Adult Students' Academic and Intellectual Development in College

Abstract

The ACT College Outcomes Survey was used with a national sample of approximately 28,000 undergraduate students to evaluate the effects of the college environment on academic and intellectual development and to contrast the outcomes for adult learners with those of younger students. Adult and younger students were also compared regarding their involvement and participation in the college environment and a factor analysis was used to identify broad outcome themes deemed important by the adults. The findings show adults were much less involved than younger students in campus activities and much more involved in caring for their families. Despite this lower level of involvement in the college environment, adults reported slightly higher levels of growth than did younger students on most academic and intellectual items. The factor analysis of index scores resulted in five broad intellectual and academic themes including: broadening one's intellectual interests, critical thinking skills, enhancing study skills, career development, and understanding and applying science and technology.