October 3, 2025Open Access

Beyond the Traditional: Breaking Barriers and Forging Diverse Pathways for Non-Traditional Students

SDShannon Dean-Scott AGAusten T. GreeneMassachusetts Institute of Technology BJB. J. P. JonesThe University of Texas at Arlington

Key Points

Non-traditional students make up about 33.5% of all undergraduates in the U.S., showcasing a significant demographic shift.
The increasing number of non-traditional students includes diverse groups such as first-generation and low-income individuals.
Successful navigation through college requires tailored support for diverse pathways in higher education environments.
Understanding trends among non-traditional students is essential for improving institutional support and inclusivity.

Abstract

Non-traditional college students constitute a large portion of undergraduate enrollment across the United States, making up as much as 33.5% of all undergraduates. Non-traditional students is the broad overarching term that includes (but is not limited to) transfer, first-generation, undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and low-income students. With increased access to higher education over the last 100 years, the number of students with non-traditional backgrounds has grown immensely. In this article, we discuss the different demographic characteristics of non-traditional students, followed by an examination of non-traditional students’ access and diverse pathways through academia. We identify trends among this population of college students and discuss the ways they successfully navigate earning a college degree – both generally in the United States and more specifically in Texas. We conclude with implications and considerations for working with and supporting non-traditional students on their diverse pathways to and through higher education.

Perguntar à IA

Bookmark

View Full Paper