Your Bridge to What's Next Graduate Student-at-Large: Returning Scholar
Renew your love of learning with a unique program aimed at personal growth through the Returning Scholar program at the University of Chicago.
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Deadlines
Winter Quarter 2025
Summer Quarter 2025
Autumn Quarter 2025
Upcoming Events
Information Session: Graduate Student-at-Large...
Chicago (Downtown)
At a Glance
- Enrollment:
- Full-time, Part-time, Open Enrollment
- Length:
- Varies Open Enrollment
- Format:
- In-person
- Investment:
-
$2,673 per courseUChicago Bursar
- Also offered in:
It's Never Too Late to Learn
Whether you wish to gain knowledge in a particular field of study, satisfy your lifelong love of learning, sharpen your edge in a singularly rigorous academic setting, or simply miss the challenges of an academic classroom, our Returning Scholar program allows you to build credentials without the pressure of grades or earning credit toward a degree.
Invest In Yourself and Your Love of Learning
The Returning Scholar program is crafted for lifelong learners, the intellectually curious, and those who want to revisit the rigor and excitement of their UChicago experience with this unique bridge program. Our alumni have gone on to various MA and PhD programs all over the United States and used their training to succeed in various professional pathways. While others have used this opportunity to upskill with new knowledge, or simply enjoyed fulfilling a goal of learning in an area in which they have held interest. This program suits many needs, offers flexibility, and a variety of subjects to choose from. You can take classes full- or part-time and receive an official transcript.
Designed For
Designed for lifelong learners, the intellectually curious, and those who want to revisit the rigor and excitement of their UChicago experience.
Never Let Your Curiosity Fade
Get Started TodayWelcome Back to Higher Ed
Join a robust community of extraordinary faculty, alumni, and course offerings
Connect with an esteemed community of scholars, faculty, and alumni who share your intellectual curiosity and determination to continue higher education studies. Returning Scholars also have the opportunity to form connections by participating in academic workshops and joining social gatherings with other students within the Graduate Student-at-Large (GSAL) bridge program. In addition to courses across the university, Returning Scholars have access to UChicago faculty and academic support. You will also work closely with the GSAL program admissions team to enroll in the suitable courses of your choice. Past scholars have taken courses in languages, humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, biological sciences, divinity, public policy, social service administration, and law.
School Ends, Learning Doesn't
Experience the love of learning and enjoy these program benefits:
- Take courses with UChicago students and professors.
- Pick from a wide variety of courses across disciplines.
- Personalized academic advising and academic support.
- Exposure and access to top faculty.
- Potential for references and letters of recommendation.
- Attend events: workshops, seminars, social events.
- Access to the abundance of UChicago resources including libraries and fitness center
- Create a stronger graduate school application.
- Audit courses and receive official transcripts.
- Network growth opportunities.
- The rigor, challenges, and experiences only found at a top-tier university.
Take Your Next Step
Real Journeys, Real Impact: Testimonials From Returning Scholar Students
Of Interest
Your Bridge to What's Next Graduate Student-at-Large
Grad School. Career Change. Upskilling. Lifelong Learner. Sample for-credit courses at UChicago...
The Unique Bridge to World-Class Education
Exploring the Graduate Student-at-Large programs.
A Gem of a Program
How students use the Graduate Student-at-Large suite of programs to fine-tune their goals and chart...