Older Adults Returning to School Represent 'New Majority Student'

Millions of U.S. adults enroll in college courses to earn certificates, learn new skills or pursue degrees, often while juggling work and family responsibilities.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 4:21pm

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Millions of U.S. adults are enrolling in credit and non-credit college courses to earn professional certificates, learn new skills or pursue academic degrees. Many older students are seeking career advancement, higher pay and job security, while others want to explore personal interests. Experts say these 'new majority students' often face challenges balancing coursework with full-time jobs, caregiving and other family responsibilities, but the education can also provide a sense of fulfillment. Schools are working to make continuing education more accessible through lower costs and flexible learning options.

Why it matters

The rise in older adult students reflects broader workforce changes driven by technological advances and job insecurity, as people seek to upskill or change careers. Continuing education can open doors for students who may not have otherwise considered higher education, but it also requires careful planning around time and budget constraints.

The details

Millions of U.S. adults are enrolling in credit and non-credit college courses, with nearly half of the 33,500 students at UCLA Extension last year being over age 35. These 'new majority students' are often employed, supporting families, and looking to upskill or change careers. Schools are working to make continuing education more accessible through lower costs and flexible learning options like in-person, online, accelerated and self-paced courses.

  • During the last academic year, UCLA Extension had around 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 completed a master's degree in counseling with a focus on academic advising in 2020.

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What they’re saying

“I think this is tied to access. Many of our learners, not all of them, haven't imagined themselves in any kind of higher education, post-secondary education environment.”

— Traci Fordham, Interim Associate Dean, UCLA

“The biggest piece of advice is for people to realize you're never too old to learn.”

— Katie Swavely, Assistant Director, UCLA

The takeaway

The rise in older adult students seeking continuing education reflects broader workforce changes and the need for upskilling, but it also requires careful planning around time and budget constraints. Schools are working to make these programs more accessible, opening doors for students who may not have otherwise considered higher education.