What can colleges do better to assist nontraditional college students?

Question:

I am a nontraditional college student, and the first in my family to go to college, so all of this is new to me. My college has not been very helpful at all in providing me with information about course work that will lead up to graduating with a degree in my major, financial aid, scholarship/grant opportunities, study habits, balancing work/school/kids/life, refresher courses, etc. In fact, I have seen 5 counselors there, so far, and 3 of them told me that there was basically no chance in hell that I would ever make it through school and graduate in my major -- and I know it was because of my age! My grades are fantastic. But at every turn, it seems like they are trying to convince me that I CAN'T do this. They keep trying to discourage me, and get me to enroll in one of their "certificate" tech programs, which I DO NOT want to do!

Anyone go to a college or university where they "do it right" for the nontraditional students? Which school is it, and what do they do different?

Answer:
Yeah, I am a non-traditional student at SCSU in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. My college has been fantastic in providing me with almost constant encouragement on finding jobs that pertain to my major which I can enter into now for additional income and on the job training. They have provided me with all of the financial aid awareness that they could- even clued me in on scholarships geared to non- traditional students. Gave me a list of possible graduate schools to attend and what routes to finish in a timely manner. My college has done it right. They even have you take Science, English, Math, and History placement tests so that you don't take a course and find you need a refresher course... so you don't waste money in course which you will potentiall fail. I think its my state. Minnesota really places a high emphasis on education. If I were you, I'd go to a different college, one that believes in me!

I don't know what state you are in but your college sounds HORRIBLE. It doesn't matter what stage of life you are in it is NEVER IMPOSSIBLE and NEVER TOO LATE to get a degree. hard work involved? Of course. But NOT impossible. It sounds like you need to look for colleges that have weekend programs or full blown "weekend college". If you are in or near NYC Dominican College in Orangeburg, NY has an AWESOME weekend college program. That is just one of many colleges like that. Going at night or during the day are not the only options for non-traditional students. You need to find a weekend college program. Good luck and you can do it!

Since you have many responsibilities maybe you should go to college part time. I went back in my late forties and completed college. It is easier to start at a community college and you can get your refresher courses there. You can take those courses for prerequisites to harder courses.

In my case I was very good in Math during my high school years, but I had forgot much of the Algebra. Therefore, I had to take refresher courses in which I made A's. I know that you can do this as well.

Community colleges where I live in Florida offer courses in student success that were very helpful with time management and study skills. Being older it was hard to remember all of the material necessary for the classes I took.

One bit of advice be sure to go to a college that is accredited in a way that if you should ever decide to get a master's degree in a public college your degree will transfer.

Students' return to college all the time and they have jobs and a family. It is very hard to balance, but it can be done.

If you first go to a community or junior college you will have all of the prerequisites out of the way; plus the tuition is cheaper. They really help the students to transition and have smaller classes.

I hope this helps. Good luck to you.

I feel you. I went back to college after I got out of the military. My first school didn't do anything for non-trad students. They were just concerned about all the high school kids. I know that they outnumber us 4-1, but still. So, I transferred.

At my current school, they have a program and multiple scholarships for the non-trad students, but I just found out about last week. Doesn't help me much. So, yeah, I think that my school should put it out there more, but the stuff they do have isn't too shabby.

this is not an advertisment for my alma mater but i went to nova southeastern university in ft lauderdale florida. i remember when i was there they were always stressing trying to make things easier for the non traditional student. they had clubs, special advisors, night classes tailored for people leaving their day jobs and commuting to classes after 6pm. you can check out their website at nova.edu.

caveat: its pricey. at the end of 4 years i had racked up 70k in just tuition. but as a florida resident i was able to get all sorts of grants and aid and ended up paying ZILCH. if youre interested, you may look into living here for a year 1st to get your residency.

What can colleges do better to assist nontraditional college students?

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