A Comparison of the Psychosocial Developmental Levels of Traditional Freshman and Nontraditional Freshman Students: Are They Really Different?

Data collected during new-student orientation on nontraditional-age freshman and traditional-age freshman students, who had never before attended an institution of higher education, indicated that there were more psychosocial similarities than differences between them. This research suggests that first-entry nontraditional students experience some of the same needs and concerns in higher education as do their younger peers. Referrals to existing advising services may help these students overcome discouragements and barriers to success in their educational endeavors.