A traditional student is a category of students at colleges and universities. Traditional students are contrasted with non-traditional students.National Center for Education Statistics. "Nontraditional Undergraduates", Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. (pp. 2-3) Accessed 10 July 2017.
In the United States, it is used to refer to undergraduate students under 25 years old who enroll directly from high school, attend full-time, and do not have major life and work responsibilities (e.g., full-time job or dependents).National Center for Education Statistics. "Nontraditional Undergraduates", Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. (p. 1) Accessed 10 July 2017. Currently around 75% of undergrads have at least 1 nontraditional characteristic.Yesterday's Nontraditional Student is Today's Traditional Student. Center for Law and Social Policy, June 29, 2011.
It is frequently observed that traditional higher education programs and policies are geared toward, and the outcome of, the previous era when traditional students were the main market for higher education.
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