Adult student success, bachelor's degrees awarded to students age 40+

45% of the bachelor’s degrees awarded to Michigan adults over age 40 last year were to students who attended independent, nonprofit colleges and universities. More than 1.5 million working age Michiganders have some college experience, but no degree. Michigan’s independent colleges and universities are working with adult students to change this statistic.

While independent colleges enroll 37% of the students over 40 in the state seeking a bachelor’s degree, we award 45% of the bachelor’s degrees. This is because our colleges and universities have more flexibility for adult students, accept more transfer credits, and even have a stronger system of providing credit for job experience and prior learning.

A labor market without highly educated talent is not working for Michigan businesses and it certainly is not helping Michigan families. Invest in Michigan’s businesses and workers by supporting adult students in bachelor’s programs. Bring back the Michigan Tuition Grant.