What it Means to be a Nontraditional Student and How to Succeed
College isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. And today, more students than ever are taking paths that don’t fit the old, traditional mold. You might be returning after time away, balancing a full-time job or family responsibilities, transferring from another school, or finally deciding it’s your moment to pursue the degree you’ve always wanted.
In this blog, we explore what it actually means to be a nontraditional student, the strengths you already bring to the classroom, and the flexible options that can help you earn a degree on a timeline that works for your life.
What is a nontraditional student?
Every student story looks a little different, but here are some experiences that often resonate:
- You’re working full- or part-time while earning your degree, using your income to support tuition or living expenses.
- You began at a community college and are now preparing to transfer into a bachelor’s program.
- You stepped away from your studies for a period of time and are returning with renewed clarity or a new sense of purpose.
- You’re balancing parenting or caregiving responsibilities with your academic goals.
- You’re a veteran adjusting to civilian life and looking for programs aligned with your next chapter.
- You’re the first in your family to attend college, navigating processes that may feel new at every step.
- You’re 25, 35, or older, finishing a degree you started earlier, or beginning something entirely new.
If you see yourself in any of those scenarios, you are considered a “nontraditional” student. But that label doesn’t mean you’re behind or out of place. It simply reflects the real life you’re living while working toward your goals. In many ways, the experiences you bring to the table can actually give you an advantage, both inside and outside the classroom.
Benefits of Being a Nontraditional Student
You Bring Life Experience That Elevates Learning.
Whether you’ve worked full time, raised a family, served in the military, navigated community responsibilities, or traveled a path uniquely your own, you bring real-world insight into the classroom. Those lived experiences shape how you approach problems, participate in discussions, and support your peers.
You Have Clearer Motivation and Purpose.
Starting or returning to college later in life often comes with a stronger sense of direction. You understand why you’re pursuing your degree, and that clarity fuels focus, persistence, and a dedication to your goals—even when managing competing priorities.
You’ve Already Built Skills That Support Academic Success.
Experience managing schedules, families, workplaces, and responsibilities builds resilience, discipline, communication, and organization. Those strengths directly support your academic success.
You Add to the College Community and Student Experience.
Nontraditional students contribute depth, maturity, and diverse perspectives that strengthen campus culture. Your voice helps classmates think differently, broaden their worldview, and learn from experiences beyond textbooks. In many ways, you naturally inspire others, showing that there are many valid, successful paths to earning a degree.
How St. John’s Makes College More Affordable for All Students
Institutional Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Support
Finances play a major role in planning your education, and St. John’s offers several forms of support tailored to different student pathways:
Scholarships and Merit-Based Aid
Explore a wide range of University scholarships available to full-time, part-time, and returning students.
Military and Veteran Benefits
If you’ve served or are currently serving in the military, you may qualify for several military veteran benefits to financially support your academic journey.
Transfer Student Scholarships
Students transferring from another college may be eligible for generous transfer merit and scholarship awards that recognize academic achievement and potential.
External Scholarship and Grant Opportunities
As a nontraditional student, you may also be eligible for
Federal and State Aid
You can still receive federal and state financial assistance as a nontraditional student. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) may unlock grants like the Federal Pell Grant, as well as New York State programs that apply no matter your age or academic timeline. These forms of aid do not need to be repaid, making them a strong foundation for any financial plan.
Scholarship Search Platforms
Several reputable websites compile scholarships for students from all backgrounds. Tools such as Sallie Mae and Scholarships.com allow you to filter opportunities based on your age, field of study, enrollment status, or personal situation.
Workforce and Employer-Sponsored Support
If you’re currently employed, your workplace may offer tuition reimbursement or professional development funding. Several industries and workforce development programs also provide grants for adults looking to upskill, reskill, or move into high-demand fields.
Community and Local Resources
Local organizations—including community foundations, civic groups, and public libraries—often list scholarships in their region.
Ready to take the next step toward your degree?
At St. John’s University, you’ll find programs designed to fit real life, whether you’re returning to school, balancing work and family, or charting a new professional path.
Related Blog Posts
College Rankings: What They Mean for Your Search
College rankings are everywhere, from search results and brochures to social media and everyday conversations. With so many lists out there, it can feel like numbers alone are shaping your future, especially when a school ranks higher on one list and lower on another.
Rankings can be helpful. They offer students and families a quick snapshot of how colleges perform in certain areas. But no two rankings measure success the same way, and no single list tells the full story of a college experience.
In this blog, you learn how college rankings are created, where to find the most reliable ones, and how to use them thoughtfully as you narrow your college choices and make a confident final decision.
College Application Checklist: Requirements, Tips, and Timeline
Essays, recommendation letters, deadlines, score reports; applying to college is a lot. But with a clear plan, you’ll stay on top of everything and avoid last-minute stress.
This simple college application checklist guides you on what you need, when to do it, and how to succeed.
4 Flexible Ways to Earn a College Degree on Your Schedule
The traditional college model wasn’t designed for the way most students live today. Work schedules, family responsibilities, financial realities, and shifting timelines all influence how—and when—you pursue your degree. For many, the biggest challenge isn’t choosing a major; it’s finding a pathway that actually aligns with the life you’re already managing. That’s why colleges and universities like St. John’s University are reshaping what flexible learning can look like.
In this guide, we break down four realistic pathways that give you more control over how you learn so you can find an option that truly fits.
Core Curriculum, Prereqs, Electives: College Class Terms Explained
Confused by core curriculum or prereqs? Get a clear guide to college course types and learn how St. John’s University supports your academic success.
How to Find a Strong Academic Program That Supports Your Goals
What does it really mean when someone says a university has a strong nursing program or a great business school? How do they know? And more importantly, how can you know?
In this post, we walk through the telling signs of a high-quality academic program and how to do your college research successfully, using St. John’s University as a real-world example.