An American English term referring to students at higher education institutions (undergraduate college or university) whom are not of the typical age or societal situation as the majority of their peers. In the United States, college students are typically age 18-22, unmarried, and without physical or learning disabilities. In contrast, non-traditional students may be individuals who achieved their GED late, former homemakers preparing to join the workforce, unsuccessful business people training for a different profession, or an individual using a motorized wheelchair or an animal companion.

The term is not generally used for secondary students who have been left back. Nor is it used as widely in graduate school, where some programs reach as high as 50% of students returning for further education from time in the workforce.