Kentucky has been experiencing a 40% decline in adults who have attended college in the last decade. Currently, there are 1.4 million adults without a degree in the state, of which 66% have never enrolled in college. These statistics present some serious challenges for Kentucky, including future gaps in the workforce due to educational requirements and many households earning less than a livable wage due to their inability to secure higher-paying jobs. Kentucky hopes to reverse these trends by having 60% of the population hold a post-secondary credential or degree by 2030.
Several factors might prevent a potential adult learner from enrolling in college. They might have family obligations that might conflict with class times. Childcare might be limited and/or far too expensive for the adult learner to reasonably justify attending classes. Work obligations are also a deterrent for potential adult learners, who might not have the time to attend classes during working hours. 79% of part time undergraduate adult learners are working, which requires flexible academic classes after regular working hours. Adult learners might also not be able to afford the high cost of college. The average unmet need for public university students is over $6,000 for Kentucky’s students.
