According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are three main criteria, applying any or all, to establish if someone is a non-traditional student:
- enrollment patterns
- financial and family status
- high school graduation status.
Enrollment patterns: if you are beginning your postsecondary education after a year or more after graduating high school, or are going to be attending college only part-time, then you would be considered a non-traditional student.
Financial and family status: if you have dependents (such as children) of your own, are a single parent, are planning on working full-time while attending school, or if you are financially independent from your parents or legal guardians (such as foster children and emancipated minors), then you would be considered a non-traditional student.
High school graduation status: if you did not earn a standard high school diploma, such as completing a GED or other high school equivalency tests like the HiSET or TASC, then you would be considered a non-traditional student.
If any single or combination of these criteria apply to you, then you would be considered a non-traditional student. Non-traditional students have a myriad of options when it comes to earning their degree. However, there are two main pathways for non-traditional students to embark upon: the direct-to-university route, or the Community College route.
It is possible for non-traditional students to apply directly to a four-year university. Keep in mind, though that applying to a four-year university after a year or more since graduating high school, or if you are a single parent or have other dependents, or have a non-standard graduation status is possible, you will have a more difficult time getting past the admissions phase than a traditional student. You may have to explain your circumstances as to why you did not apply the traditional route. To find out about the traditional route, click here.
Non-traditional students “traditionally” will go the community college route in order to eventually transfer to a four-year university and complete their postsecondary education. Community college can be a great way to explore your educational and career interests, expand your skill set for your current or future job prospects, and save a great deal of money along the way. To find out about how to get to a four-year university as a transfer student via Community College, click here.