Offer flexible schedules and online/hybrid learning options to accommodate work and family responsibilities, provide personalized support, and showcase real-life success stories from non traditional students.
If you want a thorough response, read below
When it comes to attracting non-traditional students, universities and colleges need to recognize their unique needs and challenges. One way to do this is by offering flexible schedules and online/hybrid learning options to accommodate work and family responsibilities. According to a report by the Lumina Foundation, non-traditional students, which include working adults, veterans, parents, and those with other responsibilities, are seeking programs that are designed with their needs in mind.
Additionally, personalized support is key for non-traditional students. This includes academic advising and counseling, career services, and financial aid assistance. Providing resources such as tutoring, study groups, and peer mentoring can also help non-traditional students succeed in their studies.
Another strategy is to showcase real-life success stories from non-traditional students. Seeing others who have overcome similar challenges and achieved their academic goals can inspire and motivate non-traditional students to continue their education journey.
According to a quote by James Earl Jones, “The world is filled with willing people; some willing to work, the rest willing to let them.” Universities and colleges must be willing to work to attract non-traditional students by creating programs and resources tailored to their unique needs and showcasing the successes of those who have come before them.
Interesting facts on the topic of attracting non-traditional students:
- Non-traditional students make up nearly 40% of all college students in the United States.
- The number of non-traditional students is expected to increase by 9% between 2017 and 2028.
- Non-traditional students are more likely to work full-time while attending school and have family responsibilities compared to traditional students.
- Many non-traditional students are motivated by career goals and are seeking education to improve their job prospects.
- In a survey by the Lumina Foundation, non-traditional students cited cost, lack of flexibility in program schedules, and balancing work and family responsibilities as barriers to completing their degree.
Table showing resources and strategies for attracting non-traditional students:
| Strategy | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Flexible schedules | Provide class schedules that accommodate work and family responsibilities, including evening and weekend courses. |
| Online/hybrid learning options | Offer courses that can be accessed online, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule. Hybrid options can provide a blend of in-person and online learning. |
| Personalized support | Provide academic advising, counseling, career services, and financial aid assistance tailored to the unique needs of non-traditional students. |
| Resources for success | Offer tutoring, study groups, and peer mentoring to help non-traditional students succeed in their studies. |
| Showcase success stories | Share real-life stories of non-traditional students who have overcome challenges and achieved academic success. |
Video related “How do you attract non traditional students?”
The video discusses the strategies and tactics for non-profit organizations to attract non-traditional funders such as venture philanthropists and impact investors. The speakers cover the difference between social enterprises and traditional non-profits, the importance of non-financial support, and the gaps that most organizations have in leadership, organizational development, board development, financial management, fundraising strategy, and scaling strategy. The speakers stress the importance of communication, building relationships, researching potential funding sources, and perseverance to overcome challenges in gaining access to unrestricted funding. The video also highlights innovative platforms such as Win AI Lawyer and One Acre Fund.
More answers to your inquiry
Offer and communicate flexibility Offering part-time, weekend, or night courses will attract adult students that have personal or work obligations. And offering online courses, if possible for your programs, allows students to learn remotely and take courses they may otherwise have not had access to.
Six Steps to Attract and Retain Non-Traditional Students
- 1. Understand Your Target Market The term “non-traditional” covers an incredibly broad and diverse array of students.
- 2. Know Your Differentiator
- 3. Focus on Customer Service
- 4. Create Innovative Programming and Credentialing Options
- 5. Tailor Your Support to Non-Traditional Students
- 6. Run Like a Business
Surely you will be interested in this
How do you deal with a non-traditional student?
Answer will be: 11 Tips for Non-Traditional Students
- Enlist support for this journey from family and friends.
- It’s okay to say NO.
- Get to know your advisor.
- Communicate with your instructor if you’re having academic issues.
- Don’t procrastinate.
- If you can, work ahead.
What is the best way to attract students?
The field is set, so let’s get you some players!
- Be Active on Social Media. The first thing you need to do when launching a new online project is to build buzz around it.
- Offer Discounts to Your First Students.
- Pay Students for Referrals.
- Use Social Media Ads.
- Feature Guest Instructors With Strong Social Media Followings.
What motivates nontraditional students?
Nontraditional students often have higher levels of motivation than younger students. Jobs and family responsibilities that could seem to have a negative impact can become a positive motivating factor for nontraditional students.
What are some obstacles that non-traditional students encounter?
The answer is: Non-Traditional Student Challenges
- Difficulty finding time to study.
- Trouble balancing all of your responsibilities.
- Feeling like the oldest person on campus.
- Not finding the services you need.
- Getting thoroughly frustrated with little things (like finding a parking space)
What makes a student a nontraditional student?
Students who meet just one of these characteristics are considered nontraditional students. Typically, however, these traits are combined, such as age, children and having jobs.
What issues do nontraditional students face?
The response is: Nearly 70 percent of nontraditional students dropout of college (New, 2014). The issues facing nontraditional students fall into three categories. In 2012, the Lumina Foundation found that family and work responsibilities were the two highest-rated issues nontraditional students face (Erisman, & Steele, 2012).
Can a nontraditional student transition back into a classroom?
Response: Since nontraditional learners spend at least one year out of school after graduating from high school or completing their GED, academically, transitioning back into a classroom is a struggle.
Why is follow-through important for nontraditional students?
Nontraditional students flourish faster when they not only know that they have people behind them to support them, but begin to trust those departments; therefore, follow-through is a pertinent and valuable tool in gaining an adult learner’s trust.
What makes a student a nontraditional student?
The reply will be: Students who meet just one of these characteristics are considered nontraditional students. Typically, however, these traits are combined, such as age, children and having jobs.
Are nontraditional undergraduates the new traditional in higher education?
The response is: It turns out that nontraditional undergraduates are quickly becoming the new traditional in higher education. Just over one-third of students (37 percent) attended a four-year institution immediately after high school, according to 2017 data from the Center for Law and Social Policy [ 1 ].
What issues do nontraditional students face?
In reply to that: Nearly 70 percent of nontraditional students dropout of college (New, 2014). The issues facing nontraditional students fall into three categories. In 2012, the Lumina Foundation found that family and work responsibilities were the two highest-rated issues nontraditional students face (Erisman, & Steele, 2012).
Can a nontraditional student transition back into a classroom?
Response will be: Since nontraditional learners spend at least one year out of school after graduating from high school or completing their GED, academically, transitioning back into a classroom is a struggle.