Date Approved

5-9-2008

Embargo Period

3-23-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in Higher Education Administration

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Sisco, Burton R.

Subject(s)

Adult college students--New Jersey; College attendance--New Jersey

Disciplines

Higher Education Administration

Abstract

Adult students are considerably different as compared to the more traditional college-aged student. Along with school work adult students must grapple with work and family responsibilities presenting many challenges and time demands. Rowan University has evolved from more of a commuter institution to a traditional school with increased numbers of full-time enrollments and fewer part-time students. With this change, the needs of today's adult students may not be met and could potentially create an enrollment and student services problem for Rowan University.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the adult student population of Rowan University to see if there was a decline in enrollment and to look at their satisfaction with university services. An ex post facto study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the enrollment trends at Rowan University from 1997 through 2007. The data were analyzed and it was determined that the population of adult students and part time students has seen a dramatic decline over the 10 years studied. The undergraduate adult student population at Rowan was surveyed in late February 2008 and it was concluded that while the adult students are mostly satisfied with the services provided, there are areas needing improvement. The demographic factors compared to adult students' levels of satisfaction showed only a few instances of statistical significance. While the data supports the decline in adult students it appears the university is taking action to increase and better serve the adult population.

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