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A new report from Inside Higher Ed on older learners—those 35 and up—finds they’re an increasingly significant population to higher education: Life spans are lengthening, the labor market is changing and social perspectives on lifelong learning and aging are evolving, all as higher education approaches the so-called demographic cliff concerning traditional-age students.
As of 2023, over four million older learners were enrolled in some kind of postsecondary education in the United States, according to learner-reported Census Bureau data: 10 percent were 65 or older, 13 percent were 55 to 64 and the rest fell between 35 and 54 years old. Roughly a million enrolled older learners were also returning with some college credit, representing the tip of the iceberg of the more than 40 million adults in the U.S with some college credit but no credential.
Older learners defy simple narratives or categorization: Some are retired but seek intergenerational connection and productive engagement, while others want to change careers or upskill to boost their earning potential. But all older learners need inclusive, flexible options for postsecondary study. And colleges and universities looking to attract, retain and otherwise best serve this growing demographic must offer programs and supports that reflect their particular strengths, challenges and motivations. That’s why the deep dive features case studies, demographic and other data, expert insights, and, most importantly, interviews with older learners themselves.
Download the free, independent editorial report, “Generation Now: Postsecondary Pathways for Older Learners,” made possible with support from AARP, here. Register here for a free webcast discussion on how colleges can best serve older learners, to take place on Wednesday, July 16, at 2 p.m. Eastern. Come with your questions and leave with actionable insights.
