"New Majority" College Students Are Looking for Something Different

Students on a non-traditional path are now the rule, not the exception -- and are thriving at schools like DeVry University

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DeVry University

Jun 09, 2016, 10:00 ET

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., June 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- For decades, students with full-time jobs, families at home or several years between credit hours were considered outliers, or "non-traditional students." Today, however, they constitute nearly 75 percent of America's undergraduate student body, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This "New Majority" consists of working adults who are managing the demands of school, work and family life, and are looking at higher education with a different set of expectations and priorities.

Meet the non-traditional students who are now the majority in colleges and universities across America.

Like DeVry University graduate Thomas Wolfe, a father of four who balanced a full-time job while in college, nearly 75 percent of undergraduate students today could be considered “non-traditional.”

To Felipe Dugrot, a solutions support engineer for GE Healthcare, a bachelor’s degree symbolizes freedom and opportunity, and he is passionate about honing the skills he learned in school on the job.

Andres Hernandez, a data engineer at American Express, says he chose DeVry University because it was in tune with what his industry needed and prepared him to deliver on those expectations.

Thomas Wolfe, a DeVry University graduate, says it was essential the school he attended offered courses customizable to his schedule so he could earn his degree while also balancing his full-time job at Sapa Extrusions.

Felipe Dugrot, a father of two who graduated from DeVry University, says he wanted a school that offered flexible online courses, and the expertise essential for careers in technology.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7693951-devry-degree-programs-for-new-majority

At schools like DeVry University, the New Majority students are finding the flexibility they need. Whether they're looking for flexible course schedules, stackable certification programs or the ability to mix and match different modes of immersive learning, these students turn to DeVry University for degree programs and skill sets that can be immediately applied in the workplace.

Meet three New Majority graduates and learn more about what today's college student is searching for in higher education:

Felipe Dugrot, network support engineer, GE Healthcare
- Dugrot worked full-time and raised two children while taking classes at DeVry University's campus in Chicago. He earned his bachelor's degree in network and communications management, and is a solutions support engineer.
Andres Hernandez, data engineer, American Express
- Hernandez worked several jobs and launched a music startup in Phoenix while he attended DeVry University. He earned his bachelor's degree in computer and information sciences and support services, and is a data engineer.
Thomas Wolfe, plant controller, Sapa Extrusions
- A father of four, Wolfe worked full-time at Sapa Extrusions while enrolled at DeVry University in Atlanta. He earned his bachelor's degree in technical management with a specialization in business intelligence and analytics management, and is a plant controller.

"Non-traditional students like Thomas, Andres and Felipe value hands-on, immersive learning opportunities that give them the skills to make an immediate impact on the job," said Scarlett Howery, group president of DeVry University in Atlanta. "These students had specific career goals and needed the flexibility and resources that could help them acquire the necessary skills for their career paths, without pressing the 'pause' button on the rest of their lives."

To learn more about DeVry University, visit devry.edu.

About DeVry University
DeVry University is committed to helping students succeed in the classroom and in their careers. Since 1931, DeVry has focused on understanding and serving students and employers, meeting their unique needs by designing education for growing career fields and delivering it in new and compelling ways. Today, our students take advantage of a variety of learning options — on campus, online or in unique classrooms connected by immersive, interactive technology. In all of these environments, DeVry students are taught by faculty with real-world insights, while experiencing curricula that is shaped by input from industry leaders to ensure they obtain the critical knowledge and skills employers need.

DeVry University offers certificate, undergraduate and master's degree programs in business, technology and healthcare technology, among others. The university is institutionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC, www.hlcommission.org) and is part of DeVry Education Group (NYSE: DV), a global provider of educational services. For more information, visit us at newsroom.devry.edu.

SOURCE DeVry University