In an era of evolving industry demands and demographic shifts, people are living and working longer, extending opportunities for new and continuous education later in life.

Older learners, defined as those ages 35 and older, are becoming increasingly common in the post-secondary landscape. A recent report from Inside Higher Ed, supported by AARP, outlines the need for colleges and universities to adapt to the growing prevalence of older students. It notes that creating viable pathways for these learners can support economic growth, workforce development, and social engagement. Calling them “Generation Now,” older adults bring a unique set of assets to education, including a variety of lived experiences, intrinsic motivation, and focused goals spanning from career advancement to making a difference in the world.

A Growing Learner Demographic

Older adults represent an expanding population at colleges and universities. By 2030, enrollment rates for those ages 35 and older are projected to increase by 18 percent, and this trend is already underway. More than 4 million older learners were enrolled in post-secondary educational programs in 2023 alone. Of these, 77 percent were between ages 35-53, 13 percent between 55-64, and 10 percent were 65 or older. Nearly one million of these students had returned with some college but no credential. At the same time, many adult learners, particularly those over 65, have previously stopped out of degree programs, underscoring the opportunity for re-engagement.

By responding to the needs of older students, colleges and universities can transform higher education, promote economic stability, and support growing workforce trends.

Trends for Older Learners

Balancing academics with employment and personal responsibilities, many older learners are drawn to the flexibility and adaptability of online programs. However, students often acknowledge the tradeoffs across instructional modalities, recognizing that while virtual learning offers convenience, in-person classes foster greater opportunities for interpersonal connection and engagement

Beyond course format, older learners often prioritize other critical factors, such as the availability of evening classes, scheduling flexibility, program accreditation, affordability, and dedicated career support services.

Navigating Traditional Systems

Higher education systems have often been designed with recent high school graduates in mind. Older learners may face challenges navigating new technologies, developing organization strategies, or managing commitments. Many balance employment with coursework, making it hard to use tutoring, advising, or counseling services during normal business hours.

Financially, older learners may also be at risk of capping out on aid, as certain federal policies set lifetime limits on funding. Furthermore, some programs fail to consider complex factors impacting students’ ability to pay, such as previous loan debt.

Supporting Older Learners

To attract, retain, and best support older learners, colleges and universities must adopt a multi-faceted approach to dismantle common barriers and update outdated policies.

Cost

Eighty-five percent of surveyed adults 35 and older indicated cost as the largest barrier to pursuing post-secondary education. Once enrolled, most students use a combination of sources to finance school, including personal savings, loans, and government grants.  To support affordability, academic institutions can offer credit for prior learning, develop accelerated programs, streamline proactive financial aid practices, and expand adult-focused scholarships.

Program Design

For older adults, learning preferences for program structure, course delivery, and pace can greatly vary. To best support a variety of student needs, colleges and universities can utilize focus groups, surveys, and advisor check-ins to adapt coursework and address emerging barriers. Tracking engagement using data analytics can inform when and how to best provide support for those enrolled in online classes. Flexible strategies such as rolling enrollment, accelerated programs, stackable micro-credentials, and partial cohort models can promote efficiency and personalized learning.

Retention

Nearly 43% of credits are lost during the complex transfer process, disproportionately affecting older learners who often enter post-secondary education with prior coursework or workforce experience. Streamlined strategies for awarding transfer credit and recognizing prior learning can promote inclusion, student confidence, and program affordability. Furthermore, wraparound services - including academic advising, career guidance, and mental health services – provide essential, holistic support for student retention and success.

A Pathway Forward for Lifelong Learners

Older learners are an integral part of the future of higher education. By offering flexible learning models, holistic support, streamlined transfer processes, adaptive environments, and targeted financial aid, institutions can better meet the needs of “Generation Now.” In doing so, colleges and universities not only expand access to education in an era of lifelong learning but also strengthen the national workforce and society at large.

To learn more about supporting older learners, read the full Inside Higher Ed report.