Adults Returning to College: Expectations versus Outcomes: Outcomes measured: Critical Thinking, Communication, Spiritual, Psychosocial, Moral, Worldview,and Socioeconomic

There has been an increase in the past few years of working adults returning to college to complete their baccalaureate degree in a non-traditional format. Because the cost, in both time and resources, is significant, it seemed prudent to study the outcomes of these adult students. The purpose of this study was to determine adult student expectations in relation to educational outcomes and benefits experienced. Research on the traditional-age college student suggests that extending one's education beyond high school by attending college and obtaining a bachelor's degree is beneficial to both the individual and to society. However, because of the paucity of research specific to the adult segment of the college population, it was not known if the same was true for the adult population. It is for this reason that a grounded theory approach was taken.