Understanding the Michigan landscape is essential for policymakers, educators, and community partners who are working together to ensure more adults earn the skills and credentials needed for today’s economy. By examining the trends and challenges shaping this landscape, we can better identify the opportunities that will move us closer to Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal—having 60 percent of working-age adults with a postsecondary certificate or degree by 2030.

The Michigan landscape highlights both progress and barriers. On one hand, programs like Michigan Reconnect are creating new opportunities for adults to return to college tuition-free. On the other, too many learners still face obstacles such as affordability, work and family responsibilities, or lack of clear career pathways. By understanding these realities, institutions and partners can develop solutions that address the needs of adult learners while also meeting Michigan’s workforce demands.

This page serves as a hub for insights into enrollment patterns, completion rates, and credential attainment, offering a snapshot of where we are and where we need to go. It also underscores the importance of collaboration: higher education institutions, employers, workforce agencies, and state leaders must continue working together to make postsecondary success accessible and relevant for all.

Exploring the Michigan landscape is not just about data—it’s about action. Every percentage point gained represents thousands of adults building stronger futures for themselves and their families. By staying engaged with this work, you are helping Michigan reach its Sixty by 30 target and ensuring that the state remains competitive, resilient, and ready for the challenges of the future.