Adults are returning to school in increasing numbers, with goals of advancing in their jobs, making a career change or seeking personal fulfillment. In 2006, the Institute of Educational Sciences at the National Center for Education Statistics released a report, Adult Education Participation 2004-2005, which explores how many American adults are returning to school and why. The report also details the level of higher education adults are seeking out, the role of employer support and the amount of time adults are investing in education. The rest of this article will detail the report's findings.

Total adult learners

By the end of 2005, a total of 211,607 adults were interviewed for the report. Of those 211,607 respondents, 44 percent were involved in some sort of formal adult education, with the two most common types being work-related courses (27 percent) and personal-interest courses (21 percent). Four percent of respondents reported being enrolled in a part-time college degree program, and Fifty-three percent of respondents who were involved in adult education were also working at least part-time.

Gender, age and motivation

More females than males were enrolled in some type of adult education program, by a margin of six percent. Fifty-two percent of respondents aged 25 to 34 reported engaging in adult education, while 49 percent of respondents aged 35 to 44 reported the same. Forty-eight percent of those aged 45 to 54 answered that they were participating in some type of adult education, compared to the 40 percent of those aged 55 to 64. Respondents aged 65 and up who reported being involved in adult education (22 percent) were mostly participating for personal enrichment.

The reason

The report also examines the reasons that adults are participating in lifelong education. Ninety-five percent of respondents continuing their education hoped to maintain or improve their current skills, while 83 percent hoped to learn new skills. Nineteen percent were participating in adult education in order to earn a raise or promotion, and 10 percent hoped to land a new job.

Of those who were enrolled in some type of adult education, 42 percent reported participating in order to earn or maintain a state, industry or company certification or licensure. Sixty-three percent reported that they were enrolled in a program because it was a requirement.

Working while learning

The report details the type of employer support received by working adults enrolled in continuing education. Of those respondents enrolled in a part-time college or university degree or certificate program, 45 percent received some sort of employer support. The most support (32 percent) came in the form of financial aid, while 12 percent of the respondent employers offered the program at the actual workplace. Twenty-one percent of respondents took their program during work hours, and 11 percent were still paid salary while they were receiving the training.

Ninety-one percent of respondents enrolled in formal, work-related courses or training received support from their employers. Eighty-three percent received financial support, 77 percent were still paid salary and 75 percent participated in a program during work hours. Fifty-six percent reported that the programs were offered by their employers.

How much time it takes

When it comes to how much time respondents spent on their adult education, of those who were enrolled in formal, work-related courses or training, 33 percent spent a total of 10 hours or fewer. Twenty-four percent invested 11 to 25 hours on adult education, while 20 percent spent between 26 and 50 hours. Twenty-two percent spent 51 hours or more during their continuing education.

Adults who were enrolled in personal-interest courses were also polled on how much time they spent on their continuing education. Twenty-four percent spent 10 hours or fewer, while the same percentage spent between 11 and 25 hours. Nineteen percent of respondents reported spending 26 to 50 hours on their education, and 34 percent spent 51 hours or more.

As the report shows, adults of all ages are continuing their education, and for a number of different reasons. While many go back to school to advance their careers, others simply want to continue learning for personal reasons. Some employers can offer a great deal of support, or even provide courses and training on-site, so whatever your reasoning, continuing your education is a viable, and valuable, option.