Non Traditional Students: Myths and Truths

Posted by David R. Wetzel Mar 19, 2009

Non- traditional students, just what does this term mean? These are adults enrolled in college or technical schools wiht the desire to improve their job skills or prepare to enter a new career field. Their hope is to qualify for higher paid positions, keep their current jobs, or gain the knowledge necessary to enter an entirely new career.

Non-traditional students are adults, veterans, retirees, former college students, college graduates, GED recipients, students changing careers, etc. Returning to college for of these adults is not an easy decision. They often hold on to many myths, such as:

• I do not have the time
• I cannot afford to pay for school
• I am too old to learn new things
• The instructors and other students will be younger than I am And many more However, fear is the biggest factor that keeps them from returning to the classroom.

Here are a few facts that contradicts the fear and excuses of non-traditional students.

• There are typcially more non-traditional students taking continuing education courses today than the so called "tradtional" 18 - 22 year olds
• More people are enrolling in continuing education courses today than ever before, primarily because of the economy
• They are eligible for free sources of funding, state grants, and federal grants or loans
• With all the advances in distance education (distance learning, online learning, etc.) that cater to adults who have full time employment, time is not an excuse
• These students will probably find that other students in their courses are older than them, it is typical to have students in their 40's, 50's, 60's, and somtimes in their 70's or 80's

There really is no excuse for an adult not to enroll in continuing education courses.

Supporting Resources

10 Tips for Adults Going Back to School

Federal Student Financial Aid Programs for Adults

Why Distance Education Continues to Flourish

6 Sources of Free for Continuing Education

Consider Continuing Education to Beat a Recession