The report also offers ideas for campus leaders and policymakers who want to remove some of the barriers to enrollment:

"Promise Programs" and last-dollar scholarships provide predictability and transparency in the total cost of a program.
Expanding online, hybrid, and asynchronous learning options helps adults balance classes with work and family.
Modular and accelerated pathways such as short-term credentials, "stackable"
certificates and competency-based education lets adult learners to progress at their
own pace.
Nontraditional scheduling on nights and weekends allows time-constrained adult learners to plan around their other responsibilities.
Shortening application forms, providing rapid admission decisions, and centralizing advising can lower the "procedural burden" that deters first-time adult learners.
Providing academic credit for work experience, military service, and other learning completed outside the classroom acknowledges the existing expertise of
nontraditional students.
Dedicated "navigator" roles or one-on-one coaching help marginalized students overcome uncertainty about how to begin the enrollment process
Integrating nonacademic support, such as food assistance, mental health counseling, and transportation referrals addresses basic needs so students can focus on their studies.

Spring enrollment: Small gain in undergrads lifts the latest numbers

Instant Insights /

This new report has found 65 million potential students