Why millions of older adults are taking college courses

Millions of older US adults are returning to college to grow their careers, earn higher pay, or explore personal passions.

Schools offer flexible credit and non-credit programs in fields such as business, artificial intelligence, accounting, music production, and interior design.

At UCLA Extension, nearly 50% of the 33,500 students enrolled last academic year were older than 35. That figure rivals the roughly 32,600 undergraduate students studying full-time at the University of California, Los Angeles. 

Education leaders say adult learners are now the “new majority” because many already work full time, raise children and seek new skills or career changes.

Rapid advances in technology, especially AI, push many workers to update knowledge gained just five or ten years ago. 

Advisers recommend that adults review their budgets, schedules, and five-year career goals before enrolling.

Many universities now offer online classes, accelerated programs, and employer-sponsored tuition assistance to make continuing education more affordable and manageable.