Learning and Education at 50+

Older learners are education leaders in their families and communities and play a role in improving college attainment rates and reducing educational disparities. When an older adult earns a degree, it raises the likelihood that younger family members will, too. About 45 million Americans have college credit but no degree. Caregiving responsibilities, the debt burden needed to cover the growing cost of education, and difficulty obtaining credit for prior learning keep many from graduating.

Lifelong Learning and Education

AARP 50+ Education Comebacker: Michelle Cyrus

About

Learning is a lifelong endeavor, and for many adults ages 50 and older, it is an important part of how they choose to age. But finding access to affordable learning opportunities can be challenging. That’s why AARP is committed to helping older learners access lifelong learning resources and information. For example, AARP Skills Builder for Work^SM helps you gain in-demand skills that could give you an edge in today’s competitive job market. Senior Planet from AARP – OATS offers a wide range of free virtual classes each week, with local Senior Planet centers designed as technology-themed community spaces for older adults in many locations across the US. In addition, AARP has partnered with Savi to offer a student loan repayment tool that can help you explore eligibilty for national and state repayment and forgiveness programs.

Report Spotlights Education Pathways for Older Learners

AARP and Inside Higher Ed explore how colleges and universities can better support older learners. This research report highlights the barriers these learners face and profiles innovative programs that offer flexible, inclusive educational pathways for career advancement and lifelong learning.

READ THE REPORT

50+ Learners: Videos

AARP 50+ Education Comebacker:
Dorothy Barr-Moore

Dorothy Mae Barr-Moore always wanted to complete
her degree. A Kentucky scholarship for older adults helped her make that a reality.

AARP Michigan: 50+ Educational Comebackers

In an AARP Michigan Real Possibilities episode,
panelists detail “The Graduate! Network” and pathways to help adults achieve educational goals.

This Grandfather Graduated College With His Granddaughter

When his granddaughter began college, Rene Neira decided to pursue his goal of getting a college degree at 88 and was able to graduate with her.

50+ Learners: The Issue

Adult Learners Need Support to Meet Their Education Goals

45 million adults, or about 20 percent of those age 25+, have some college credits but no degree. They need support to meet their education goals.

A Look at College Costs across Generations

College costs have risen dramatically over the past decades. This report examines how higher costs and borrowing affect workers’ retirement security.

The Student Loan Debt Threat: An Intergenerational Problem

Student loan debt is an intergenerational problem, burdening borrowers of all ages and threatening the long-term financial security of millions.

An Untapped Source of Skilled Workers: Adults with Some College but No Degree

In their search for educated workers, employers and policymakers overlook an untapped talent pool: workers with some college but no degree.

The Role of Employer Repayment Programs in Tackling Student Loan Debt

In 2019, total student loan debt in the United States equaled $1.5 trillion, a more than five-fold increase from 2003 levels.

Supporting Digital Skills Development and Access for Older Workers

A new study examines barriers and opportunities that exist for older workers accessing online programs, with a focus on their digital skill levels.

Job Reskilling and Upskilling Among the 50+

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of reskilling and upskilling opportunities for workers.

AARP Lifelong Learning & Education Resources

college diploma background with mortar board and money

Take Control of your Student Loan Debt

AARP partners with Savi to offer a student loan repayment tool to determine eligiblilty for programs to lower monthly payments.

a woman looking at a computer with an online course on it

AARP Skills Builder for Work

The AARP Skills Builder for WorkSM helps gain skills for today’s job market. Choose a FREE course and get discounts on MindEdge Learning courses.

Mature woman, talking on phone, home office, Work for Yourself 50+, AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Program)

SCEP offers unemployed adults 55 and older work-based training and skill-building opportunities in community service organizations and agencies.

a man at a laptop with his headphones on and holding a pen and paper

Older Workers Are Learning New Skills Online, AARP Survey Finds

An AARP Research survey found that many 50+ took online courses and training programs recently to improve job opportunities or personal skills.

Group of adults sit around a table during a class at a college

Free or Cheap College Courses for Older Adults in All 50 States

Taking college courses is less costly – or even free – for older residents of every state and Washington, D.C.

You Just Might Be Old Enough Now to Go Back to College for Free

Because tuition waiver programs are often not well publicized, many retirees simply don't know that a free or reduced-cost education is an option.

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