Self-reported factors influencing adult students' decisions to return to school and to enroll in a nontraditional undergraduate program

Abstract

Among the recent trends in college enrollments has been the dramatic increase in the number of adult students entering undergraduate programs. This population has been identified as the fastest growing on college and university campuses. Factors contributing to this development have become the subject of increased interest. This research focused on identifying the factors which motivated adult students to enroll in an undergraduate program and to choose a specific nontraditional program from among alternatives. A two-phase study was conducted. Regis University in Denver, Colorado, was chosen as the research site. Program administrators, staff, faculty and adult students affilitated with the Regis Career Education Program (RECEP) served as study participants. The findings of the study revealed that adults enroll in undergraduate programs as a means of achieving specific pragmatic goals. These goals are most often career related. Adults identified obtaining a college degree as a means of enhancing job security and increasing their opportunities for advancement. The selection of a specific nontraditional program was based on the fit between the needs of the individual adult student and the ability of the program to meet those needs. Individual programs become attractive to the extent that they provide adults what they want/need while addressing the practical demands of their life situations.