In order to determine whether the characteristics and perceptions of adults over 21 years old differ significantly from those of college age students, a study was made of 1,178 (about 20 percent) of the 5,532 full-time day students enrolled at Diablo Valley College during fall 1971. Subjects were selected by stratified random sampling methods, with the stratification based on six age-sex groups: ages under 22, 22-30, and over 30, for each sex. Data for the study were gathered from the students' academic records, responses to a mailed questionnaire, and followup interviews. The older students, particularly older females, proved to be more traditional in their attitudes toward the educational process. At the same time, their academic records demonstrated greater seriousness of purpose, persistence, and higher academic achievement. These findings indicate that some currently popular educational practices may no longer be appropriate as larger proportions of students beyond the usual college-going age enroll in regular programs. Questionable practices might include: unstructured, student-centered teaching styles; minimization of course requirements; emphasis on personal counseling; dropping of traditional grading systems, and custodial administrative attitudes. The survey instrument is appended. (Author/NHM)