Why Investing in Adult Learners Boosts State Economies and Workforce Development
Meeting the economic demands of the future depends on expanding access to higher education for adult learners. By re-engaging, re-enrolling, and supporting individuals with some college experience but no credential, we empower individuals, strengthen communities, and drive economic growth.
Adult learners have the potential to drive economic growth and meet workforce demands—yet far too many are left behind. Over 40 million Americans fall into the category of some college, no credential (SCNC), individuals who started their higher education but didn’t earn a degree. Their absence from the credentialed workforce leaves a skills gap that negatively affects state economies. A recent report finds that by 2030, more than 85 million jobs could go unfilled because there aren’t enough skilled people to take them.
But when states actively invest in re-engaging adult learners, they create opportunities for individuals to develop new skills, boost their earning potential, and contribute to a stronger, more competitive workforce.
ReUp Education partners with state governments to amplify these outcomes, supporting adult learners so that they can return to college, earn their credentials, and contribute to a thriving workforce. Here’s why state-level education initiatives aimed at adult learners are not just impactful—they’re essential.
Who are adult learners and why do they matter?
Adult learners are individuals balancing education with life’s competing priorities—work, family responsibilities, financial commitments, and community involvement. These learners are often part of the growing demographic referred to as some college, no credential (SCNC) students, meaning they’ve completed some higher education without earning a degree. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (2023), there are over 40 million SCNC individuals in the United States alone.
For many SCNC learners, life intervened, forcing them to pause their studies. But while their education is unfinished, their potential is not. Re-engaging these learners isn’t just about personal benefits; they represent a tremendous opportunity for workforce development at a time when higher education credentials are increasingly vital for success.
The economic challenges for SCNC learners
Having some college but no credential significantly limits economic mobility, as it often falls short of unlocking the career opportunities and earning potential that come with completing a degree or certification. Adult learners often experience:
- Limited career prospects: Without a degree, they are often excluded from roles offering career advancement.
- Wage stagnation: Many are trapped in low-paying jobs that provide little economic security.
- Re-enrollment barriers: From logistical challenges like unpaid debts to personal constraints such as time or confidence, these hurdles often feel insurmountable without support.
The data underscores the economic disparity. According to the report The Future of Good Jobs: Projections through 2031, workers without postsecondary credentials will continue to see limited opportunities. While there will still be good jobs—defined as ones that pay, nationally, a minimum of $43,000 to workers ages 25–44 and a minimum of $55,000 to workers ages 45–64—across all educational pathways in 2031, the study estimates that:
- 15% of good jobs will be available to workers with just a high school diploma.
- 19% will be accessible to workers on the middle-skills pathway (associate degrees or certification).
- 66% of good jobs will require at least a bachelor’s degree.
This imbalance means that SCNC learners risk being excluded from two-thirds of future good job opportunities—a missed opportunity not just for individuals but also for states striving to build a competitive workforce.
How SCNC learners impact state economies
These disparities in earning ability have consequences that ripple across the economy. Limited credentials result in:
- Lower consumer spending: Wage stagnation restricts buying power, limiting their contributions to local economies.
- Reduced tax contributions: Fewer degrees mean fewer higher earners paying into state and federal tax systems.
- Missed economic opportunity: Under-education leaves states unable to fill good-paying jobs or attract new or expanded business investment, impacting both workforce readiness and state economies.
Addressing these disparities is not just an educational priority but an economic necessity for states aiming to enhance their competitiveness and resilience in a rapidly evolving job market.
Effective state-level solutions to address educational disparities
State governments that prioritize reconnecting SCNC learners to higher education are seeing major returns. Here’s a closer look at how statewide collaborations have made a difference in New Jersey, Michigan, and North Carolina:
New Jersey drives economic impact at scale
Since partnering with ReUp Education, the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) continues to lead the charge in supporting the state’s SCNC learners. The initiative, which encompasses a statewide marketplace of 22 colleges and universities, leverages cutting-edge technology and personalized coaching to reengage stopped-out students, helping them return to their studies and complete their degrees. More than 25,000 adult learners have expressed interest in re-enrolling as part of this initiative, and over 9,700 have re-enrolled since the program launched in April 2023. These returning students have generated over $44 million in recaptured tuition to date and the economic ripple effects are profound: graduated learners are expected to contribute $91 million to the state economy through taxes and consumer spending in the first year after graduation.
“Obtaining a degree can be a life-changer for someone aspiring to do more in their chosen field or deciding to pursue an entirely new career. This innovative initiative reflects the realities on the ground and our commitment to serving the diverse needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce. By supporting our students in completing their postsecondary education, we are not only investing in their future but also building a stronger and more resilient economy as a whole.”
— Dr. Brian K. Bridges
New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education
Source: NJ Gov
Michigan makes significant gains in reenrollment
In Michigan, ReUp partners with 21 institutions and associations, including two-and four-year colleges, Detroit Drives Degrees, the Michigan Association of State Universities, Michigan Reconnect, and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. Over 7,700 adult learners have re-enrolled since 2018, with nearly 4,000 returning in just the past two years. Statewide, ReUp’s efforts now give 200,000 SCNC learners access to tailored re-enrollment solutions. This approach drives personal advancement for learners and bolsters Michigan’s ability to meet the goals of its Sixty by 30 initiative to close the skills gap, increase job opportunities for residents, and make Michigan more competitive to drive economic growth.
North Carolina takes a resourceful approach
With an estimated 1.1 million SCNC learners in the state, North Carolina decided to prioritize re-engaging adult learners by creating an education-to-workforce marketplace, powered by ReUp. ReUp partnered with 10 universities to provide data analytics, personalized coaching, and multi-channel outreach campaigns that targeted SCNC learners. These investments have increased enrollment rates across participating institutions, with an additional 3,700 adult learners re-enrolling since the partnership launched in spring 2023. Initiatives like these show how states can leverage statewide strategies to bridge the gap between SCNC learners and the workforce demands of today—and tomorrow.
“Bringing these students back into our university is not only a benefit to University of North Carolina Greensboro, but also to the communities in which these students live.”
— Dr. Franklin D. Gilliam Jr.
Chancellor, UNC Greensboro
Individual impact: Joel's story
Behind the numbers are individuals whose lives have been changed by returning to higher education. Joel’s story is a powerful example. After leaving college multiple times due to financial and personal challenges, Joel found his way back with the support of a ReUp Success Coach. In 2024, he re-enrolled at Passaic County Community College in New Jersey and is now pursuing a degree in radiography to fulfill his dream of helping others in healthcare—a path shaped by his own childhood experiences. Joel’s determination to rise above social anxiety and past obstacles showcases the resilience of adult learners when meaningful support is available.
Read Joel’s full story here.
“Take a step and make a decision,” he said. “Your indecision leads to inaction and ultimately failure. Prepare yourself, seek help, and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.”
— Joel C.
Adult learner working with a ReUp Success Coach
Unlocking upward mobility through education
ReUp’s mission to ensure higher education access for all adult learners isn’t just about degree completion—it’s about unlocking economic opportunity. By partnering with institutions and state governments, ReUp makes statewide collaboration possible, from outreach campaigns to innovative financial incentives like debt forgiveness. These scalable solutions allow more adults to overcome barriers, find their footing in higher education, and ultimately unlock better job opportunities.
The opportunity for growth is enormous. With millions of SCNC learners ready to reengage, states have the chance to lead bold, impactful initiatives. When adults return to college, they gain more than credentials—they gain pathways to better jobs, higher earning potential, and increased confidence. For states, the payoff extends far beyond boosted enrollment numbers. It’s an investment in the workforce of the future and the health of the economy.
For more inspiring stories about ReUp partners and successful adult learner strategies, view the full library of case studies.
Let’s start the conversation
Schedule a call with a ReUp team member to learn more about what a ReUp partnership could do for your institution.