A recent survey of nearly 1,000 adult learners who have some college credits but no degree has revealed a significant level of distrust towards higher education and skepticism about the value of a college degree. The study, published in a white paper released on Tuesday, was conducted by StraighterLine, an online course provider, and UPCEA, an association for online and professional education.
The research aimed to understand the barriers preventing these adult learners from completing their college education and the potential motivations for re-enrollment. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, there are approximately 36.8 million Americans under the age of 65 who fall into this category, a demographic that is increasingly becoming a focus for colleges grappling with enrollment challenges.
Jim Fong, chief research officer at UPCEA, emphasized the need for a "reset" in how institutions interact with this group of learners, stating that they are not the same as those from a decade ago, yet the programs, marketing, and enrollment processes remain largely unchanged.
Financial barriers emerged as a significant deterrent, with 72 percent of respondents considering affordability a key factor in their decision to re-enroll, and 58 percent reporting they would be unable to afford college costs at present.
Despite challenges, some respondents who attempted to re-enroll found the process efficient and supportive. However, issues such as lack of support with financial aid, delayed responses to questions, and poor communication from institutions were also reported.
Academic concerns were not a major factor, as 88 percent of respondents felt proficient in essential academic skills. Instead, motivations for returning to college included the prospect of a salary increase (53 percent), meeting personal goals (44 percent), and making a career change (38 percent).
The study introduced a "readiness index" to help institutions assess the likelihood of stopped-out students re-enrolling, based on factors such as trust in higher education, time management skills, career motivations, and personal support systems. Interestingly, students who stopped out of certificate programs showed a slightly higher average readiness score than those who left degree programs.
Amy Smith, chief learning officer at StraighterLine, highlighted the importance of this research for colleges facing declining numbers of traditional-age students. She noted that with more than 40 million adult learners potentially interested in returning to college, it is crucial for higher education to rethink its strategy to re-engage this demographic.