In recent years, the profile of the traditional college student has changed.
According to a Higher Learning Advocates policy brief, in the fall of 2017, 24% of students were parents, 37% were older than 25 and 49% were financially independent. Close to 40% of students were part-time.
The brief, “Policies Impacting Today’s Part-Time Students: Boosting College Access and Completion for All,” provides recommendations to institutions in order to improve the success rate for part-time students.
Emily Bouck West, deputy executive director at Higher Learning Advocates, said she hopes that the brief allows policymakers and institutions to think more intentionally about the needs of part-time students.
“The current higher education system is really designed for a certain type of student — full-time students who pursue higher education right after high school,” she added. “And as today’s students continue to become more diverse, institutions should consider how they can ensure all types of students have every opportunity to succeed.”
For full-time students, 66% are likely to complete a credential within eight years at a public four-year institution, compared to only 42% of part-time students, according to the report.
Since 81% of part-time students are employed and 46% work 35 or more hours per week, busy schedules often provide restrictions. For example, many student support services such as tutoring, mentoring or counseling are only offered during the day. Therefore, part-time students miss opportunities to gain information about academic resources or financial aid packages.
