ERIC Number: EJ1158644
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0737-7363
EISSN: N/A
The Experiences of Nontraditional Students: A Qualitative Inquiry
Bohl, Amanda J.; Haak, Beatriz; Shrestha, Srijana
Journal of Continuing Higher Education, v65 n3 p166-174 2017
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.
Descriptors: Nontraditional Students, Undergraduate Students, Student Experience, School Holding Power, Academic Persistence, Qualitative Research, Student Surveys, Questionnaires, Coding, Student Motivation, Reentry Students, Generational Differences, Social Support Groups, Educational Benefits, Data Analysis, Interviews
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A