Contrary to widely held belief, most college students are older adults—not recent high school graduates. Today’s students are more likely than in the past to be Black, Hispanic, Latino, or Native American. Many are from low-income families. These nontraditional students are in college or are pursuing training after high school. Many are older adults with college experience who did not finish their degrees and certificate programs or earn industry-recognized certifications in IT, skilled trades, or licensed professions. These students are often caregivers for parents and children, work full or part time, and have trouble securing health insurance, meeting transportation needs, lining up childcare, feeding and clothing their families, and finding stable housing.
