Abstract
The number of nontraditional students enrolled in higher education is rising, but retention of these students is a challenge. This study used a qualitative framework to examine the experiences of nontraditional undergraduate students in a university setting. Nine participants completed open-ended questionnaires, and we transcribed and coded the responses for themes. When discussing their experiences, participants spoke of five overarching themes: motivations to return, academic challenges, generation gap, support systems, and benefits of being a nontraditional student. This study contributes to the literature, providing insight to the overall collegiate experience of degree-seeking, nontraditional students.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Amanda J. Bohl
Amanda J. Bohlis an assistant director of Residence Life with Campus Living Villages, Houston, TX.
Beatriz Haak
Beatriz Haakis a master's degree candidate at Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, TX.
Srijana Shrestha
Srijana Shrestha, PhD, is an assistant professor of Psychology at the University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX.