Challenges Facing Adult Students and Institutions of Higher Learning

Colleges and Universities face declining enrollment and rising dropout rates, threatening tuition revenue. With the declining population in the traditional ‘college-aged’ demographic, reform is needed if these educational institutions are to thrive. Higher education must evolve to keep enrollment and persistence at levels that can sustain the institution. Modifying the target market to include millennials will open up a large subset of potential students. To do this, however, institutional culture must change to adequately support these non-traditional students. This study surveyed adult learners to learn what obstacles they face when pursuing higher education. Results determined the importance levels for 34 possible obstacles, identifying six as ‘above average’ in significance. The most pressing issues adults face when entering higher education are detailed in this research. In addition to understanding adult learners and getting insights into their nonparticipation, results can also guide administrators as they begin reforming institutional culture and programs to better welcome adult students and aim to increase enrollment.