Millions of Adults Become 'New Majority' Students Pursuing Career Growth and Personal Interests

Older students juggle courses with full-time jobs and family responsibilities, but find fulfillment in continuing education.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Millions of U.S. adults are enrolling in credit and non-credit college courses, certificates, micro-credentials, job training and degree programs to earn professional qualifications, learn new skills or pursue personal interests. These 'new majority' students, many of whom are older non-traditional students, are often balancing coursework with full-time jobs, caregiving and other family responsibilities. Experts say the trend is driven by economic concerns, technological changes and a desire for job security, as well as personal growth.

Why it matters

The rise of adult learners reflects broader shifts in higher education, as institutions work to make continuing education more accessible and accommodate the needs of students who are already employed and have family commitments. This trend highlights the value that many adults place on lifelong learning, skill development and career advancement, even as they navigate the challenges of returning to school later in life.

The details

UCLA Extension, the continuing education division of the University of California, Los Angeles, offers over 90 certificate and specialization programs, with nearly 33,500 students enrolled last academic year - nearly half of them over age 35. This surpasses UCLA's full-time undergraduate enrollment of about 32,600 students. Experts say adult learners are often seeking to upskill, change careers or explore personal interests in response to technological advances and economic uncertainty. Schools are working to make continuing education more accessible through flexible scheduling, online options and financial assistance.

  • During the last academic year, UCLA Extension had nearly 33,500 students enrolled.
  • UCLA reported a full-time enrollment of about 32,600 degree-seeking undergraduate students during the same period.

The players

Eric Deschamps

The director of continuing education at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Traci Fordham

The interim associate dean for academic programs and learning innovation at UCLA.

Katie Swavely

The assistant director for academic advising and student success at UCLA, who returned to school to earn a master's degree in counseling while working and raising a family.

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What they’re saying

“'I prefer calling our (adult) learners not only continuous, but the new majority student. These are learners who tend to already be employed, often supporting a family, looking for up-skilling or sometimes a career change.'”

— Traci Fordham, Interim associate dean for academic programs and learning innovation at UCLA (Associated Press)

“'A great example of that is artificial intelligence. These new technologies are coming out pretty quickly and for folks that got a degree, even just 5 or 10 years ago, their knowledge might be a little bit outdated.'”

— Eric Deschamps, Director of continuing education at Northern Arizona University (Associated Press)

“'There are questions of how are we going to make it work and do we have the money. As a parent, sacrifices are there all the time. You make those judgment calls every day. But making sure that you're investing in yourself. There's always gonna be reasons why it's not today, not this month, not this year, but it's also OK to just jump in and go for it and see how it works out.'”

— Katie Swavely, Assistant director for academic advising and student success at UCLA (Associated Press)

The takeaway

The rise of adult learners pursuing continuing education reflects a broader shift in higher education, as institutions work to make lifelong learning more accessible and accommodate the needs of students who are already employed and have family commitments. This trend highlights the value that many adults place on skill development, career advancement and personal growth, even as they navigate the challenges of returning to school later in life.