Older adults are heading back to school and represent the ‘new majority student’ as they seek up-skilling or a career change

Fortune

by Cheyanne Mumphrey, The Associated Press

February 22, 2026

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Older adults are increasingly enrolling in higher education and continuing education programs, marking a shift where they have become the "new majority student." These learners, often balancing full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and personal interests, are seeking career advancement, skill development, or fulfillment through academic pursuits. According to experts, this trend reflects broader economic and technological changes that create job insecurity for those with outdated skills. Many older students are turning to colleges and universities to up-skill or change careers, driven by the need for professional growth in an evolving workforce. Higher education institutions like UCLA and Northern Arizona University are adapting by offering flexible learning environments, including online courses, accelerated programs, and self-paced instruction. These options make it easier for non-traditional students to integrate education into their busy lives. For instance, UCLA Extension provides over 90 certificate programs across diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, interior design, and music production, attracting nearly 33,500 students last academic year—nearly half of whom were over 35. Similarly, Northern Arizona University supports adult learners by focusing on their unique needs, ensuring education remains accessible despite financial or scheduling constraints. The rise of older students underscores the growing demand for continuous learning in a competitive job market. Economic uncertainties and rapid technological advancements, such as those related to artificial intelligence, have made it imperative for professionals to up-skill or refresh their knowledge. This trend highlights the importance of higher education not just as a path to degree attainment but also as a tool for career resilience and personal fulfillment. For business readers, this shift emphasizes the need for continuous professional development to stay competitive in an ever-changing economy. In addition to practical skills, older students often bring valuable work experience that enriches

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/22/2026