This study investigated how students over the age of 30--nontraditional students--performed in the university setting compared to traditional students (under age 30). Overall classroom performance was evaluated by teacher-made assessments for the two groups of students, who were enrolled in an undergraduate technical writing course during the spring semester 2000. The population consisted of 6 students over age 30 and 15 students under age 30. Although sex was not a factor in the study, 8 students were female and 13 were male. Students were majoring in a variety of subjects. The mean mid-semester percentage score for the students over age 30 was 89; for those under age 30 it was 86. A "t" test score of .857 and 19 df indicated no significant difference between the traditional and nontraditional students. (Contains 20 references.) (RH)