non-traditional student
A 45-year-old undergraduate college student who dropped out of high school, realized that they'll never get a good job, got their GED, and is studying hopelessly for a degree. Natural habitats for these creatures primarily include second-rate community colleges and technical schools.
After dropping out of high school and spending 25 years as a janitor, Joe got a GED and became a non-traditional student at the local community college.