ABSTRACT
Nontraditional students differ from traditional students in terms of age, life stage, and daily life pressures encountered. The majority of nontraditional students are between the ages of 25 and 34. However, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the numbers of adult learners over the age of 34 is increasing. In 1986, 13% of the adults enrolled in formal educational programs were over the age of 54. Given the increasing length of the life span and the fact that many individuals are working well into their 70s and 80s, this trend can be expected to continue.
