Abstract
Purpose. The major purpose of this study was to examine the influential factors, including institutional and demographic characteristics, affecting the nontraditional adult student's choice of a university. A secondary purpose of this study was to assess other influential factors affecting the nontraditional adult student's enrollment decisions, including career, personal, and family reasons. Methodology. This study used descriptive research and quantitative methods including Spearman correlation and the Mann-Whitney U test to address the research questions. A survey questionnaire consisting of 65 factors (demographic, institutional and student characteristics) was developed and administered among 361 random students, at three locations of National University. National University was selected because its programs and services are catered to nontraditional adult learners. Findings. The results of the study found that institutional characteristics had more influence on students' enrollment decisions than student characteristics. In particular, "flexibility" with programs, registration process, services, and user-friendly campuses were identified as the influential factors affecting nontraditional adult learners' decisions in selecting a university. This study also found no relationship between student demographic factors and institutional and/or student characteristics. Furthermore, four variables identified a significant difference between male and female students and how their gender impacted their choice of a university. These variables include institution's "fast-paced registration process," "clarity of the program requirement," "program of interest availability," and "affordable tuition and fees." Conclusions. Although, the results of the study cannot be generalized because it was conducted at one institution (National University), they provide valuable information on the factors influencing the student decision-making process, which may apply to other higher education institutions. These factors include fast-paced registration, open admission, personal admission advising, faculty advising and support, program availability, ability to finish a program in a shorter time, reasonable commute to the campus, adequate parking, financial aid availability, financial aid advising, student orientation, and technology-based education. Recommendations for Future Research. Four studies are recommended. (1) Replicate this study at a four-year public institution to determine if the findings are the same as those of this study. (2) Conduct a similar study and include a survey of faculty and administration to determine if their perceptions are the same as the findings of this study. (3) Replicate this study for online students. (4) Conduct a similar study to assess students' enrollment decisions based on their ethnicities.