Same same but different? Non-traditional students and alumni in Germany

The article gives an overview about current research of non-traditional students and alumni in Germany. Its aim is to highlight similarities and differences with their traditional counterparts. The paper concentrates on the motivation to study, the study performance, and labor market success (status and income) of those who do not hold a traditional higher education entry certificate but entered university via their occupational qualification. We show a widespread divergence in findings from no statistical difference at all to clear differences between non-traditionals and traditionals. This holds true, with regard to student motivation, study performance, and labor market success after graduation. We conclude that biggest challenge are the non-completion rates of non-traditionals, which pose a development task for institutions of higher education. (DIPF/Orig.