What Non-Traditional Students Should Know About College

Many people have a preconceived notion of a college student as somebody who is fresh out of high school in their late teens or early twenties, likely still dependent on their parents, among other attributes. If you do not fit the mold of the “traditional” college student, you may feel isolated from your peers and stressed out from other responsibilities relating to work or family.

Non-traditional students may face unique challenges, but it is still possible to succeed and even thrive in college no matter your age, employment status, or family life. At My College Companion, we are here to support students in their journey through higher education, providing helpful resources for people of all backgrounds.

What Defines a Non-Traditional Student?

There’s no single definition of a non-traditional student. The term often describes people who are older than the typical college crowd—usually 24 or above—but it can apply to anyone who took a different path to higher education. Maybe you took a few gap years after high school, built a career first, or decided to return to school later in life. Whatever the reason, it is common to feel like you are navigating a different experience than students coming straight from high school.

Age, however, is only one factor. Working full-time while taking classes, commuting from home, or caring for a family can all shape your college experience in unique ways. The popular idea of “college life”—packed schedules, campus events, and dorm living—does not always reflect reality. Parents balancing school and childcare or veterans adjusting to civilian life may find college rewarding but also very different from what most imagine.

Challenges Non-Traditional Students Often Face

Non-traditional students may face a variety of unique difficulties in higher education, such as:

  • Lack of guidance or support
  • Feelings of isolation
  • Paying for tuition without financial assistance from parents
  • Studying and completing assignments on time while working
  • Balancing family commitments with academics

Tips to Excel for Non-Traditional Students

If you are a non-traditional student, there may be resources available to you to reduce the stress of your studies and help you ease into college life. Keep these tips in mind as you work toward your chosen degree or program:

  • Carve Out Structured Study Time: Whether you work full-time or have a demanding personal life, consider using your campus’s library as a productive space to keep school work separate and focused.
  • Communicate with Professors and Advisors: Most university staff meet with non-traditional students regularly to help them meet their goals and find ways to feel more supported on campus.
  • Turn to Your Family for Support: Whether you live with your parents, your spouse, or somebody else entirely, do not be afraid to lean on them for support when you need it, and support them in kind.
  • Connect With Other Students: You may not be alone in your non-traditional experience. There may be groups or clubs on campus for people in your situation who can help you adjust to campus life.
  • Seek Flexible Learning Options: If you work during the day, plenty of colleges offer online or night classes you can take to accommodate your schedule.
  • Don’t Overcommit Yourself: Be sure to set reasonable expectations for yourself to avoid burnout, as failing a course could have financial consequences.
  • Talk to Your Employer: If your job can be completed from home, your employer may be willing to accommodate a hybrid or remote schedule.

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students

College can be expensive no matter when you start or what your situation looks like. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help nontraditional students manage the cost, including:

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