The non traditional student definition is an individual who does not fit the description of a traditional student. Most think of a college student as someone between 17 and 23 years of age who attends college classes after graduating high school.
However, the definition of a non traditional student is becoming more typical. Individuals are switching careers and returning to school at an older age. Some younger students are attending college in ways different than previous generations. Our definition of a traditional student is changing as the educational system adapts to non traditional programs.
How a Traditional and Non Traditional Student Differ
The easiest way to explain what a non traditional student is to define a typical or traditional student. A traditional student is one who:
- Graduates with a high school diploma.
- Enrolls in college immediately after graduation.
- Takes on a full-time curriculum.
- Depends on parents and family for financial support.
- Does not work full-time during the school year.
Any deviation from the above definition is a non traditional student meaning they could:
- Have a GED.
- Be older, usually 24 years of age or older.
- Have taken a gap year.
- Attend school for less than part-time.
- Work full-time (more than 35 hours a week).
- Be financially independent.
- Have dependents.
More and more students fit into the non traditional student definition, as the new generation refines the ‘typical’ college students. Many students choose to volunteer or work before choosing a lifelong career path.
However, these differences can make it more difficult for non traditional students to go to school set up for traditional studies. For instance, employed students might find it hard to juggle work and school.
A traditional student devotes most of their time to their studies. A non traditional college student, on the other hand, may have other responsibilities like a full-time job or children.
For those reasons, non traditional students tend to benefit from schools and programs that work within their schedules. Many schools have classes that work with those with non traditional schedules.
Non Traditional Age and Lifestyle
An older student is a non traditional student meaning they are older than 24 years of age. Some individuals choose to work, had family situations, or otherwise did not attend college directly after graduating high school.
Older students divide their time and energy between school and other responsibilities. They have additional hurdles that traditional students do not face because of their age or situation.
For example, young traditional students, fresh out of high school, may live at home with their parents or stay on campus in dorms. Older students may already have housing, live with their spouse and children, or just feel uncomfortable sharing housing with young people.
Since non traditional students are older, they are more likely:
- To hold full-time jobs.
- To have family responsibilities, such as children and elderly parents.
- To have housing responsibilities, like rent, mortgage, and utilities.
A full-time job can get in the way of pursuing a degree since most undergraduate classes happen during typical work hours. Most non traditional student programs set classes outside of normal business hours, so employed students can attend after work.
Similarly, non traditional students may only be able to dedicate a small portion of their time for school. Older students may take longer to complete their degree or certification because they can only commit to one or two classes a semester.
In addition to managing situational barriers, older students can feel out of place amongst their younger peers. This age distance can cause negative attitudes and low self-esteem.
The Non Traditional Applicant: Medical School
Medical school takes four years, but students will need to complete their undergraduate degrees first. After medical school, prospective doctors will need to spend three to seven years in residency.
It is not uncommon for medical students to be older than 24 years old. However, schools may consider someone older than 30 years of age as a non traditional medical student.
There is no age limit to medical school and becoming a doctor. Some medical students are in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Some individuals had obstacles that prevented them from entering medical school when they were younger. Some examples include:
- Starting a family young.
- Not having the funds for school.
- Taking a gap year.
- Switching industries.
- Advancing their career.
Some non traditional medical students worked in health care for years before deciding to pursue a doctorate. Many professionals go back to school to advance their careers.
Decades ago, it was rare for women or minorities to attend medical school due to prejudice. Older individuals are going back to school to obtain the career they always wanted.
Best Colleges for Nontraditional Students
The best colleges for nontraditional students are ones that work with their schedule, budget, and other needs. Common hurdles for non traditional students include:
- Managing multiple conflicting responsibilities.
- Obtaining educational funds, such as grants.
- Re-familiarizing themselves with the educational atmosphere.
- Difficulty accessing resources, like technology.
Employed students should look for schools and programs that offer classes outside their normal work time. Also, students should consider their course load and what they can effectively manage without burnout. College is the time in the classroom and when studying, completing homework, and writing papers.
Students with dependents may benefit from online programs that allow them to virtually attend school. Some educational facilities have affordable daycare options.
Students with a GED can contact the GED Testing Service to get their GPA equivalent score, which colleges and universities may need when considering applications. Students with a GED can always enroll in a community college, which has open enrollment.
Older students should consider the academic assistance their prospective school offers. For instance, students less familiar with certain technology may need additional assistance in the computer lab.
Students needing financial help may have more resources at their hands than they realize. While high school seniors have guidance counselors to help them identify grants they are eligible for, non traditional students may not be aware of these free funds.
In addition to an internet search, students can speak to representatives at their college about their financial options and other resources.