Download this FREE deep dive report to explore evidence-based practices and case studies for creating inclusive, flexible programs that reflect older learners’ unique needs, strengths and motivations.
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Older learners are a diverse, driven and underserved population of current and potential students for U.S. universities. As traditional college-age enrollment declines, institutions have an opportunity to better attract and serve these students who bring valuable life experience, strong motivation and career-focused goals.
This deep dive report will take a closer look at the evolving postsecondary landscape for older adults—whether they're starting college for the first time, returning to complete a degree or pursuing credentials tied to workforce needs. We’ve drawn on research and other data, expert insights, institutional examples and—most importantly—the experiences of older learners themselves to map out this terrain.
The report will cover the following:
- Shared strengths and challenges that differentiate older learners (those 35 and up) from traditional-age students
- Areas where older learners tend to face greater barriers, or fall through gaps created by policies designed around traditional-age students
- How institutions can strengthen, broaden and deepen their value to older learners, with examples of innovative programs and initiatives across the country
Get a copy of the deep dive report by clicking the "Download" button above. And don't forget to register for the live webcast on Wednesday, July 16, at 2 p.m. E.T., featuring Inside Higher Ed's Colleen Flaherty and the report's author, Ben Upton, along with higher education experts, as they discuss the report's findings in greater detail.
Number of Pages: 35 (3.54 MB PDF)
Date Released: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
About the Author: Ben Upton is a freelance journalist based in Washington. He served as Times Higher Education’s Europe reporter between November 2021 and October 2023 and previously covered European research policy for Research Professional News. Before graduating from City, University of London’s journalism school in 2017, he worked in academic publishing and taught at a private university in Wuhan, China.
This report was made possible in part by the financial support of AARP.
Support: Please email store@insidehighered.com with questions regarding the report or your download.