Adult Learners Are the New Norm

"The study examined institutional data from the 2023-24 academic year at Florida International, including for more than 7,000 undergraduates in the engineering and computing programs. Researchers found that students older than 25, those working full-time, commuters and students with dependents demonstrated better academic outcomes, including retention, six-year graduation rates and cumulative GPA. The findings suggest that characteristics often viewed as barriers may not necessarily hinder student success."

"“Institutions need to change their mindset and look at post-traditional students as the new norm, not as abnormal,” Long said. “That's why we refer to them as post-traditional students-not nontraditional students-because 'nontraditional students' implies there's something abnormal about this student.”"

"“Older students bring in a lot of experience,” she added. “They are mature, they have good study habits, they juggle many different responsibilities in their lives and they have to be highly motivated in order to persist. There are a lot of strengths they have, and they can bring a very diverse perspective into the classroom.”"

Research using 2023-24 institutional data from Florida International examined more than 7,000 undergraduates in engineering and computing. Students older than 25, working full-time, commuting, and students with dependents showed better academic outcomes, including retention, six-year graduation rates, and cumulative GPA. The results indicate that traits often treated as barriers can align with persistence and completion. The findings also point to the need for colleges to adjust program structures that are built around traditional student schedules and needs. Post-traditional students are described as bringing experience, maturity, study habits, motivation, and diverse perspectives to classrooms.

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