Date of Award

2025

Degree Name

Leadership Studies

College

College of Education and Professional Development

Type of Degree

Ed.D.

Document Type

Dissertation

First Advisor

Dr. Feon Smith

Second Advisor

Dr. Bobbi Nicholson

Third Advisor

Dr. Michelle Morgan

Abstract

Non-traditional students are adult learners that begin working on an undergraduate degree after their 25th birthday, many of whom enroll in a flexible baccalaureate program. These are programs that involve some component of learning outside of a traditional classroom (i.e., online, a job-site, etc.). The purpose of this research study was to investigate the like-experiences that exist among non-traditional students that left education and later returned, and to investigate desirable alternatives for students considering dropping out (taking time away). Three research questions guided this study, they were as follows:

  1. To what extent do personal events contribute to students choosing to take time away from their post-secondary education?
  2. To what extent do personal events contribute to students’ choosing to return to postsecondary education after they take time away?
  3. Which, if any, of the existing re-enrollment best practices of flexible baccalaureate programs, if offered prior to their intended departure, would be desirable alternatives to students taking time away, thus keeping these post-secondary students enrolled?

Using a qualitative research design, this study conducted six semi-structured interviews. Data analysis indicated that there were patterns that existed among adult learners based on financial status, learning preferences, and familial relationships. The conclusions drawn from the study highlight the opportunity for policymakers to remove systemic financial barriers for adults seeking undergraduate learning. Additionally, the study outlines actionable initiatives which post-secondary intuitions can adopt to address the unique challenges of adult learners including support for caretakers, sudden crises, the need for employment, and more. This study contributes to the body of academic literature on non-traditional students by providing key insight into lived experiences. Given the specific scope of this study, future research should focus on nontraditional students from affluent backgrounds and those that leave education for longer than ten years.

Subject(s)

Continuing education.

Adult education.

Education, Higher.

Web-based instruction.

College dropouts.

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