A survey of 2,000 U.S. non-traditional students uncovers their top challenges, motivations, and the realities of balancing college with work, family, and financial pressure.
A new nationwide PapersOwl survey of 2,000 American non-traditional college students paints a clear picture: higher education is no longer just for teenagers fresh out of high school. Moreover, this growing group is reshaping higher education in 2025.
The Rise of Non-Traditional Students
Today’s campuses are filled with adults balancing jobs, families, and long-held dreams of earning a degree — and they’re transforming the future of learning.
While the traditional image of a college student still lingers, the reality has shifted dramatically. Non-traditional students — those who return to school later in life, work while studying, or juggle caregiving responsibilities — now make up a significant portion of the student population.
These students are not taking a linear path to graduation. More than half (51%) took time off before enrolling in college, while 28% returned after previously dropping out. A full third live more than five miles from campus, making the commute another part of the daily equation. Many are also first-generation college students (35%) or caring for dependents (33%) alongside their studies.
“These aren’t outliers,” says Oryna Shestakova, the Head of Communications at PapersOwl, “They are the new face of college.”
Key findings from the survey include:
· Over 90% of non-traditional students work while pursuing their education. Just 9% are unemployed.
· Half (51%) of non-traditional students are parents.
· Only 4 of the top 10 reasons for pursuing higher education are career-related.
The Effort Behind Every Class or What Fuels Their Determination
The survey also highlights the extraordinary effort non-traditional students invest in their education. More than half (51%) manage full-time jobs while enrolled, and another 32% work part-time. A further 8% are self-employed or freelance. Balancing this with academic deadlines, family obligations, and financial constraints is no small feat.
Their motivations reflect ambition and purpose. Beyond career advancement, students cited personal fulfillment (42%), gaining skills for their current role (39%), or even launching a business (25%). Others return to school to finish what they started or set an example for their children.
The High Cost and Higher Strength of Non-Traditional Students
Yet, these efforts come at a price. Students reported spending between $5,000 and $20,000 on their education, often while supporting a household. Childcare, fatigue, and emotional stress were common obstacles, particularly among the 59% of respondents raising children or caring for dependents.
One of our surveyed students, a single mother working full time, noted that 'it’s hard but it will be worth it.'
Despite this, non-traditional students bring powerful strengths to campus. Survey results showed high levels of critical thinking (50%), self-motivation (46%), time management (41%), and resilience (34%).
Ms. Shestakova comments on this:
"The resilience and adaptability demonstrated by non-traditional students stem directly from their unique life experiences. This strength goes beyond academic skill—it reflects hard-earned abilities shaped by their distinctive journeys and personal growth."
"The resilience and adaptability demonstrated by non-traditional students stem directly from their unique life experiences. This strength goes beyond academic skill—it reflects hard-earned abilities shaped by their distinctive journeys and personal growth."
As institutions adapt to serve this growing population, and as online education trends continue to evolve, it's clear: non-traditional students aren’t just fitting into the higher education system — they’re transforming it.
For a full report on non-traditional college students’ ways to balance college and life, visit here.
A Few Words About PapersOwl
PapersOwl is a writing platform dedicated to empowering students with a variety of academic resources. It offers tools such as plagiarism checkers, thesis statement generators, personalized support, and professional writing and proofreading. PapersOwl is committed to helping students navigate their academic challenges with quality, originality, and timely delivery.
