Non-traditional student is an American English term referring to a category of students at tertiary educational institutions. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) acknowledges there is no precise definition for non-traditional student, but suggests that part-time status and age are common elements. In a 1996 study, the NCES included anyone who satisfies at least one of the following as a non-traditional student:

• Delays enrollment (does not enter postsecondary education in the same calendar year that he or she finished high school)
• Attends part time for at least part of the academic year
• Works full time (35 hours or more per week) while enrolled
• Is considered financially independent for purposes of determining eligibility for financial aid
• Has dependents other than a spouse (usually children, but sometimes others)
• Is a single parent (either not married or married but separated and has dependents)
• Does not have a high school diploma (completed high school with a GED or other high school completion certificate or did not finish high school)