A new report from Common App reveals that financially independent students, such as adult learners and veterans, constitute a rapidly growing segment of the college applicant pool. Over the past eight years, independent applicants have more than doubled, particularly among those over 23 years old and with children. Despite this growth, their enrollment and graduation rates at four-year institutions lag behind traditional students. Only about 30% of independent applicants over 23 enrolled in four-year programs, pointing to significant barriers in access and completion for this group.
The independent applicant pool, including low-income and first-generation students, has significantly increased, yet their enrollment and completion rates remain notably lower than traditional peers.
This demographic of students faces unique challenges, illustrated by the fact that less than 30% of applicants over 23 enrolled in four-year institutions.
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