’m not sure what major I want now. Can I still return?
Yes. Many returning students reassess their goals after time away. Connect with our Exploratory & Transition Advising team to learn more and get guidance.
- How long will it take to finish my degree?
Time to completion depends on how many credits you’ve earned and how many apply to your chosen program. Upon acceptance into your preferred program, you will be able to connect with your academic advisor for further planning.
- Is financial aid available for returning students?
Many returning students are eligible for financial aid, depending on enrollment status and academic standing. Visit our Financial Aid Office page for more information.
- Who should I talk to if I need help figuring out my next steps?
If you’re unsure where to begin, start with an online learning enrollment specialist. They will be able to provide the information you need and connect you with the right resources to move forward.
Whether you need more info or you are ready to move forward, we are here for you!