Motivations and experiences of older transfer students in engineering

Non-traditional students older than traditional college age (18-24) face particular challenges in the demanding engineering curriculum. In this qualitative study we explore the unique aspects of their motivation for studying engineering, prior experiences, and impact of family life on these students. We find that job opportunities were the primary motivation for most of the students to pursue an engineering degree and prior work experience in the field was a factor in major selection for many who chose electrical or mechanical. Proximity and cost were primary reasons for choosing the transfer pathway and the sending and receiving institutions, although reputation was more often cited as the reason to choose the receiving institution. Students with families received significant motivation and support from them, but also faced unique challenges, including commuting or living apart. These factors limited their ability to integrate into campus life and develop a support network with other students. These students cited a number of advantages of returning to school after years away, among them a laser focus on their goals, practical technical experience that their younger classmates lack, and general maturity.