By Lesa 
Dreaming of a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics? Think you’d make a great STEM professional?
Good news!
Millions of working adults and parents are finding alternative pathways into STEM careers every year. And they’re doing it while balancing jobs, families and other responsibilities. Yes… real life.
The barriers holding back nontraditional students from entering STEM fields are falling.
STEM careers are in high demand, but there aren’t enough qualified people to fill them.
Aquatic habitat restoration is just one of many fields nontraditional students are breaking into. For those interested in protecting marine ecosystems and waterways, pursuing an online marine biology degree is a great way to learn about aquatic habitat restoration.
The opportunities for STEM careers are out there. You just have to know where to look.
What you’ll discover:
- Why Nontraditional Students Are Crushing it in STEM
- Common Barriers (And How To Overcome Them)
- Online Programs Are Becoming More Popular
- In-Demand STEM Fields
- Next Steps to Take Today
Why Nontraditional Students Are Crushing it in STEM
Here’s the thing…
If you want to secure a high-paying job that holds valuable job security, STEM careers are the way to go. The median annual wage for STEM occupations is $101,650 while the median for non-STEM jobs is $46,680.
That’s a pretty nice paycheck. Right?
But besides salary, nontraditional students offer experience that recent college grads don’t.
Things like real-world experience, life experience, and the motivation that comes with raising a family and having something of a “full life.”
These are qualities that STEM fields desperately need. That’s why so many students are returning to school to earn their degree or technical certification.
According to research done by the National Student Clearinghouse, nontraditional undergraduate enrollment grew between 16.7% and 19.7% in Fall 2024. Meanwhile, the traditional student enrollment declined.
Students without any children enrolling in college are dropping. Students who do have children rushing to get their STEM degree are skyrocketing.
Common Barriers (And How To Overcome Them)
Okay, so nontraditional students are enrolling in college at record rates. But what about life responsibilities like childcare, financial obligations, or work schedules?
There are always going to be barriers that prevent students from taking the leap. But here are a few things holding adults back from STEM careers:
- Time constraints
- Financial responsibilities
- Fear that they don’t belong
- Traditional prerequisites
Here’s the good news…
The same report mentioned above from the National Student Clearinghouse explained that more colleges are making their curriculum available for students with nontraditional backgrounds. From accelerated programs to new prerequisite options, schools are now finally giving adults a way into STEM careers.
Online colleges have also popped up everywhere to allow students to earn credits at their own pace. Financial aid opportunities are growing for adult learners.
Education isn’t what it used to be. Anyone who was discouraged from entering a STEM career in the past should know that now is the time to jump back in.
Online Programs Are Becoming More Popular
Want to know what has changed for the better? Look no further than online college programs.
As mentioned before, students who aren’t 18 years old aren’t coming into college with a blank slate.
Why are they making them take classes that they don’t need? Online programs allow students to pick what courses they take and when they take them.
Benefits of learning online:
- Go at your own pace.
- Watch lectures when it’s convenient for you.
- Learn about niche topics you won’t find at your local college.
- Save money.
The benefits of online learning are hard to overstate. But simply put: it allows nontraditional students to actually have lives outside of college.
Online colleges are increasing in number every year. And once an employer sees a degree from an accredited university, they won’t care that it was earned online.
In-Demand STEM Fields
Anyone with an opinion about the future of our planet knows STEM careers focused on environmental science are booming.
Aquatic habitat restoration is a skill that will only be needed more and more as ecosystems continue to suffer.
Here are a few other fields that are wide open for nontraditional students:
- Software development
- Cybersecurity
- Data science
- Biomedical sciences
- Nursing
- Public health
- Civil engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Renewable energy engineering
Since there is a huge shortage of qualified professionals in STEM, any job related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is fair game when searching for careers.
Simply because of demand, nontraditional students can explore an entire variety of opportunities out there. Don’t sell yourself short by thinking you won’t find a job in a certain STEM field.
Next Steps to Take Today
The best place to start is by researching online programs and exploring STEM careers that match your interests. Because your interest in a field will greatly influence your performance and motivation.
Learning about different STEM careers is exciting. There are so many paths worth exploring.
Already have an idea of what you want to do? That’s great. Here are some next steps:
- Look for online programs that offer the flexibility you’re looking for.
- Apply for scholarships specifically for working adults.
- Find a mentor that’s already in the field.
- Take one class to see how you like it before committing.
You don’t need to jump right in with both feet. But please take action. You’ll never get into a STEM career without at least looking into it.
Wrapping It All Up
Nontraditional students are entering STEM fields more than ever. And with jobs in STEM dominating the job market, programs are changing to allow students of any age to enroll.
Here’s what you should remember:
- STEM jobs pay well and are in high demand
- Adults are enrolling in college at higher rates than traditional students
- Online programs allow you to learn at your own pace
- There are a lot of fish in the sea when it comes to your future STEM career
- Take one class and see if you like it