Motivational Differences among Traditional and Nontraditional Students Enrolled in Metropolitan Universities

Surveyed 327 undergraduates at Boise State University (Idaho) concerning their motivational orientation and attitudes toward school. Results indicated that nontraditional students (those age 25 and older) were more intrinsically motivated, while traditional students (those under age 25) were more extrinsically motivated. Students did not differ in attitudes toward career preparation or number of hours worked.