Report: 41 Million Adults Ages 25-64 Intend to Enroll, but Cost and Time Remain Major Barriers

More than 41 million adults ages 25-64 intend to enroll in postsecondary education within the next two years, according to a report published June 11, 2026 by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. The figure represents a 27% intent rate among that age group.

Extrapolating the same rate to adults ages 18 and up produces an estimate of as many as 65 million adults who may be interested in enrolling.

The data come from nationwide surveys of more than 200,000 adults conducted by College APP between 2019 and 2025. Among surveyed adult learners, 43% cited gaining skills relevant to their current career as their primary motivation, 35% named learning and self-improvement, and 21% said they wanted to change careers.

A slightly larger share, 52%, expressed interest in short-term, career-oriented programs at technical and community colleges, while 48% were interested in four-year institutions.

Seventy-five percent reported interest in hybrid learning. Enrollment intent varied across demographic groups. It reached 43% among Black respondents, 40% among Hispanic respondents, 30% among female respondents, 35% among those with lower household incomes, 41% among respondents ages 25-34, and 33% among those with some college attendance but no degree.

Cost was the most frequently cited barrier, named by 81% of respondents. Difficulty finding time was second at 67%. Eleven percent pointed to problems navigating the college enrollment process, and 9% cited child care.

Dr. " The report notes that groups expressing the highest enrollment intent also reported the greatest obstacles to following through. It adds that adult students represent a potential market for institutions facing declining numbers of traditional high school graduates.