Adult Students in U.S. Higher Education: an Evidence-Based Commentary and Recommended Best Practices

Abstract

This article presents 50 year patterns of adult student participation in colleges and universities in the United States. These patterns changed dramatically in the 1970s and 1980s and then stabilized. Following these changes, adult student participation has continued to be significant and predictable in U.S. colleges and universities. In addition to reporting on these national patterns, this article includes commentary that addresses five, evidence-based, best practices for serving adult students in this higher education context. Special attention is given to place-bound, adult students in metropolitan regions.