A nontraditional student can be defined as a student other than the new high school graduate. A 1980 profile by the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges shows that the typical nontraditional student is 36 years old, female (57 percent), has an income of $20,300, has attended two years of college, goes to school for career and/or personal enhancement, is paying for school with own (57 percent) or employer's (24 percent) money, and is likely to attend a two-year college. Early research stated that learning abilities decline with age, but later studies have shown that although some aspects of learning capacity decline as people grow older. other aspects of intelligence, such as acculturation and problem-solving experience, make up for the decline. These factors account for the resounding success of the adult re-entry student. Institutions need to consider the needs of the adult learner in formulating their programs, making as many individualized opportunities available as possible. Specific recommendations include the following: (1) make registration easy; (2) replace bad instructors; (3) instructors should not lessen requirements but should take into account adult learning styles, prior experiences, and needs in designing and conducting their course. (KC)