Special Student Populations

 

Much as there are many flavors of ice cream to choose from in an ice cream shop, there is no one-size-fits-all definition of today’s students. There are many different kinds of students with a variety of needs. From a policy perspective, it is important to report on these special populations of students, and to describe how their outcomes and situations may vary.

Adult Learners

About a quarter of Minnesota undergraduates are aged 25 or older. This population, also known as “adult learners” typically has a postsecondary experience that is distinct from that of students who enroll in college immediately following high school graduation. As Minnesota seeks to boost the state’s overall attainment rate, it is important for the state to understand the unique demographics and needs of this group of students.

Reports

• Minnesota’s Adult Learners: Examining First-Enrolled and Stop-Out Adult Learners in Minnesota [14 pgs; release date December 2022]

Student Parents

Roughly 10% of Minnesota undergraduates who apply for a Minnesota State Grant are student parents. This unique population of students is distinct from both students who enroll in college immediately following high school graduation and from other adult learners.

Reports

• Undergraduates with Children, 2016-2017 [release date: 2018]
• Undergraduate Student Parents in Minnesota [6 pgs; release date: April 2020]