Kentucky is aiming to have 60% of its adult population possess a college degree by 2030 through its 60×30 project. This initiative is attempting to address the rapid decline of adult learners over the past decade in the state, which has fallen by over 16,000 enrolled students from 2014 to 2024. This can be a huge issue for the state if the majority of jobs require a post secondary degree or credential, but there is not a large enough population to fill these open roles. Kentucky is already in the top 10 states with the most job vacancies, and this issue will only continue to spiral if it does not course correct with a larger focus on education.
Adult learners face a lot of obstacles that the traditional student fresh out of high school does not face. The overwhelming majority of adult learners work while they are a student, meaning they must have access to flexible class schedules that still allow them to receive their credits while working during the day. These flexible schedules can take the form of either night classes or remote learning options. Half of adult learners also have children, which can demand a lot of their attention away from school. Childcare is not usually an affordable alternative, as it can cost over $6,000 annually. This can be a huge financial burden on adult students who are already shelling out thousands for their tuition.
It can be intimidating to return to school after a long hiatus from an academic setting. Many adults need to brush up on their ability to study, take exams, and learn in a classroom. This can be helped by gateway courses in subjects like English and Math, but 15% of students in the Kentucky public university system are enrolled in these types of remedial classes. If Kentucky is committed to increasing college success rates among adults, they must find ways to overcome these barriers.
