RETENTION OF ADULT COLLEGE STUDENTS

Abstract

There are many studies dealing with retention of traditional college-age students, but few about retention of adult students. Some of the reasons traditional college-age students withdraw, while others remain enrolled, can be found in that literature. What is lacking is data about adults who do not finish a degree program, data that indicate whether or not they follow the patterns that characterize traditional college-age students. In this article some of the reasons traditional college-age students withdraw are applied to adults, as summarized by a review of the literature. In addition to offering additional conclusions regarding adults who persist versus those who drop out, suggestions are given for increasing the retention of adult students.