Despite a growing interest in higher education, financial concerns and competing responsibilities are keeping many adults out of the classroom. A new survey from BestColleges and the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center finds new adult undergraduate enrollment declined by 15.5 percent in Fall 2025.
“Adults still want to earn degrees and credentials, but they need cost clarity and confidence that education will help them reach their goals,” stated Taína Cuevas, editorial director for BestColleges.
One-third of respondents said they are unsure whether they can afford enrollment or need more clarity about the total cost of attendance. Nearly half (47 percent) said additional financial aid would influence their decision to enroll.
Forty-one percent of respondents reported rising living costs as a major financial challenge, while 21 percent experienced job loss or layoffs and 20 percent reported reduced work hours. Meanwhile, 37 percent reported mental health challenges such as stress, burnout or anxiety influenced their enrollment decisions.
Online learning dominates student preferences with 77 percent of respondents reporting they would prefer online learning formats over in-person or hybrid options. Interest in certificates, bootcamps and industry certifications collectively surpassed interest in bachelor’s degrees by 15 percentage points.
Career mobility remains the primary motivation, with 34 percent of respondents noting they are considering education to start a new career path, while 23 percent want to gain job-related skills or credentials.
The report also found that many adults remain uncertain about higher education’s return on investment. Twenty-eight percent said clearer information about career outcomes, including salary and job placement data, would make them more likely to enroll.
