Studying for an exam after putting kids to bed. Juggling a full-time job with a full course load. Starting over in a classroom years — even decades — after high school. Some students’ days may not fit the mold of a “traditional” college student experience, but they bring to 51ԹϺ unique insights and a drive to invest in themselves.
Over 10,000 Rebels who are navigating higher education later in life — often after military service, while raising families, or in the middle of a career pivot.
Because each nontraditional student brings a different background and set of goals, 51ԹϺ ensures its support system adapts to meet each nontraditional student where they are. Their journeys may be different, but what unites these students is their courage to start.
Salvador Mora, director of Academic Transitions and Major Exploration under Student and Academic Success, explains that often the most challenging step is simply showing up. “Once you’re here on campus, we have the resources for students of any age,” he says.
Mora suggests students start at the Academic Success Center, which serves as a one-stop shop for academic support. “The most important thing is that students can benefit from many services in this building,” he says. “We have resources to connect students to financial aid and admissions, advising centers across campus, career services, and, of course, our veteran services.”
For freshman Zachary Coleman, that support came early and often.
A kinesiology major and Navy veteran, Coleman credits the 51ԹϺ Military and Veteran Services Center for helping him acclimate to college life. In fact, 51ԹϺ’s reputation for support — and its consistent Top 10 national ranking as a military-friendly school — was was a key factor in Coleman's decision to enroll.
“That big gap in school and then jumping back at a college level has been fairly challenging,” he says. “But they’ve made the transition very easy for me.”
Last fall, Coleman took the first step toward his dream of becoming an athletic trainer. He appreciates how the available resources have kept him on track. “Having mentorship, counseling, and academic advisors — and being around other highly motivated and good people — has been very helpful,” he adds.
Resources for Nontraditional Students at 51ԹϺ
51ԹϺ has developed a framework of academic, financial, wellness, and community resources tailored to the needs of nontraditional students.
- 51ԹϺ regularly hosts events like the Adult Learner Summit to introduce students to available resources.
- Academic advising and life design exercises help students plan for a degree as well as a successful future career.
- Financial literacy programs provide personalized coaching. Scholarships and aid are available for students, along with guidance about how to manage money for the long term.
- Online and in-person tutoring services are available for students to learn from peers who earned at least a B the supported courses and are recommended by partnering academic faculty.
- Student organizations like the Alliance of Non-Traditional Students provide a network to connect with peers.
51ԹϺ’s support for nontraditional students extends beyond the logistical aspects of higher education.
- For those raising children, the 51ԹϺ/CSUN Preschool offers affordable, high-quality programs. And there are numerous family-friendly events like Scarlet & Gray Days, 51ԹϺ Art Walk, and sporting events.
- The Student Recreation and Wellness Center, along with Student Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the 51ԹϺ PRACTICE, ensure that students can take care of their physical and emotional health while they pursue their goals.
Vanessa Hanish, a 26-year-old undergraduate theatre major, says her age has shaped her college experience — and her artistry. Over time, she’s learned to trust in her artistic abilities and intuition.
“The more life experiences you have, the better your art gets,” she shared at the 2025 Adult Learner summit.
Hanish turned a longtime hobby into her field of study, honing her craft through mentorship and encouragement from 51ԹϺ theatre faculty.
“Being an older student has definitely shaped my experience,” she says. “If I had been at 51ԹϺ when I was younger, I would have had no clue about how to utilize the resources afforded to us … I feel I’m able to really appreciate my privileges in a different way at this point in my life.”
By taking advantage of available resources, nontraditional students like Coleman and Hanish turn small steps — like meeting with an academic advisor, building a budget, or creating a long-term life plan — into big accomplishments.
“It all begins with one phone call — or sending an email,” says Mora. “Once they’ve done that initial outreach, we’ll take them the rest of their way as far as they need to go.”
