What does the average college student look like? There isn’t really an “average” student anymore. The perception used to be that many are between the ages of 18-25. They are all attending full-time. And they generally come from middle to upper class families.
However, there are more non-traditional students joining the college group. Adults who are returning to school after a life of working and supporting a family. Teens and adults from lower-income households are finding the means (many through governmental loans and financial aid and working jobs) to attend college for the first time. A mix of ethnicities are enrolling as colleges are endeavoring for more diverse campuses. About one-third of all undergraduates are working adults.
These non-traditional students have other concerns beyond their school work. And these concerns have a huge impact on their lives. The added stress is a factor as to whether they stay in school, how good their grades are, and how committed they are to their goals.