Forbes recently published an article on a report that described nontraditional students as the “new majority” of higher education learners in the United States.

I have three studies on “college outcomes.” Here are college outcomes statistics for the average college student:

• Thirty-nine percent drop out.
• Twenty-seven percent graduate but find themselves underemployed or unemployed.
• Thirty-four percent succeed, graduate and score a well-paying, professional job.

As a nontraditional student, you may be more mature, but you will have several risk factors that you need to consider.

Gap Year Penalty

Statistically, every year you defer matriculating reduces your chances of success. A one-year gap is not a big deal, but four years is significant.

Working

If you will be working more than twenty hours per week, that is a huge red flag.

Part Time Attendance

Students attending college part time are subject to the “Stuff Happens” rule, i.e. they have a higher drop-out rate.

Independent

If you are independent, there is no “Bank of Mom and Dad.”

Life and Financial Complications

At age 18 students usually have a relatively clean slate. For example, they usually are not caretakers for children or parents. Where do things stand with you?

Academically Unprepared

Nontraditional students tend to be academically underprepared for college-level work. Included in this group are 1st Gen college students, immigrants who are new to America’s higher education culture, veterans, and individuals from underrepresented communities.

Opportunity Cost

Opportunity Cost is the value of the next-best alternative you give up whenever you make a choice. How much money will you be giving up by quitting your full-time job for four years? This impacts your return on investment.

Student Loans

Most traditional college students who take out student loans never score a “college” job, in which case they have a really difficult time paying off those loans. If you need student loans, your odds are even worse because your graduation rate is going to be lower.

Bottom Line

Making a success of college is difficult. Only one in three students who matriculate graduate and score a “college” job. Succeeding as a nontraditional student is even tougher. Sorry, I have to ask the question, “Is it really a good idea for nontraditional students to pursue a four-year degree?”

Before you “shoot the messenger,” let’s look at a 1st Gen student. They only have a 26% graduation rate. In my experience, the parents of 1st Gen students are usually not in a good position to help their students line up internships or job interviews. Two thirds of them need student loans. I would be amazed if 10% of these students succeeded.

In general, my advice is that the majority of students finishing secondary school should be spending their time, money, and energy at that pivotal point of their lives exploring vocational training opportunities that lead to lucrative New-Collar or skilled trades (Blue-Collar) jobs. Military service is another option. It offers structured job training, steady pay, healthcare benefits, and money for future education or certifications.

I am going to “double down” on that advice for nontraditional students.

Notes

According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 74% of all undergraduate students possess at least one nontraditional characteristic.

If neither of your parents earned a bachelor’s degree, you are 1st Gen.

Eighteen percent of immigrants entering college need to learn English as a second language.