Challenges for Non-Traditional Students

You can expect to face particular challenges for those individuals starting community college as a non-traditional student. Understanding and anticipating those challenges will help you to meet them head-on with the most excellent chance for success.

Community college offers a beautiful alternative to traditional four-year colleges and universities in many ways. Not only are community college degrees generally much more affordable, but the programs themselves are also very flexible. Many community colleges offer online classes, particularly for non-traditional students, including parents and students who work full-time.

Who is a Non-Traditional Student?

The majority of college students fall into the same categories in terms of age and lifestyle. There are some differences in community college compared to students attending a four-year college or university. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), seven characteristics make students qualify as “non-traditional.” Community colleges tend to attract more “non-traditional” students, who fit some of the following:

1. Not going to college right after graduating high school
2. Have to attend college part-time instead of full-time
3. Work a full-time job while in school
4. Financially independent of parents and family
5. Have children or other dependents
6. Single parent
7. Completed a GED rather than a high school diploma

Not all non-traditional students fit all of these criteria; however, you only need one to be considered a non-traditional student. Being a non-traditional student at the undergraduate level is close to 75% of all undergraduate students who fall into at least one or more of the categories listed above. For many non-traditional students, the most common characteristic is part-time attendance, followed by having a full-time job and then delayed enrollment (waiting after graduating college).  

  

Common Challenges Facing Non-Traditional Students

It is becoming increasingly more common for high school graduates to delay their college entry. Some students will choose to get some work experience before they settle on a major, and others need to work for a while to pay for a degree. No matter what it is that makes you a non-traditional student, there are specific challenges you are likely to face during your time at community college – here are some of the most common:

• Being a first-generation college student
• Balancing financial obligations
• Learning to use modern educational technology
• Finding time to work and study
• Balancing family commitments
• Having the self-confidence to be successful

Screen the video: Non-Traditional Student Success.

Many non-traditional students are first-generation students – the first member of their families to attend college. While this is undoubtedly an admirable achievement, it does come with challenges. If you are the first in your family to apply to college, you may have to figure out the process on your own. Although the community college provides resources, you may have to find these resources and access them by yourself. You have to figure out how to balance the financial obligations of paying for tuition, fees, and books while also paying your rent, buying groceries, and paying bills. In addition to balancing your financial and work commitments, many non-traditional students also have to take care of family members. If you have children or other dependents, you may not have a lot of time to spend in class or a lot of money to pay for tuition. Many community colleges offer resources, including child care.

Another challenge that many non-traditional students face is learning how to use modern educational technology. Many community college classes have an online component or may require students to do online research for papers and projects. If you do not understand computer technology, or if you do not have access to a computer, you may have trouble. Most schools have computer labs where you can access a computer, use the internet, and print papers; because of time boundaries, access to these resources is sometimes limited, so you may not be able to rely on them entirely.

Many non-traditional students attend classes part-time or at night because they work a full-time job. It can be challenging to balance work commitments and find time to attend classes, do homework, and study. Attending classes is one of the main reasons many non-traditional students prefer online courses – because they offer greater flexibility, and you do not always have to travel to the school to attend class.

For many non-traditional students, attending college is a life-long dream, and they have worked very hard to make it a reality. Unfortunately, it is also common for non-traditional students to lack a support system. The lack of a support system makes it even more important to have confidence in yourself and your abilities to succeed.

Tips for Achieving Success in Community College

Many non-traditional students face particular challenges when they enter community college, but they also benefit from real-life experience. If you can put that experience to work for your benefit, you can be quite successful in community college. For example, if you are working a full-time job, you have already learned some essential skills like responsibility, discipline, and time management. These skills will help you to balance your work life, school life, and personal life. You may already have a firm grip on your finances. Many non-traditional students are caregivers or parents, so they know how to juggle a dozen different things simultaneously without letting any of the balls hit the ground.

Screen the video: Tips for Community College Students.

Entering community college as a non-traditional student is by no means easy or impossible to compete – there are many challenges you will find yourself facing daily. But you also bring some unique and essential skills and experience to the table, so don’t forget that! Being aware of the challenges a non-traditional student might face in community college can prepare oneself to meet those challenges head-on, which will improve your chances for success.