Nontraditional higher education is a movement toward increasing the options open to an individual in the pursuit of post secondary education. Its major emphasis is in recognition of individual differences and making institutions more flexible in response to them. This paper describes many programs and proposals throughout the country, giving special attention to two: University Without Walls and Empire State College. In most of these programs the institution has some role in planning, defining, or approving the educational direction of students. External degree programs are more often limited to counseling functions. The role of the public library is being broadened to meet the new demands placed upon it. The activities of two organizations sponsored by the College Board and ETS are brought up to date: the Commission on Nontraditional Study and the Office of New Degree Programs. The impact of innovative programs on Traditional higher education is discussed. (MS)