Applying the principles of adult learning, New College offers students the opportunity to earn credit through recognition of prior learning and various other options, including seminar, individualized/directed study, and online courses.

New College responds to emerging directions in higher education, reviewing and revising programs in light of new technologies.  Offering quality degree programming for adults within the context of the larger university, New College is committed to helping students achieve their potential as lifelong learners.

The goals of the New College programs are to provide adults with: a high quality undergraduate program designed for the particular needs of adults; an academic program and support services that enable adults to graduate within reasonable time; a cost-effective program; an educational program that emphasizes learning outcomes; learning opportunities that emphasize the development and application of personal value system, as well as an understanding of the values of others; a liberal arts education that develops critical reasoning skills; and an academic program which stresses that learning is a continuous, lifelong process.