Why Non-Traditional Students Need Support and Where to Find It

The Growing Need for Support in Higher Education

Higher education in the United States is not limited to recent high school graduates living on campus. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, millions of non-traditional students—including working professionals, parents, military veterans, and first-generation college students—enroll in colleges and universities each year.

But while their determination sets them apart, these learners face unique challenges. From balancing jobs and families to managing tuition costs, non-traditional students need access to support systems in higher education to be successful.

What is a Non-Traditional Student?

Non-traditional students typically include:

• Adult learners returning to school after years away.
• Working adults balancing jobs while studying part-time or online.
• Parents and caregivers managing childcare and education simultaneously.
• First-generation college students navigating higher education for the first time in their families.
• Military veterans transitioning into civilian careers through education.

These students enrich higher education programs with maturity and perspective, but their needs differ from the traditional 18–22-year-old full-time student.

Why Support Systems Matter for Non-Traditional Students

Support systems are more than “nice to have”—they directly affect student retention, academic success, and graduation rates. Key challenges non-traditional students face include:

1. Time Management – Balancing family, work, and school often requires flexible scheduling and guidance.
   
2. Financial Pressures – Non-traditional learners are more likely to self-fund tuition, making scholarships, grants, and financial aid counseling essential.
   
3. Technology Gaps – Returning students may struggle with online platforms and digital tools.
   
4. Feelings of Isolation – Older or part-time students can feel disconnected from campus life and from other, younger students.
   
5. Confidence Gaps – After years away from school, academic work may feel intimidating without tutoring or mentorship.
   

Without effective support, many non-traditional students risk dropping out before completing their degree.

Where to Find Support in U.S. Colleges and Universities

Fortunately, most colleges, universities, and community programs across the U.S. offer resources for their more traditional students and these can also benefit adult learners and working students.

On-Campus Academic Support

• Advising Services: Help with course planning, degree mapping, and balancing workloads.
• Tutoring and Writing Centers: One-on-one or group support for difficult classes.
• Career Services: Resume reviews, internships, and job search assistance for adult career changers.
• Flexible Scheduling: Some higher education institutions offer evening, weekend, hybrid, and online classes designed for working adults.
  

Mental Health & Personal Support

• Counseling Centers: Stress and anxiety management for students juggling multiple roles.
• Family Services: Some universities offer childcare or family resource centers for student parents.
• Student Success Coaches: Dedicated staff who check in on progress and provide accountability.
  

Community and Online Resources

• Scholarships for Non-Traditional Learners: Many national and local organizations fund adult students.
• Local Libraries & Nonprofits: Free workshops, tutoring, and study spaces.
• Online Communities: Facebook groups, LinkedIn networks, and forums for working students and parents in college.
• Test Prep Companies: Companies like Achieve Test Prep prepare students for credit by exam in flexible, online courses that shorten the time it takes to earn a degree.
  

What is Credit by Exam and How Does it Work?

For many non-traditional learners, credit by exam is a powerful way to save time and money on a degree. Instead of taking a full-semester course, students can demonstrate their knowledge in a subject by passing a standardized exam such as CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) or DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests). If they achieve a passing score, they earn college credit just as if they had completed the class. 

This option is especially beneficial for adult learners, working professionals, or parents who may already have real-world experience in areas like business, psychology, or foreign languages. By using the credit by exam method, non-traditional students can shorten their path to graduation, reduce tuition costs, and create a more flexible academic plan that fits around work and family obligations.

Who Accepts Credits Earned with the Credit by Exam Method?

Credits earned through exams like CLEP and DSST are widely accepted, but it depends on the institution. In the U.S., more than 2,900 colleges and universities accept these credits. Credit by exam programs are especially popular at community colleges, state universities, and adult-focused institutions that serve large numbers of non-traditional learners.

However, every school sets its own policies. Some may cap the number of exam-based credits you can apply toward your degree, while others may only accept certain subjects. For example, one college might award full credit for a CLEP psychology exam, while another may count it only as an elective. Military-friendly colleges and online universities are often the most flexible with exam credits, since they are designed to help working adults and veterans complete their degrees faster.

The key takeaway: Always check your chosen school’s credit transfer policy before taking an exam to earn credit, to make sure your hard work translates into real degree progress.

Are There Support Systems for Credit by Exam?

Absolutely. Preparing for a credit by exam test can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s been years since you last studied a subject. Fortunately, there are multiple support systems available:

• Test Prep Programs: Companies like Achieve Test Prep offer structured online study programs with live instruction, tutoring, mentoring, and practice exams to help students prepare for CLEP and DSST tests.
  
• Academic Advising: Education Advisors at Achieve as well as college advisors can guide students on which exams best align with their degree requirements so no time or money is wasted.
  
• Peer and Community Support: Online forums, Facebook groups, and student organizations often provide encouragement, tips, and study strategies.
  
• Military & Veteran Services: Some military education centers offer CLEP/DSST prep resources and even cover exam costs for active-duty service members.
  
  

For non-traditional learners—especially parents, working adults, or military members—these support systems make credit by exam a practical way to accelerate degree completion without sacrificing quality and while gaining confidence.

Why U.S. Higher Education Needs to Invest in Support Systems

Colleges and universities that prioritize non-traditional learner support programs benefit in multiple ways:

• Higher student retention and graduation rates.
• Stronger alumni engagement, especially from adult learners.
• A more diverse and inclusive student body that reflects the real U.S. workforce.

By providing clear pathways to resources—whether financial aid guidance, flexible course options, or mental health counseling—higher education institutions help ensure that students of all backgrounds can achieve their academic and career goals.

Why Focusing on Non-Traditional Learners in Higher Education Matters

Non-traditional learners represent a growing and vital part of higher education in the U.S. Their experiences enrich classrooms and communities, but their challenges make support systems in higher education more important than ever.

Support systems aren’t just helpful—they’re the foundation for non-traditional student success. Whether through academic advising, financial aid counseling, online communities, or credit by exam prep the right resources can make the difference between struggling and thriving in higher education.

If you are an adult learner, parent, or working student considering college, remember: you don’t have to do it alone. Colleges, universities, community organizations and companies like Achieve Test Prep are investing in resources designed to help you succeed.