Understanding Independent Students, the New College Majority

By Jael Greene

A recent brief by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research examined demographic and financial characteristics and postsecondary outcomes of independent students, who as of 2012, make up just more than half (51%) of all U.S. college students. In order to be considered an independent student, one must meet at least one of the following characteristics: be at least 24 years old; be married; be a graduate or professional student; be a veteran; a member of the armed forces; be an orphan, in foster care, or a dependent or ward of the court since age 13; have legal dependents other than a spouse; be an emancipated minor; or be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Among the findings:

• Approximately half of independent students are parents with dependent children
  • 71% of independent student parents are female.
• The median age of independent students is 29, while the median age of dependent students is 20.
• Women are more likely to be independent students than men.
  • 55% of female college students are independent compared to 46% of male students.
• Students of color are more likely to be independent students than white students.
  • 55% of college students of color are independent compared to 49% of white students.
• Independent students are more likely to have unmet financial need than dependent students.
  • 55% of dependent students have an average of $4,650 in unmet need while 69% of independent students have an average of $5,296 in unmet need.
  • Independent students who are not parents average $5,011 in unmet financial need, independent students who are parents average $5,571 in unmet need and independent students who are single parents average $6,478 in unmet need.
• Independent students are more likely to be enrolled exclusively part-time in their postsecondary institution than dependent students.
  • 44% of independent students are enrolled exclusively part-time compared to 19% of dependent students.
• Independent students are less likely than dependent students to graduate within six years.
  • 33% of independent students have completed a degree or certificate within six years, while 56% of dependent students have graduated in the same time frame.