Because of the increase in recent years in
educational programs designed to accommodate the
working adult in the completion of a bachelor's
degree in a non-traditional format, this study
focused on adult students who had been in (had
either graduated or dropped from the program prior
to graduation) or were currently involved in the non-
traditional format. The purpose of this study was
to determine adult student expectations in
relationship to educational outcomes and benefits
experienced both during the process of and after
obtaining the baccalaureate degree.
Research on the traditional-age college student
suggests that extending one's education beyond high
school by attending college and obtaining a
bachelor's degree is beneficial to both the
individual and to society. However, because of the
paucity of research specific to the adult segment of
the college population it was not known if the same
would be true for the adult population. It is for
that reason that a grounded theory approach was
taken.
educational programs designed to accommodate the
working adult in the completion of a bachelor's
degree in a non-traditional format, this study
focused on adult students who had been in (had
either graduated or dropped from the program prior
to graduation) or were currently involved in the non-
traditional format. The purpose of this study was
to determine adult student expectations in
relationship to educational outcomes and benefits
experienced both during the process of and after
obtaining the baccalaureate degree.
Research on the traditional-age college student
suggests that extending one's education beyond high
school by attending college and obtaining a
bachelor's degree is beneficial to both the
individual and to society. However, because of the
paucity of research specific to the adult segment of
the college population it was not known if the same
would be true for the adult population. It is for
that reason that a grounded theory approach was
taken.