Research on Adult Learners

Abstract

The article provides an overview of research on the challenges facing higher education institutions in supporting the needs of an adult student population that is no longer nontraditional in the U.S. It cites several characteristics of a nontraditional student including an entry to college has been delayed by at least one year following high school, being financially independent, and not having a high school diploma. It indicates that adult learners who experience academic success in higher education tend to gain personal and economic benefits. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data reveal that 38% of the enrollment of more than 18 million college students in 2007 were 25 years of age or older.