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Non-Traditional-Aged Students: Characteristics and Needs of Adults Enrolled in the University

Williams, Ellen U.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1566463048513919

Abstract Details

1977, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, Educational Administration and Supervision.
As adults are enrolling in universities in increasing numbers, the question arises whether existing university programs and services adequately meet the needs of non-traditional aged students. Prior to answering this question universities must identify the non-traditional aged students and then investigate their needs. Purpose of the Study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics and needs of non-traditional aged students enrolled at the main campus of Bowling Green State University. Procedures. The study population consisted of 529 adult students (Undergraduates 25 years and older; Graduates 35 years and older) who were randomly selected from 1058 non-traditional aged students enrolled at B.G.S.U. during Spring Quarter, 1977. A questionnaire designed for this study was mailed to the sample population and a descriptive analysis of the data was based on the questionnaires returned from 321 respondents. Major Findings of the Study. The study population ranged in age from 25-65+ with 60.1 per cent in the 25-34 age range. A slight majority were females (59.8 per cent). The racial distribution was predominately Caucasian (94.7 per cent). The majority were married (66.1 per cent), 24 per cent were single and 8.1 per cent were divorced. For students with children, the age range for children was 1-35 and the average number of children per family was 2.4. The average personal annual income was $5060 and the average family annual income was $14,172. The majority were employed full-time (40.7 per cent) or part-time (20.1 per cent). The average student financed his education through personal funds (38.1 per cent) or family funds (18.6 per cent), and 13 per cent were receiving Veterans' Benefits. Over 50 per cent enrolled in the university as preparation for employment, 22 per cent enrolled to meet present job requirements and 5 per cent were making career changes. Sixty-one per cent had prior college degrees. Seventy-eight per cent were degree-oriented and the majority were enrolled part-time (55.6 per cent). The greatest obstacles cited by mature learners were due to family, job and financial responsibilities.
Ronald D. Jones (Advisor)
Adult Education

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Williams, E. U. (1977). Non-Traditional-Aged Students: Characteristics and Needs of Adults Enrolled in the University [Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1566463048513919

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Williams, Ellen. Non-Traditional-Aged Students: Characteristics and Needs of Adults Enrolled in the University. 1977. Bowling Green State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1566463048513919.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Williams, Ellen. "Non-Traditional-Aged Students: Characteristics and Needs of Adults Enrolled in the University." Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University, 1977. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1566463048513919

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1566463048513919
173
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