Report Outlines Challenges of Adult Learners Returning to College, and the Supports to Keep Them on Track
A new statewide survey of more than 9,400 Michigan Reconnect applicants, conducted by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential’s (MiLEAP) Office of Higher Education (OHE) – which administers the program – and analyzed in partnership with the Michigan Center for Adult College Success (MCACS), offers one of the most detailed looks yet at the realities facing adult learners, revealing a population that is highly motivated to return to college, but is navigating a common set of challenges that can stand in the way of completion.
Together, the findings point to both a clear opportunity and call to action: Michigan adults are ready to pursue education and training at scale, but there is a need to continue strengthening and aligning supports across Michigan’s higher education and workforce systems to ensure their success.
“The data confirms what we hear every day from adult learners across Michigan,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “People are motivated. They are working. They are raising families. Our responsibility is to ensure they have the support and flexibility needed to persist, complete and earn a credential that leads to high-wage careers.”
Adult Learners Bring Experience — and Ambition
The survey shows that Michigan Reconnect applicants are not starting from scratch:
- More than half (53.9%) have already attended college and earned credits
- 61% report six or more years of work experience
- A majority plan to work while enrolled, including 56% expecting to work full time and 8% expecting to work multiple jobs
These findings reinforce the role adult learners can play in strengthening Michigan’s workforce — particularly as employers seek experienced, credentialed talent.
“Adult learners are already contributing to Michigan’s economy,” said Jeremy Hendges, executive director of MCACS. “They bring years of work experience, real-world skills, and a clear sense of purpose. When they succeed, it’s not just a personal win, it’s a workforce and economic win for the entire state.”
“Michigan Reconnect is opening the door for thousands of adults to return to school and pursue new opportunities,” said Sarah Szurpicki, deputy director of MiLEAP’s Office of Higher Education. “But access alone is not enough. This report reinforces what we’ve consistently heard from adult learners across Michigan. People are eager to continue their education, but many are navigating complex barriers while doing so. We must continue strengthening the systems and supports that help them succeed.”
Completion Challenges Are Widespread, and Often Overlapping
The survey underscores the complexity of the obstacles many adult learners face and highlights the need for coordinated wraparound supports that extend beyond tuition assistance.
Nearly 30% of respondents report experiencing two or more basic needs challenges, including housing insecurity, food insecurity, caregiving responsibilities or health concerns, while 8% report four or more overlapping challenges. In addition:
- 31% report housing insecurity
- 31% report food insecurity
- 32% are caring for children
- 40% cite mental or physical health challenges
“This is not just about getting students in the door,” Hendges said. “It’s about making sure they can stay, persist, and complete. That means addressing the full picture, from basic needs to advising to financial navigation.”
Strong Interest in Advancement — But Uncertainty About the Path
The survey also reveals a strong desire among adult learners to continue their education, alongside uncertainty about how to get there. One-quarter of respondents say they are interested in transferring to a four-year institution, while another 50% are unsure, indicating significant untapped potential for bachelor’s degree attainment.
At the same time, many learners report needing support in key areas such as:
- Paying for college
- Managing student debt
- Navigating career pathways
- Understanding transfer options
“Providing a clear roadmap to adults at the beginning of the college application process is an essential, evidence-based practice to address the concerns potential adult learners have about costs and how to achieve their educational goals to unlock that better paying job they are seeking,” Hendges said. “Making a significant life decision without clear insights into the cost, time, and expectations isn’t acceptable – adults deserve and are asking for that transparency upfront.”
Building a System That Matches Reality
The findings point to a clear path forward: aligning Michigan’s higher education and workforce systems with the lived experiences of adult learners. Key areas of opportunity include:
- Expanding flexible course formats (online, hybrid, evenings)
- Strengthening advising and navigation supports
- Improving transfer pathways and credit recognition
- Integrating basic needs and student success services
Michigan Reconnect continues to serve as a cornerstone of the state’s Sixty by 30 goal: helping more adults earn a postsecondary credential and strengthening the state’s talent pipeline.
Through initiatives like the Michigan College Students Basic Needs Task Force, efforts to expand transfer pathways for students, and broader student success initiatives, MiLEAP and its partners are already working to better align postsecondary systems with the realities adult learners navigate every day.
“This is a moment for Michigan,” Dr. Beverly said. “Adults across our state are stepping forward to pursue new opportunities, and we have a responsibility to continue building systems that help them persist, complete and thrive.
The survey captured insights from 9,433 applicants between August 2024 and April 2025. The survey continues to be administered by MiLEAP, and MCACS plans to provide updates on future survey findings.
The Michigan Center for Adult College Success is committed to supporting colleges and universities with free technical assistance, subject matter experts, and research to improve outcomes for adult learners. For institutions interested in technical assistance to implement evidence-based strategies to address the barriers identified by adults in the survey, MCACS can support institutions through its Advancing Adult Attainment program.
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About Michigan Reconnect
Michigan Reconnect is a statewide program that provides eligible adults with free or reduced community college tuition, helping more Michiganders earn a postsecondary credential and build a stronger future. To learn more about Michigan Reconnect, go to Michigan.gov/Reconnect.
About MiLEAP
Established by Governor Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP’s mission is to improve outcomes from birth to postsecondary so anyone can ‘make it in Michigan’ with a solid education and a path to a good-paying job. To learn more about MiLEAP, go to Michigan.gov/MiLEAP.
About The Michigan Center for Adult College Success
The Michigan Center for Adult College Success is the state’s primary resource to improve the enrollment and completion of postsecondary education by adults. As an initiative of TalentFirst, our goal is to meet the statewide need for a skilled workforce. The Center collects research, shares best practices, funds innovative pilots and provides technical assistance. We partner with a wide range of educators, business leaders and policy makers toward our shared goal of helping more adults get the credentials they need to reach their full potential, so our state can thrive. Learn more: https://info.talentfirst.net/mcacs.
About TalentFirst
TalentFirst is a premiere alliance of West Michigan CEOs who are joined by HR leaders, educators, workforce leaders, and policymakers to collaborate on an unmatched scale for the benefit of all who live and work in the region. As a data-driven organization, TalentFirst provides practical, proven resources, strategies, tactics, advocacy and accountability to improve the recruitment, development and retention of talent in West Michigan. Learn more at http://www.talentfirst.net/.