Our Research

At the Michigan Center for Adult College Success, our research serves as Michigan’s leading resource for understanding and improving adult postsecondary enrollment and completion. We develop and share evidence-based insights and promising practices that drive systemic change and expand opportunities for adult learners.

Our research covers a wide range of tools and publications. These include statewide landscape analyses, targeted case studies, and evaluations of innovative programs. Each project is designed to help institutions and policymakers identify barriers, test solutions, and adopt strategies that make a measurable difference for students.

The findings generated by our research also inform practical resources such as fact sheets, dashboards, and institutional toolkits. By translating complex data into clear and actionable guidance, we give colleges, universities, and partners the tools they need to design effective support systems for adults balancing work, family, and school.

Ultimately, our research grounds the work of the Center in evidence and rigor. It shapes the technical assistance we provide, informs the grants we award, and strengthens the strategies we recommend to Michigan’s higher education community. Most importantly, it ensures that the lived experiences of adult learners remain central as we work toward a state where every Michigander can access, persist in, and complete postsecondary education.

Categories

Michigan Reconnect Applicant Survey

The results of a statewide survey administered to all individuals who signed up for Michigan Reconnect between August 2024 and April 2025.

Michigan Reconnect 21 Digital Marketing Case Study

A case study highlighting the success of a digital marketing campaign promoting the Michigan Reconnect Age Expansion Scholarship targeting adults 21-24.

MI-RAISE Design Lab Learnings

Evaluation and recommendations to improve design labs and other similar programs supporting colleges and universities in system design changes.

Adult Learner Fact Sheet

Fact sheet on adult learners in Michigan

Adult Postsecondary Education in Michigan

A landscape analysis of adult postsecondary enrollment and completion in Michigan