Am I an Adult Learner or Non-Traditional Student?
If you meet any of the criteria listed below, you are likely considered a non-traditional student. Some characteristics of adult learners and non-traditional students:
- Financially independent from parental assistance
- Over the age of 25 years
- Typically enrolled in college less than full time
- Works full time
- Is the primary or co-primary financial supporter for other dependents, such as children
- Interrupted or gap in education
TRANSFER GOALS
If you intend to begin or return to community college with the goal of transferring to a university, make sure the courses are college level transferable. There are many courses offered at community college with purposes outside of degree attainment, but will not be accepted for transfer.
ACCREDITATION
Pay attention to accreditation status. For courses to best transfer ensure that the institution you are transferring from is REGIONALLY accredited. Many universities will not accept courses from institutions that are not only nationally accredited or not accredited at all.
ACADEMIC HISTORY
Don’t be discouraged if there is a history of not so stellar grades. Oftentimes students return better prepared for academic success and excel.
- Look into academic renewal policies.
- If you were previously academically disqualified, look into those policies and requirements to return.
- Current coursework can outweigh the previous grades to improve your cumulative GPA
ADULT LEARNER ADMISSIONS PROCESSES
Look into adult learner options and processes. Some institutions have separate processes or requirements for prospective students with a pause in education that will enable them to enroll in the institution more directly.
ACADEMIC PREPAREDNESS & SUPPORT
Some students returning to education may have some concerns about readjusting to academic rigor. Utilize the resources offered by the college, such as tutoring, supplemental instruction, or study skills labs.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Consider your obligations and finances to determine if you should attend part or full time. Attending part time may be more manageable with balancing other priorities, but will take you longer to complete. This may have a larger financial impact. Attending full time will achieve your goals faster, but may not be realistic if you have other priorities including earning an income in the moment.
CREDIT FOR EXPERIENCE
Some degree or course requirements may be made up by taking CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exams. This is especially relevant if you have experience in a particular subject area and the course material would be redundant. https://clep.collegeboard.org/
VETERAN'S AND ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS
If you are a veteran or active duty member, you may qualify for specific benefits. Additionally your experience may count toward units and degree requirements. Connect with the Veterans resource center to determine how this may apply for you.
Find additional resources at https://collegestats.org/resources/veterans-college-guide/
STUDENT PARENTS
If childcare is a concern, look into programs that may be offered at your college. Some programs have daycares or preschool options for enrolled students. These programs may be impacted, so early research and application is encouraged.
YOU ADD VALUE TO THE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Your experience is valuable in the classroom. Your perspective enhances the content and provides another viewpoint.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Recognize that there are many students returning to education or are a non-traditional student, so you are not alone. Almost half of students in college are transfer students and a good majority of them are considered non-traditional.