ADULT LEARNERS RESEARCH
Policy, Planning, and Research
Tennessee Higher Education Commission
Prepared For:
Walker + Associates
January 2015
Table of Contents
Slide
Walker + Associates
Background and Methodology
3
Summary of Findings
4
Likelihood of Returning to School
7
College Attendance
12
Obstacles to Returning to School
29
Attitudes About Education
35
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
42
Important Factors in Returning to School
59
Predisposition Toward Future Education
91
Information About Returning to School
108
Respondent Profile
128
Appendix A: Other Schools Attended (If More Than One)
141
2
Background and Methodology

The Policy, Planning, and Research (PPR) division of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has
commissioned Walker + Associates to provide branding and communication services related to adult learning
programs. The intent of promoting these programs is to boost college re-enrollment and graduation among adult
learners as part of a larger initiative to increase the percentage of college-educated Tennesseans (“Drive to 55”).

The goal of this research is to gain an understanding of the target audience for adult learning programs – their
current life situations, reasons they stopped attending college, potential motivators for attending, and informational
and situational needs related to resuming their college education.

A total of 410 surveys were collected from October 24, 2014 to November 4, 2014 by an online consumer panel
supervised by Message Factors.

Qualified respondents included Tennessee residents, between the ages of 25-64, with some college experience but
no degree or certificate.

Headers shown throughout the report include:








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Walker + Associates
Number of Stopouts (None, 1, 2+)
Number of Schools Attended (1, 2, 3+)
Likelihood to Return to School (Extremely/Very, Somewhat, Not Very/Not At All)
Career Level (Entry, Mid-Level, Management/Senior Leadership)
Household Income (Under $50,000 versus $50,000+)
Kids in Household (No versus Yes)
Gender (Male versus Female)
Geography based on ZIP code (Urban versus Rural)
Motivation for Returning to School:
o Financial (“Completely Agree” with statement “A college degree or certificate would improve my
career/earning potential”)
o Emotional (“Completely Agree” with statements “I would feel a sense of personal accomplishment if
I earned a college degree or certificate” and “Completing my degree or certificate would make me a
good role model for my family”)
o Both Financial and Emotional (“Completely Agree” with all three statements above)
3
Summary of Findings
Walker + Associates
4
Summary of Findings

The idea of returning to school is not universally appealing: only 17% of adult learners surveyed are “extremely
likely” or “very likely” to re-enroll. Another 22% are “somewhat likely”, while over half (61%) are “not very” or “not at
all” likely.

Respondents are most likely to pursue either a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree, at about equal levels.

Respondents are most likely to consider public/state community colleges, followed by four-year public/state
schools and vocational/technical schools.

Respondents most likely to return to school are motivated both intrinsically (personal sense of accomplishment,
being a role model) and extrinsically (increasing earning potential).

Stopouts do not signify a lack of interest or intent in attaining a degree. In fact, the more likely a respondent is to
return to school, the more likely they are to have had a stopout at some point in their academic career.

Age, finances, and life stage are key drivers when deciding whether to pursue a degree. In contrast, the in-school
experience is rarely the key factor when deciding to leave.

The older a respondent is, the less likely he/she is to return to school. This is a combination of feeling too
old to return to school and not having needed a degree to succeed in the workforce.

Finances are both a major reason for leaving school and the greatest obstacle to returning. Availability of
financial aid is essential for most returning students.

Life stage issues (including children and jobs) tend to be temporary obstacles; they are cited more as
reasons for leaving school than as obstacles to returning. However, respondents place a high priority on
convenient locations and class times when they consider returning to school, implying that respondents may
struggle to integrate college into their lifestyles.
Walker + Associates
5
Summary of Findings (cont.)


The PLA program has the potential to be an important facilitator in boosting enrollment.

Currently only a third of respondents are familiar with the concept of a program that awards college credit for
work/life experiences.

When exposed to the details of the PLA, almost half think the program could benefit them and very few think
the program is too complex.

PLA ranks second in importance in terms of enabling students to return to school, behind financial aid but
ahead of convenient schedules, locations, and other issues.
Respondents feel comfortable with the information resources made available to them as they consider returning to
school, but in fact they are using only a limited number of sources.

Only 13% of respondents say they do not know where to get information about completing their degree or
certificate.

Respondents were most likely to use school websites or general web searches to get the information they
needed about returning to school. Outreach organizations and employers were rarely seen as resources.

In terms of the types of information they would need, respondents were most focused on the cost and time
required to get a degree, along with information about flexible schedules and locations and PLA
credit. General lifestyle advice and mentorship were seen as less valuable.
Walker + Associates
6
Likelihood of Returning to School
Walker + Associates
7
Likelihood of Returning to School

Overall, three in five (61%) respondents are not very likely or not at all likely to return to school, but 45% of
respondents ages 25-34 are extremely or very likely to return.
Total (n=410)
6%
Male (n=122)
5% 7%
Female (n=288)
6%
25-34 (n=85)
35-44 (n=105) 4%
11%
55-64 (n=90) 4%
Extremely likely
36%
22%
13%
19%
16%
45-54 (n=130) 3%2%
22%
37%
23%
Very likely
30%
35%
26%
23%
27%
33%
19%
10%
25%
22%
35%
12%
45%
31%
37%
Somewhat likely
6%
49%
Not very likely
Not at all likely
Respondents asked “Overall, how likely are you to go back to school?”
Walker + Associates
8
Likelihood of Returning to School (cont.)

One-third (34%) of respondents with 2 or more stopouts are extremely or very likely to return to school.
Stopouts
Number of Schools Attended
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Extremely likely
6
2
10
11
5
4
15
34
-
-
Very likely
11
6
11
23
10
12
15
66
-
-
Somewhat likely
22
17
29
28
22
25
20
-
100
-
Not very likely
36
43
32
24
34
41
29
-
-
59
Not at all likely
25
33
18
14
29
18
22
-
-
41
n=
Walker + Associates
9
Likelihood of Returning to School (cont.)

One-third (34%) of respondents in entry level careers are extremely or very likely to return to school.
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Extremely likely
6
9
8
4
9
3
4
8
5
6
Very likely
11
25
11
6
16
7
8
16
7
13
Somewhat likely
22
23
26
22
21
23
17
31
22
23
Not very likely
36
28
37
38
36
37
37
35
37
35
Not at all likely
25
15
18
30
17
31
33
11
30
23
n=
Walker + Associates
10
Likelihood of Returning to School (cont.)

One-half (49%) of respondents who are both emotionally and financially motivated are extremely or very likely to
return to school.
Geography
Motivation For Returning To School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Extremely likely
6
6
5
5
7
24
Very likely
11
13
7
17
17
25
Somewhat likely
22
23
22
45
24
21
Not very likely
36
36
36
21
39
22
Not at all likely
25
22
30
12
13
8
n=
Walker + Associates
11
College Attendance
Walker + Associates
12
Number of Stopouts

One-half (52%) of respondents never returned to school after leaving.
Never- I haven't gone back after
stopping classes
52%
1 time
25%
2 times
17%
3 times
4 times or more
4%
2%
Respondents were asked “How many times have you left school for at least a year (stopped taking any classes at any institution) before resuming
classes at a later time?” (n=410)
Walker + Associates
13
Number of Stopouts (cont.)

Almost two-thirds (65%) of respondents who are not very or not at all likely to return to school never went back to
school after stopping classes.
Stopouts
Number of Schools Attended
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not
Very/Not
At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Never – I haven’t
gone back after
stopping classes
52
100
-
-
71
34
18
24
38
65
1 time
25
-
100
-
22
34
15
30
33
21
2 times
17
-
-
74
6
27
35
29
23
12
3 times
4
-
-
16
-
2
24
10
4
2
4 or more times
2
-
-
10
1
2
9
7
2
1
n=
Walker + Associates
14
Number of Stopouts (cont.)

Three in five (60%) respondents who are in management or senior leadership positions have never returned to
school after stopping classes.
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Leader
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Never – I haven’t
gone back after
stopping classes
52
42
52
60
48
56
56
45
56
50
1 time
25
36
23
23
27
23
22
31
23
26
2 times
17
19
17
13
18
16
17
17
13
19
3 times
4
2
5
3
4
4
3
6
6
3
4 or more times
2
2
2
-
3
2
2
2
2
2
n=
Walker + Associates
15
Number of Stopouts (cont.)

More than one-quarter (27%) of respondents who are both emotionally and financially motivated to return to school
have had two stopouts.
Geography
Motivation For Returning To School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Never – I haven’t gone back
after stopping classes
52
51
54
41
41
31
1 time
25
25
26
31
33
34
2 times
17
17
16
21
13
27
3 times
4
4
3
5
9
6
4 or more times
2
3
1
2
4
2
n=
Walker + Associates
16
Number of Stopouts (cont.)

Three in five (63%) respondents ages 45-54 have never returned to school after stopping classes.
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Never – I haven’t gone back
after stopping classes
52
40
46
63
53
1 time
25
32
27
22
21
2 times
17
21
21
12
16
3 times
4
5
6
2
4
4 or more times
2
2
1
1
6
n=
Walker + Associates
17
Most Recent School Attended

Over one-half (53%) of respondents were full-time students at the school they most recently attended.
Median Age Enrolled
21 years old
Median Age Stopped Taking Classes
23 years old
7%
Median Length of Enrollment
2 years
40%
53%
Full-time
Part-time
Both
Results show among all respondents (n=410)
Walker + Associates
18
Most Recent School Attended (cont.)

The median age for the most recent stopout age for respondents who have had two or more stopouts is 30 years old.
Stopouts
Enrollment
Age
Age When
Stopped
Classes
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Full-time
53
62
45
41
59
50
36
57
57
50
Part-time
41
34
49
47
34
44
60
34
35
44
Both full-time
and part-time
7
4
7
12
8
6
4
9
9
5
Mean
24
22
24
29
22
26
29
25
25
24
Median
21
19
22
26
19
22
26
22
22
20
Mode
18
18
18
18
18
20
26
18
18
18
Mean
27
24
27
32
25
28
31
29
28
26
Median
23
21
25
30
22
25
28
27
23
23
Mode
19
19
22
27
19
22
27
27
19
21
n=
Student
Type
Number of Schools Attended
Walker + Associates
19
Most Recent School Attended (cont.)

Three in five (63%) respondents with kids were most recently full-time students when they stopped taking classes.
Career Level
Enrollment
Age
Age When
Stopped
Classes
Walker + Associates
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Full-time
53
57
56
55
59
47
47
63
60
50
Part-time
40
34
40
40
34
48
48
29
33
44
Both full-time
and part-time
7
9
4
5
7
6
6
8
7
6
Mean
24
24
24
23
25
24
25
23
24
24
Median
21
21
20
20
21
21
22
20
20
21
Mode
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
Mean
27
26
26
25
27
26
28
25
26
27
Median
23
24
23
22
23
23
24
23
23
23
Mode
19
22
19
19
19
21
19
19
19
19
n=
Student Type
Household Income
20
Most Recent School Attended (cont.)

Two-thirds (67%) of respondents who are emotionally motivated to return to school were full-time students at
their most recent school before stopping classes.
Geography
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Full-time
53
52
56
67
52
57
Part-time
40
41
38
26
41
36
Both full-time and
part-time
7
7
6
7
7
7
Mean
24
24
24
27
23
25
Median
21
21
20
21
20
22
Mode
18
18
18
18
18
18
27
27
27
29
25
27
23
23
23
24
23
25
19
21
19
22
19
23
n=
Student Type
Enrollment Age
Mean
Age When Stopped
Classes
Median
Mode
Walker + Associates
Motivation For Returning To School
21
Most Recent School Attended (cont.)

Older respondents were more likely to have been part-time students while attending their most recent school before
stopping classes (59% of respondents ages 55-64, compared to 40% on average).
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Full-time
53
68
60
52
32
Part-time
40
24
31
46
59
Both full-time and
part-time
7
8
9
2
9
Mean
24
21
24
24
28
Median
21
19
21
21
24
Mode
18
18
18
18
18
Mean
27
24
26
27
30
Median
23
22
23
24
28
Mode
19
22
19
19
21
n=
Student Type
Enrollment Age
Age When Stopped
Classes
Walker + Associates
22
Reasons for Dropping Out of Most Recent School

Almost one-quarter (24%) of respondents dropped out because they started a job or changed jobs.
Got a job/changed jobs
24%
Couldn't afford it
20%
Had child(ren)
15%
Lost interest in degree I was pursuing
12%
Got married/divorced
10%
Moved to a different area
9%
Wasn't doing well in school
8%
Illness/illness of a family member
8%
I was dissatisfied with some aspect of the school
7%
Didn't feel ready for college
6%
Finished courses/classes
Didn't feel connected to the campus life
Had trouble with transportation
Other
5%
3%
2%
14%
Respondents were asked, ”Why did you stop attending [school]?” Respondents were allowed to mark multiple responses . (n=410)
Walker + Associates
23
Reasons for Dropping Out of Most Recent School (cont.)

Among respondents extremely or very likely to return to school, one-third (30%) cited affordability and one-third (30%)
cited getting/changing jobs as reasons for dropping out of their most recent school.
Stopouts
Number of Schools Attended
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Got a job/changed jobs
24
24
20
26
26
20
24
30
22
23
Couldn't afford it
20
16
24
24
20
18
24
30
27
15
Had child(ren)
15
17
15
11
17
12
11
14
15
15
Lost interest in the degree I was
pursuing
12
14
10
8
13
7
16
11
9
13
Got married/divorced
10
11
10
8
13
6
7
10
5
12
Moved to a different area
9
11
6
8
10
6
13
7
10
9
Wasn't doing well in school
8
10
3
7
8
6
11
9
3
9
Illness/illness of a family member
8
6
10
13
11
4
9
13
7
8
I was dissatisfied with some
aspect of [school]
7
8
4
7
7
6
6
11
5
6
Didn't feel ready for college
6
8
2
5
9
2
4
4
5
7
Finished courses/classes
5
5
2
8
1
12
6
3
5
6
Didn't feel connected to the
campus life
3
3
3
3
4
2
6
1
2
4
Had trouble with transportation
2
2
2
2
1
3
4
3
1
2
Other
14
12
16
16
10
20
16
11
11
16
n=
Walker + Associates
24
Reasons for Dropping Out of Most Recent School (cont.)

One-third (34%) of respondents who classify their career level as entry level dropped out of their most recent school
because they couldn’t afford it.
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under $50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Got a job/changed jobs
24
23
29
27
22
26
24
23
29
22
Couldn't afford it
20
34
16
21
24
18
20
20
20
20
Had child(ren)
15
8
14
14
12
17
10
23
5
19
Lost interest in the degree I
was pursuing
12
19
10
10
12
11
14
9
17
9
Got married/divorced
10
2
9
11
8
12
8
13
9
10
Moved to a different area
9
8
9
8
8
11
9
9
9
9
Wasn't doing well in school
8
15
6
6
11
5
9
5
11
6
Illness/illness of a family
member
8
6
5
6
10
6
8
8
7
9
I was dissatisfied with some
aspect of [school]
7
9
9
4
8
5
8
4
11
5
Didn't feel ready for college
6
4
7
8
4
7
6
6
8
5
Finished courses/classes
5
2
6
7
7
4
6
3
5
5
Didn't feel connected to the
campus life
3
2
2
5
3
4
3
3
5
2
Had trouble with transportation
2
4
2
0
3
2
1
3
2
2
Other
14
15
11
10
14
13
14
14
16
13
n=
Walker + Associates
25
Reasons for Dropping Out of Most Recent School (cont.)

More than one-quarter (28%) of respondents who are both emotionally and financially motivated to return to school
dropped out of their most recent school because they had children.
Geography
Motivation For Returning To School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Got a job/changed jobs
24
23
25
21
28
21
Couldn't afford it
20
20
20
21
33
22
Had child(ren)
15
14
16
5
2
28
Lost interest in the degree I was pursuing
12
12
11
19
9
6
Got married/divorced
10
9
13
10
4
9
Moved to a different area
9
8
11
7
-
8
Wasn't doing well in school
8
8
7
5
13
3
Illness/illness of a family member
8
7
11
17
4
12
I was dissatisfied with some aspect of [school]
7
7
6
5
9
3
Didn't feel ready for college
6
5
8
7
7
3
Finished courses/classes
5
6
4
2
4
6
Didn't feel connected to the campus life
3
4
3
-
7
2
Had trouble with transportation
2
2
1
7
-
3
Other
14
13
16
14
13
18
n=
Walker + Associates
26
Reasons for Dropping Out of Most Recent School (cont.)

One-third (33%) of respondents ages 25-34 dropped out of their most recent school because they couldn’t afford it.
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Got a job/changed jobs
24
24
20
25
27
Couldn't afford it
20
33
25
15
10
Had child(ren)
15
19
11
17
12
Lost interest in the degree I was pursuing
12
13
7
15
12
Got married/divorced
10
7
11
8
14
Moved to a different area
9
11
6
7
14
Wasn't doing well in school
8
11
7
6
8
Illness/illness of a family member
8
7
11
9
7
I was dissatisfied with some aspect of [school]
7
12
6
3
8
Didn't feel ready for college
6
7
7
5
6
Finished courses/classes
5
1
5
7
7
Didn't feel connected to the campus life
3
4
2
2
7
Had trouble with transportation
2
1
2
2
3
Other
14
14
13
15
13
n=
Walker + Associates
27
Reasons for Dissatisfaction (If Dissatisfied with Some Aspect
of the School)

Respondents were primarily dissatisfied with the schools they attended due to lack of support and advising.
Lack of academic advising
37%
The campus/school didn't provide helpful or
effective support
37%
Was unhappy with faculty member(s)
26%
School policies and procedures were too
complicated or confusing to navigate
15%
Was unhappy with staff member(s)
11%
Class schedules were not flexible enough
7%
Course selection/availability too limited
4%
I missed a deadline because I was not given
information in a timely manner
4%
Other
22%
Asked of respondents who stopped attending most recent school because they were dissatisfied with some aspect of the school. “What aspect(s)
of the school were you dissatisfied with?” Respondents were allowed to mark multiple responses. (n=27)
Walker + Associates
28
Obstacles to Returning to School
Walker + Associates
29
Reasons for Not Having Returned to School

Almost one-half (44%) of respondents cite financial difficulty as the primary reason for not having returned to school.
Don't have the money/can't take on more debt
44%
Don't have time
25%
Feel like I'm too old to go back to school
24%
Don't need a degree for the work I am currently doing
22%
Don't want/need to return to school
15%
Worried that I couldn't pass the classes I need to complete my degree or
certificate
Don't know how to start the process to go back to school
10%
6%
Don't have childcare options
5%
There aren't any schools convenient to where I live
5%
Didn't have a good experience before and don't think things will be any
different
Other
4%
9%
Asked of all respondents (n=410). “Why have you not returned to school?” Respondents allowed to mark multiple answers. Other responses included
poor health, disabled, already retired, waiting for the right time, taking a break, worried about children attending college, and unsure of career path.
Walker + Associates
30
Reasons for Not Having Returned to School (cont.)

About one-third (29%) of respondents who are not very or not at all likely to return to school feel they don’t need a
degree for the work they are currently doing.
Number of Schools
Attended
Stopouts
Likelihood to Return to
School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/
Very
Somewhat
Not
Very/
Not At
All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Don't have the money/can't take on more debt
44
41
47
51
43
47
46
57
60
35
Don't have time
25
24
26
27
25
28
20
27
27
24
Feel like I'm too old to go back to school
24
26
21
23
27
20
22
7
27
27
Don't need a degree for the work I am currently
doing
22
24
19
21
21
20
33
4
16
29
Don't want/need to return to school
15
19
9
13
15
16
13
-
4
23
Worried that I couldn't pass the classes I need to
complete my degree or certificate
10
9
11
12
10
8
15
17
5
9
Don't know how to start the process to go back to
school
6
8
4
5
6
7
2
4
12
4
Don't have childcare options
5
4
7
7
4
7
9
9
7
4
There aren't any schools convenient to where I live
5
4
6
5
3
7
4
6
4
4
Didn't have a good experience before and don't
think things will be any different
4
3
5
4
3
5
2
-
3
5
Other
9
9
9
12
9
10
11
17
7
8
n=
Walker + Associates
31
Reasons for Not Having Returned to School (cont.)

When asked why they haven’t returned to school, one-third (34%) of males feel they don’t need a degree for the work
they’re currently doing, compared to 17% of females.
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Midlevel
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Don't have the money/can't take on more
debt
44
64
48
44
56
33
41
50
43
45
Don't have time
25
26
34
35
21
30
22
31
34
21
Feel like I'm too old to go back to school
24
26
19
29
23
26
24
25
24
24
Don't need a degree for the work I am
currently doing
22
13
25
31
16
27
24
19
34
17
Don't want/need to return to school
15
9
12
16
14
15
20
8
18
14
Worried that I couldn't pass the classes I
need to complete my degree or certificate
10
13
8
4
13
7
9
11
8
10
Don't know how to start the process to go
back to school
6
4
7
5
7
5
4
9
3
7
Don't have childcare options
5
4
5
3
8
4
-
13
2
7
There aren't any schools convenient to
where I live
5
8
2
-
7
3
4
6
2
6
Didn't have a good experience before and
don't think things will be any different
4
2
3
3
4
4
5
1
5
3
Other
9
6
8
7
10
9
10
8
9
9
n=
Walker + Associates
32
Reasons for Not Having Returned to School (cont.)

One-third (36%) of respondents who are emotionally motivated to return to school feel they are too old to go back.
Geography
Motivation For Returning To School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Don't have the money/can't take on more debt
44
44
44
64
44
58
Don't have time
25
25
25
26
22
21
Feel like I'm too old to go back to school
24
24
23
36
26
16
Don't need a degree for the work I am currently doing
22
22
23
17
11
5
Don't want/need to return to school
15
13
20
5
7
3
Worried that I couldn't pass the classes I need to complete
my degree or certificate
10
10
9
7
17
18
Don't know how to start the process to go back to school
6
7
5
14
9
8
Don't have childcare options
5
6
5
12
2
12
There aren't any schools convenient to where I live
5
5
4
7
2
8
Didn't have a good experience before and don't think
things will be any different
4
4
4
2
2
-
Other
9
12
4
7
9
16
n=
Walker + Associates
33
Reasons for Not Having Returned to School (cont.)

Almost three-quarters (71%) of respondents ages 25-34 feel they can’t afford to go back to school.
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Don't have the money/can't take on more debt
44
71
56
32
23
Don't have time
25
29
34
22
16
Feel like I'm too old to go back to school
24
15
24
25
31
Don't need a degree for the work I am currently doing
22
11
16
32
27
Don't want/need to return to school
15
4
9
18
30
Worried that I couldn't pass the classes I need to complete my
degree or certificate
10
17
8
8
9
Don't know how to start the process to go back to school
6
6
15
2
1
Don't have childcare options
5
12
9
2
0
There aren't any schools convenient to where I live
5
12
4
3
1
Didn't have a good experience before and don't think things will be
any different
4
2
3
4
6
Other
9
11
6
12
9
n=
Walker + Associates
34
Attitudes About Education
Walker + Associates
35
Attitudes About Getting or Finishing College Degree or
Certificate

Two in five (42%) respondents completely agree they would feel a sense of accomplishment by completing their degree.
I would feel a sense of personal
accomplishment if I earned a college
degree or certificate
42%
Completing my degree or certificate
would make me a good role model for
my family
31%
A college degree or certificate would
improve my career/earning potential
College degrees or certificates are too
expensive for what you get
I still want the degree or certificate I was
originally pursuing when I first went to
school
22%
18%
28%
19%
12%
17%
21%
12%
21%
17%
22%
24%
31%
22%
7%
11%
11%
15%
7% 5%
9%
10%
13%
8%
7%
25%
Completely Agree
Mostly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Mostly Disagree
Completely Disagree
Don't Know/Not Applicable
8%
9%
All respondents were asked their agreement on these statements concerning getting or finishing their college degree or certificate. (n=410)
Walker + Associates
36
Attitudes About Getting or Finishing College Degree or
Certificate (cont.)

Only 5% of respondents completely agree that online education is less effective than traditional classroom education.
Earning a college degree or certificate
takes too much time
11%
College degrees or certificates aren't
worth what they used to be in today's
society
11%
I am too old to go back to college
10%
I don't know where to go to get
information about completing my degree
or certificate
Online education is less effective than
traditional classroom education
Completely Agree
Mostly Disagree
40%
18%
11%
20%
34%
15%
5% 8%
5%
14%
16%
26%
16%
Mostly Agree
Completely Disagree
17%
18%
28%
25%
9%
5%
25%
6%
33%
27%
18%
6%
10%
14%
Somewhat Agree
Don't Know/Not Applicable
All respondents were asked their agreement on these statements concerning getting or finishing their college degree or certificate. (n=410)
Walker + Associates
37
Attitudes About Getting or Finishing College Degree or
Certificate (cont.)

Three-quarters (76%) of respondents with one stopout completely or mostly agree they would feel a sense of personal
accomplishment if they earned their college degree or certificate.
.
Stopouts
Number of Schools Attended
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/
Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
% Completely/Mostly Agree
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
I would feel a sense of personal accomplishment if I
earned a college degree or certificate
64
53
76
74
57
74
67
87
84
50
Completing my degree or certificate would make me a
good role model for my family
49
36
62
64
43
55
56
78
67
34
A college degree or certificate would improve my
career/earning potential
45
37
54
52
40
52
40
79
55
31
College degrees or certificates are too expensive for what
you get
40
40
35
42
40
36
46
25
34
45
College degrees or certificates aren't worth what they
used to be in today's society
29
31
26
27
32
22
29
23
24
32
I am too old to go back to college
25
32
19
18
29
20
22
3
14
35
Earning a college degree or certificate takes too much
time
25
29
25
16
26
29
13
5
16
34
I still want the degree or certificate I was originally
pursuing when I first went to school
24
19
30
29
21
26
27
44
35
14
Online education is less effective than traditional
classroom education
16
16
17
16
17
16
13
14
16
17
I don't know where to go to get information about
completing my degree or certificate
13
13
17
12
13
14
13
21
10
13
n=
Walker + Associates
38
Attitudes About Getting or Finishing College Degree or
Certificate (cont.)

Three-quarters (73%) of respondents with kids completely or mostly agree that completing their degree or certificate
would make them a good role model for their family.
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
% Completely/Mostly Agree
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
I would feel a sense of personal accomplishment if I
earned a college degree or certificate
63
77
66
56
70
60
57
75
55
68
Completing my degree or certificate would make me a
good role model for my family
49
55
56
40
55
45
34
73
37
54
A college degree or certificate would improve my
career/earning potential
45
61
50
29
52
40
38
54
35
48
College degrees or certificates are too expensive for
what you get
40
48
33
44
37
41
40
38
37
41
College degrees or certificates aren't worth what they
used to be in today's society
28
28
33
29
24
32
28
29
34
26
I am too old to go back to college
25
19
20
25
20
30
28
20
21
27
Earning a college degree or certificate takes too much
time
25
26
30
28
23
28
24
27
31
22
I still want the degree or certificate I was originally
pursuing when I first went to school
23
24
29
19
26
24
20
30
23
24
Online education is less effective than traditional
classroom education
16
17
14
14
14
18
20
10
18
15
I don't know where to go to get information about
completing my degree or certificate
13
17
14
12
13
15
11
17
13
14
n=
Walker + Associates
39
Attitudes About Getting or Finishing College Degree or
Certificate (cont.)

Two in five (40%) of respondents who are both emotionally and financially motivated to return to school still want the
degree or certificate they were originally pursuing.
Geography
Motivation For Returning To
School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
% Completely/Mostly Agree
%
%
%
%
%
%
I would feel a sense of personal accomplishment if I earned a college
degree or certificate
63
63
66
100
89
100
Completing my degree or certificate would make me a good role
model for my family
49
49
49
100
52
100
A college degree or certificate would improve my career/earning
potential
45
46
41
48
100
100
College degrees or certificates are too expensive for what you get
40
35
48
41
44
29
College degrees or certificates aren't worth what they used to be in
today's society
28
29
26
33
31
17
I am too old to go back to college
25
25
26
19
22
14
Earning a college degree or certificate takes too much time
25
26
24
22
22
24
I still want the degree or certificate I was originally pursuing when I
first went to school
23
24
24
35
35
40
Online education is less effective than traditional classroom
education
16
18
12
17
22
13
I don't know where to go to get information about completing my
degree or certificate
13
14
14
16
14
26
n=
Walker + Associates
40
Attitudes About Getting or Finishing College Degree or
Certificate (cont.)

Less than one-third of all age groups feel that college degrees or certificates aren’t worth what they used to be in
today’s society (28% on average).
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
% Completely/Mostly Agree
%
%
%
%
%
I would feel a sense of personal accomplishment if I earned a college
degree or certificate
63
79
72
61
43
Completing my degree or certificate would make me a good role model for
my family
49
69
60
39
31
A college degree or certificate would improve my career/earning potential
45
66
53
39
20
College degrees or certificates are too expensive for what you get
40
33
47
38
38
College degrees or certificates aren't worth what they used to be in today's
society
28
27
29
28
31
I am too old to go back to college
25
9
19
31
38
Earning a college degree or certificate takes too much time
25
24
26
28
21
I still want the degree or certificate I was originally pursuing when I first
went to school
23
32
25
23
17
Online education is less effective than traditional classroom education
16
19
11
15
21
I don't know where to go to get information about completing my degree or
certificate
13
19
13
12
11
n=
Walker + Associates
41
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Walker + Associates
42
Awareness of Program That Can Give College Credit for
Learning Outside School

Almost one-third (30%) of respondents were aware of a program that allows people to get college credit for things
learned outside of school.
18%
30%
Yes, aware of program
No, not aware of program
Maybe/Don't Know
52%
All respondents were asked “Have you ever heard of a program that allows you to get college credit for things you’ve learned outside school,
such as on-the-job training and other past learning or personal experience?” (n=410)
Walker + Associates
43
Awareness of Program That Can Give College Credit for
Learning Outside School (cont.)

Those who attended multiple schools were more likely to have knowledge of the program than those who had
attended one school.
Stopouts
Number of Schools Attended
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Yes, aware
of program
30
26
28
41
21
39
44
36
28
29
No, not
aware of
program
52
54
56
41
58
47
36
53
52
51
Maybe/don’t
know
18
20
16
18
21
14
20
11
20
20
n=
Walker + Associates
44
Awareness of Program That Can Give College Credit for
Learning Outside School (cont.)

Males were more likely than females to claim awareness of the program.
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Yes, aware of
program
30
36
23
31
28
31
33
25
38
26
No, not aware
of program
52
51
56
52
54
51
45
63
41
56
Maybe/don’t
know
18
13
21
17
19
19
22
13
21
17
n=
Walker + Associates
45
Awareness of Program That Can Give College Credit for
Learning Outside School (cont.)

Respondents living in urban and rural areas had similar levels of awareness of the program (31% urban and
27% rural).
Geography
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Yes, aware of
program
30
31
27
21
33
31
No, not aware of
program
52
51
53
50
59
57
Maybe/don’t know
18
18
20
29
9
12
n=
Walker + Associates
Motivation For Returning To School
46
Awareness of Program That Can Give College Credit for
Learning Outside School (cont.)

Respondents 55 or older have the highest levels of awareness of the program (42%, versus 30% on average).
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Yes, aware of program
30
28
26
26
42
No, not aware of program
52
60
61
52
32
Maybe/don’t know
18
12
13
22
26
n=
Walker + Associates
47
Sources of Awareness (Among Those Aware of Program)

Almost one-fifth (18%) of respondents who were aware of the program heard about it through television.
Television
18%
Online
16%
At School/College
14%
Don't Know/Can't Remember
13%
Friend/Family Member/ Word of Mouth
12%
Radio
Advertisement
11%
5%
At Work/Through Employer
4%
Military
4%
Other
11%
Respondents who had prior knowledge of a program were asked “Where did you hear about this program?” (n=122)
Walker + Associates
48
Sources of Awareness (cont.)

About one-third (32%) of respondents extremely or very likely to return to school who were aware of the program had
seen or heard something about it at school/college.
Stopouts
Number of Schools Attended
Likelihood to Return to School
Not
Very/Not
At All
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
122
54
29
39
45
53
24
25
26
71
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Television
18
26
21
5
29
11
13
8
19
21
Online
16
13
17
18
16
17
13
20
12
16
At school/college
14
9
10
23
9
13
25
32
12
9
Don't know/can't
remember
13
19
14
5
18
13
4
4
19
14
Friend/family
member/word of mouth
12
9
17
10
11
11
13
12
4
14
Radio
11
7
10
15
11
9
13
20
15
6
Advertisement (general)
5
7
0
5
4
4
8
0
4
7
At work/through employer
4
4
0
8
0
6
8
0
4
6
Military
4
4
0
8
2
6
4
4
8
3
Other
11
7
14
13
7
15
8
8
8
13
n=
Walker + Associates
49
Sources of Awareness (cont.)

One-third (32%) of respondents with entry level jobs aware of the program had seen something about it online.
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
122
19
30
30
54
61
83
39
46
76
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Television
18
11
23
13
19
16
22
10
15
20
Online
16
32
3
23
20
13
16
15
11
18
At school/college
14
21
17
3
13
15
8
26
11
16
Don't know/can't remember
13
0
7
17
17
11
14
10
13
13
Radio
11
5
23
7
13
10
6
21
7
13
Friend/family member/word
of mouth
11
11
7
17
7
15
12
10
15
9
Advertisement (general)
5
0
7
13
4
3
7
0
7
4
At work/through employer
4
5
3
3
2
7
6
0
7
3
Military
4
5
0
7
4
3
4
5
9
1
Other
11
21
17
0
11
11
10
13
11
11
n=
Walker + Associates
50
Sources of Awareness (cont.)

One-quarter (24%) of rural respondents aware of the program had seen something about it online.
Geography
Motivation For Returning To School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
122
89
33
9
15
21
%
%
%
%
%
%
Television
18
21
9
33
27
-
Online
16
12
24
-
-
19
At school/college
14
17
6
11
-
29
Don't know/can't remember
13
10
21
33
7
14
Radio
11
12
6
11
13
19
Friend/family member/word of mouth
11
12
9
-
13
-
Advertisement (general)
5
5
6
11
-
-
At work/through employer
4
5
3
11
-
-
Military
4
2
9
-
7
-
Other
11
11
9
-
33
19
n=
Walker + Associates
51
Sources of Awareness (cont.)

Younger respondents ages 25-34 aware of the program were most likely to have seen something about it at school or
college.
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
122
24
27
33
38
%
%
%
%
%
Television
18
13
22
18
18
Online
16
21
15
18
11
At school/college
14
25
7
12
13
Radio
11
8
19
6
11
Friend/family member/word of mouth
11
13
7
9
16
Advertisement (general)
5
4
0
3
11
At work/through employer
4
4
4
3
5
Military
4
0
7
3
5
Don't know/can't remember
13
4
22
9
16
Other
11
8
7
21
5
n=
Walker + Associates
52
PLA Description Shown to Respondents Before Asking About
Their Impressions of the Program
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a method of evaluating what you have learned
outside school for college credit. Your past experiences and knowledge (from work,
hobbies, volunteering, and other sources) may be shown to be equal to what you
could learn in a college classroom. If you can demonstrate this knowledge at the
college level, then many institutions in Tennessee will award you college credit for
what you already know.
Generally, students demonstrate PLA in one of three forms:
•
•
•
Walker + Associates
Credit by examination is a form of test-based evaluation. A student takes
an examination in order to demonstrate what he or she knows. If you pass
the test, you get credit for that course without having to pay for and attend
that class.
Credit recommendation for past training - If you have successfully
completed workplace or military training, then you may be recommended
for college level credit.
Portfolio assessments – student-written reports where the student
documents in detail past learning and describes what he or she has
learned. This is also a good option for students who may find standardized
tests to be difficult.
53
Impressions of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Almost one-half (45%) of all respondents think they could get college credit through the PLA program.
I think I could get
college credit for my
own past experience or
on-the-job training
using PLA
PLA sounds like a
complicated process
24%
5%
PLA sounds like more
2%4%
trouble than it's worth
Completely Agree
Mostly Disagree
10%
21%
34%
39%
19%
10% 3%
30%
39%
Mostly Agree
Completely Disagree
10%
26%
9%
6%
9%
Somewhat Agree
Don't Know/Not Applicable
All respondents were shown information about Prior Learning Assessment and then asked their agreement on these statements. (n=410)
Walker + Associates
54
Impressions of PLA (cont.)

Three in five (58%) respondents extremely or very likely to return to school feel they could get college credit using PLA.
Stopouts
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
24
17
24
38
19
28
31
39
23
20
21
25
17
16
22
15
27
19
22
21
34
36
34
30
35
37
24
27
40
34
10
11
13
5
12
10
6
7
9
12
3
3
4
2
3
3
6
3
1
4
Don’t Know/NA
9
8
9
10
9
8
7
6
5
11
Completely Agree
5
6
3
6
6
5
4
7
1
6
Mostly Agree
10
8
12
13
9
12
9
9
11
10
Somewhat Agree
39
39
36
41
39
37
40
33
41
39
Mostly Disagree
30
30
35
24
28
33
29
30
34
29
Completely Disagree
10
9
11
11
11
9
11
17
10
8
Don’t Know/NA
6
8
4
5
7
4
7
4
3
8
Completely Agree
2
3
2
2
3
2
2
3
0
3
Mostly Agree
4
3
6
5
5
4
6
4
2
5
Somewhat Agree
19
25
12
16
23
17
9
10
14
24
Mostly Disagree
39
39
44
33
36
43
38
37
49
36
Completely Disagree
26
22
27
35
25
24
35
39
30
21
Don’t Know/NA
9
9
10
10
7
11
11
7
4
11
Mostly Agree
I think I could get
college credit for my
Somewhat Agree
own past experience or
on-the-job training using Mostly Disagree
PLA
Completely Disagree
Walker + Associates
Not
Very/Not
At All
Total
Completely Agree
PLA sounds like more
trouble than it’s worth
Likelihood to Return to School
Somewhat
n=
PLA sounds like it’s a
complicated process
Number of Schools Attended
55
Impressions of PLA (cont.)

Three in five (58%) respondents in management or senior leadership positions in their careers feel they could get credit
for their own past experience or job training using PLA.
Career Level
PLA sounds like it’s a
complicated process
PLA sounds like more
trouble than it’s worth
Walker + Associates
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Completely Agree
24
17
25
27
24
25
21
28
21
25
Mostly Agree
20
9
20
31
16
25
21
19
20
21
Somewhat Agree
34
49
35
26
37
31
34
34
39
32
Mostly Disagree
10
19
9
6
11
9
10
10
9
11
Completely Disagree
3
2
2
3
5
2
4
2
2
3
Don’t Know/NA
9
4
10
8
7
9
10
6
9
8
Completely Agree
5
6
5
4
6
4
4
6
7
5
Mostly Agree
10
11
12
9
10
10
11
8
11
10
Somewhat Agree
39
36
46
41
38
39
37
42
35
40
Mostly Disagree
30
34
25
30
25
35
30
30
33
29
Completely Disagree
10
11
8
9
13
7
11
9
8
11
Don’t Know/NA
6
2
4
7
7
6
7
6
7
6
Completely Agree
2
2
3
1
2
3
2
3
4
2
Mostly Agree
4
4
4
4
4
5
6
3
6
4
Somewhat Agree
19
21
22
22
19
20
18
21
19
19
Mostly Disagree
39
28
43
44
31
47
38
40
42
38
Completely Disagree
26
40
20
18
35
19
26
26
19
29
Don’t Know/NA
9
6
8
10
10
8
10
7
11
8
n=
I think I could get
college credit for my
own past experience
or on-the-job training
using PLA
Household Income
56
Impressions of PLA (cont.)

While almost one-half (48%) of urban respondents feel they could get college credit using PLA, only one-third
(36%) of rural respondents feel this way.
Geography
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Completely Agree
24
26
18
31
37
40
Mostly Agree
20
22
18
19
22
16
Somewhat Agree
34
30
43
41
17
28
Mostly Disagree
10
11
8
2
4
10
Completely Disagree
3
2
5
-
9
2
Don’t Know/NA
9
9
8
7
11
3
Completely Agree
5
5
6
2
7
9
Mostly Agree
10
9
12
10
11
10
Somewhat Agree
39
41
34
29
35
25
Mostly Disagree
30
31
28
45
26
33
Completely Disagree
10
10
11
14
20
16
Don’t Know/NA
6
5
9
-
2
6
Completely Agree
2
2
4
-
2
2
Mostly Agree
4
4
6
-
9
6
Somewhat Agree
19
18
21
12
9
10
Mostly Disagree
39
42
32
41
39
36
Completely Disagree
26
26
27
43
35
42
Don’t Know/NA
9
9
10
5
7
5
n=
I think I could get college
credit for my own past
experience or on-the-job
training using PLA
PLA sounds like it’s a
complicated process
PLA sounds like more
trouble than it’s worth
Walker + Associates
Motivation For Returning To School
57
Impressions of PLA (cont.)

Impressions of PLA are fairly consistent across all age groups (top-two box percentages).
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
24
28
24
21
23
20
13
20
25
21
34
39
35
31
32
10
8
11
9
12
3
5
3
4
1
Don't Know/Not Applicable
9
7
7
10
10
Completely Agree
5
8
5
4
4
Mostly Agree
10
6
11
12
9
Somewhat Agree
39
40
43
35
38
Mostly Disagree
30
28
27
33
31
Completely Disagree
10
14
9
10
8
Don't Know/Not Applicable
6
4
6
6
10
Completely Agree
2
2
2
3
2
Mostly Agree
4
4
5
5
4
Somewhat Agree
19
22
17
17
22
Mostly Disagree
39
35
42
42
34
Completely Disagree
26
29
24
26
26
Don't Know/Not Applicable
9
7
11
8
11
n=
Completely Agree
Mostly Agree
I think I could get
college credit for my
Somewhat Agree
own past experience or
on-the-job training using Mostly Disagree
PLA
Completely Disagree
PLA sounds like it’s a
complicated process
PLA sounds like more
trouble than it’s worth
Walker + Associates
58
Important Factors in Returning to School
Walker + Associates
59
One Thing That Could Convince You to Return to School

Respondents mentioned the availability of financial resources more than any other item when asked on an
unprompted basis what would convince them to return to school.
Financial Aid/Money/Grant
46%
Nothing - Don't Want/Don't Need to Go Back
13%
No Answer/Don't Know
10%
Opportunity for Better Job/ Guaranteed Job After Graduation
9%
Flexible Class Schedule/Online Classes
6%
More Time
Change in Current Life Situation
4%
3%
Guaranteed Support/Guidance from School
2%
Childcare Options
2%
Credit for Life Experience/Current Work
2%
Encouragement/Confidence/Self Respect
2%
More Convenient Location
1%
Specific Classes of Interest
1%
If School were Specifically Focused on Older Students' Needs
1%
If School Would Pay Off Current Student Loans
1%
Other
8%
All respondents were asked the open-ended question “What is the one thing that could convince you to return to school to finish your degree or
certificate?” (n=410) Responses were coded into categories shown above. Some comments included multiple items and are coded as such, so
percentages total more than 100%.
Walker + Associates
60
One Thing That Could Convince You to Return to School (cont.)

One-fifth (18%) of respondents with no stopouts said there was nothing that could convince them to go back to
school because they didn’t want to or need to go back to school.
Stopouts
Number of Schools Attended
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Financial aid/money/grant
46
42
53
47
43
50
47
51
64
38
Nothing - don't want/need to go back
13
18
8
8
17
7
15
3
2
20
Opportunity for a better job/guaranteed job after
graduation
9
9
7
12
9
10
9
6
2
13
Flexible class schedules/online classes
6
8
4
3
6
7
2
4
4
7
More time
4
2
6
7
2
8
2
6
9
2
Change in current life situation (spouse passing,
children moving out, etc.)
3
3
4
1
3
2
2
6
2
2
Childcare options
2
2
2
3
2
3
4
4
2
2
Guaranteed support/guidance from school
2
1
1
4
1
2
2
3
3
0
Credit for life experience/current work
2
1
3
3
1
2
4
0
3
2
Encouragement/confidence/self respect
2
2
2
3
2
1
6
6
3
1
Specific classes of interest
1
1
1
2
1
1
6
0
1
2
If school would pay off current student loans
1
2
0
0
2
0
0
6
0
0
More convenient location
1
1
1
2
1
2
2
1
0
2
If school were specifically focused on older students'
needs
1
2
1
0
2
1
0
0
3
1
No answer/don't know
10
13
8
5
12
10
0
4
7
13
Other
8
8
9
8
6
8
15
7
8
9
n=
Walker + Associates
61
One Thing That Could Convince You to Return to School (cont.)

Women are more likely than men to say that financial aid is the one thing that could convince them to return to
school (50% versus 38%).
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Financial aid/money/grant
46
60
49
43
52
41
43
52
38
50
Nothing - don't want/need to go back
13
8
13
10
10
15
16
8
17
11
Opportunity for a better job/guaranteed job after
graduation
9
4
12
12
7
12
10
8
14
7
Flexible class schedules/online classes
6
0
8
9
8
4
4
8
2
7
More time
4
6
6
4
2
7
3
6
3
5
Change in current life situation (spouse passing,
children moving out, etc.)
3
2
4
2
3
3
3
3
2
3
Childcare options
2
2
1
1
3
3
0
6
0
3
Credit for life experience/current work
2
2
1
4
1
3
1
3
4
1
Encouragement/confidence/self respect
2
0
3
1
2
2
2
3
2
2
Guaranteed support/guidance from school
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
3
0
2
Specific classes of interest
1
2
1
1
2
1
2
0
2
1
If school would pay off current student loans
1
4
0
1
2
0
0
2
0
1
More convenient location
1
6
1
0
2
1
2
0
1
1
If school were specifically focused on older students'
needs
1
0
1
0
2
1
2
1
1
1
No answer/don't know
10
6
9
13
10
10
11
8
13
8
Other
8
6
5
6
6
10
10
4
6
9
n=
Walker + Associates
62
One Thing That Could Convince You to Return to School (cont.)

Two-thirds (67%) of respondents who are emotionally motivated to return to school say that financial aid is the
one thing that could convince them to return to school.
Geography
Motivation For Returning To School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Financial aid/money/grant
46
46
46
67
52
64
Nothing - don't want/need to go back
13
12
16
-
2
3
Opportunity for a better job/guaranteed job after graduation
9
8
12
-
13
6
Flexible class schedules/online classes
6
6
5
2
7
9
More time
4
4
4
7
7
5
Change in current life situation (spouse passing, children moving
out, etc.)
3
3
3
2
9
5
Childcare options
2
2
3
5
-
5
Credit for life experience/current work
2
2
3
5
-
-
Encouragement/confidence/self respect
2
2
2
2
4
6
Guaranteed support/guidance from school
1
2
-
5
-
2
Specific classes of interest
1
2
-
-
-
-
If school would pay off current student loans
1
1
1
2
-
3
More convenient location
1
1
2
2
-
-
If school were specifically focused on older students' needs
1
1
1
5
2
-
No answer/don't know
10
9
12
7
7
2
Other
8
9
5
2
7
9
n=
Walker + Associates
63
One Thing That Could Convince You to Return to School (cont.)

Financial aid as a motivator decreases with age, but older respondents are also more likely to say that nothing
could convince them to return to school because they don’t want or need to go back.
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Financial aid/money/grant
46
65
55
42
24
Nothing - don't want/need to go back
13
4
7
13
30
Opportunity for a better job/guaranteed job after graduation
9
4
6
13
13
Flexible class schedules/online classes
6
8
6
6
2
More time
4
4
6
6
0
Change in current life situation (spouse passing, children moving out, etc.)
3
4
1
5
0
Childcare options
2
6
5
0
0
Credit for life experience/current work
2
1
2
2
2
Encouragement/confidence/self respect
2
4
0
5
0
Guaranteed support/guidance from school
1
0
4
0
2
Specific classes of interest
1
0
2
1
2
If school would pay off current student loans
1
5
0
0
0
More convenient location
1
0
2
2
1
If school were specifically focused on older students' needs
1
0
2
0
3
No answer/don't know
10
8
12
9
10
Other
8
6
4
10
12
n=
Walker + Associates
64
Important Factors in Returning to School to Finish Degree

Availability of financial aid is the most important factor in returning to school.
69%
Availability of financial aid
62%
Convenient location
Flexibility of class schedules around work/taking
care of children
20%
46%
Ability to get college credity for knowledge and
skills acquired outside of classroom
37%
Scheduling support from my employer
37%
14%
9%
15%
46%
17%
36%
26%
46%
16%
Need to Have
17%
47%
34%
Financial support from my employer
13%
47%
38%
Availability of information to link degrees to
specific job opportunities
29%
38%
44%
Availability of accelerated classes and/or
programs
10%
41%
45%
Availability of evening courses
8%
36%
51%
Availability of an advisor/counselor to help map
out my program/plan
10%
31%
54%
Availability of online courses
Assistance with daycare/children
21%
20%
71%
Nice to Have
Not Important
All respondents were asked “How important is each of the following in terms of returning to school to finish your degree?” (n=410)
Walker + Associates
65
Important Factors in Returning to School to Finish Degree
(cont.)

Among respondents extremely or very likely to return to school, two-thirds (66%) consider flexible schedules essential.
Number of Schools
Attended
Stopouts
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/
Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
69
65
72
75
71
66
69
81
80
61
Nice to Have
21
23
21
18
22
21
20
16
16
25
Not Important
10
12
7
7
7
13
11
3
3
14
Need to Have
62
57
75
59
64
58
62
70
67
57
Nice to Have
31
32
22
36
29
32
31
26
30
32
Not Important
8
11
3
5
6
10
7
4
2
11
Need to Have
54
51
58
57
55
53
53
69
62
47
Nice to Have
36
36
36
37
35
39
35
27
33
40
Not Important
10
14
6
6
11
8
13
4
5
13
Need to Have
51
44
57
59
50
50
56
66
60
43
Nice to Have
20
22
18
17
23
18
15
16
20
21
Not Important
29
34
24
24
28
32
29
19
21
36
n=
Availability of financial aid
Convenient location
Availability of online
courses
Flexibility of class
schedules around
work/taking care of children
Walker + Associates
Likelihood to Return to School
66
Important Factors in Returning to School to Finish Degree
(cont.)

Among respondents extremely or very likely to return to school, two-thirds (63%) consider the availability of an
advisor or counselor essential.
Number of Schools
Attended
Stopouts
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/
Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
46
38
52
57
45
43
55
63
50
40
Nice to Have
41
45
38
37
43
42
33
33
42
43
Not Important
13
17
11
6
12
15
13
4
8
17
Need to Have
45
41
49
50
45
45
42
54
46
42
Nice to Have
38
39
39
34
40
36
35
33
47
36
Not Important
17
20
13
17
15
19
24
13
8
22
Need to Have
44
43
44
48
45
39
55
44
47
44
Nice to Have
47
45
52
44
47
50
38
50
51
44
Not Important
9
12
4
7
8
10
7
6
2
12
Need to Have
38
35
45
39
40
36
38
40
46
35
Nice to Have
47
47
46
48
47
48
44
46
52
45
Not Important
15
18
10
13
13
16
18
14
2
20
n=
Availability of an
advisor/counselor to help map
out my program/plan
Availability of evening classes
Ability to get college credit for
knowledge and skills acquired
outside the classroom (like onthe-job training or personal
experience)
Availability of accelerated
classes and/or programs
Walker + Associates
Likelihood to Return to School
67
Important Factors in Returning to School to Finish Degree
(cont.)

Two in five (44%) of respondents who have attended three or more schools find it necessary for schools to provide
information to link degrees to specific job opportunities.
Number of Schools
Attended
Stopouts
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/
Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
37
32
43
41
37
34
44
43
42
33
Nice to Have
46
47
45
44
46
48
40
47
50
44
Not Important
17
21
13
15
17
18
16
10
8
23
Need to Have
37
37
41
35
40
35
31
43
38
36
Nice to Have
36
33
38
43
35
37
40
37
40
35
Not Important
26
31
21
22
24
29
29
20
22
30
Need to Have
34
32
32
40
34
31
38
30
34
35
Nice to Have
46
48
46
43
49
45
42
56
48
43
Not Important
20
20
22
17
17
24
20
14
19
22
Need to Have
14
10
18
18
14
12
16
23
15
11
Nice to Have
16
17
18
11
17
14
16
26
19
12
Not Important
71
74
64
72
70
74
67
51
66
78
n=
Availability of information to
link degrees to specific job
opportunities
Scheduling support from my
employer (flexible work
schedule)
Financial support from my
employer (tuition
reimbursement or employerpaid contributions)
Assistance with
daycare/childcare
Walker + Associates
Likelihood to Return to School
68
Important Factors in Returning to School to Finish Degree
(cont.)

Four in five (81%) respondents currently in entry level jobs consider financial aid essential to returning to school.
Household
Income
Career Level
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Midlevel
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
69
81
76
61
81
59
64
77
55
75
Nice to Have
21
19
18
26
13
28
24
18
29
18
Not Important
10
0
6
13
6
13
13
5
16
7
Need to Have
62
68
61
62
62
62
61
64
52
66
Nice to Have
30
30
35
27
29
31
29
32
35
28
Not Important
8
2
5
11
8
8
10
4
13
6
Need to Have
54
57
58
58
56
53
45
68
49
56
36
40
35
31
31
40
41
28
34
37
Not Important
10
4
6
11
12
8
14
4
16
7
Need to Have
Flexibility of class schedules
around work/taking care of
Nice to Have
children
Not Important
51
57
55
60
53
50
38
70
41
55
20
21
23
19
19
22
20
19
24
18
29
23
22
20
29
29
41
10
35
27
n=
Availability of financial aid
Convenient location
Availability of online courses Nice to Have
Walker + Associates
69
Important Factors in Returning to School to Finish Degree
(cont.)

One-half (55%) of respondents in management or senior leadership positions feel that the ability to get college credit
for knowledge and skills acquired outside the classroom is essential in their ability to return to school.
Household
Income
Career Level
Availability of evening
classes
Ability to get college credit
for knowledge and skills
acquired outside the
classroom (like on-the-job
training or personal
experience)
Availability of accelerated
classes and/or programs
Walker + Associates
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Midlevel
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
46
51
48
45
49
45
45
48
39
49
Nice to Have
41
34
42
41
40
42
37
47
38
43
Not Important
13
15
9
14
11
14
18
5
24
8
Need to Have
45
49
57
50
43
47
41
50
45
45
Nice to Have
38
42
33
33
39
37
39
36
34
39
Not Important
17
9
10
17
18
17
20
14
20
16
Need to Have
44
42
45
55
42
47
46
42
45
44
Nice to Have
47
55
51
35
48
46
42
55
39
50
Not Important
9
4
5
10
10
7
12
3
16
6
Need to Have
38
36
38
43
37
41
32
48
42
37
Nice to Have
47
47
55
41
48
46
50
42
39
50
Not Important
15
17
7
16
15
14
18
9
19
13
n=
Availability of an
advisor/counselor to help
map out my program/plan
Kids in HH
70
Important Factors in Returning to School to Finish Degree
(cont.)

One-quarter (28%) of respondents with kids in the household consider assistance with daycare/childcare a “need to
have.”
Household
Income
Career Level
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Midlevel
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
37
34
42
32
39
37
34
41
34
38
Nice to Have
46
55
46
45
45
46
42
52
43
47
Not Important
17
11
12
23
16
18
24
8
22
15
Need to Have
Scheduling support from my
employer (flexible work
Nice to Have
schedule)
Not Important
37
51
52
40
34
41
36
39
40
36
36
42
38
38
41
32
31
44
31
39
26
8
11
22
25
27
32
17
29
25
Need to Have
Financial support from my
employer (tuition
Nice to Have
reimbursement or employerpaid contributions)
Not Important
34
34
42
38
32
37
32
37
37
33
46
58
48
44
49
44
45
48
44
47
20
8
11
18
19
20
23
14
19
20
Need to Have
14
15
12
15
20
9
5
28
11
15
Nice to Have
16
25
17
12
18
14
8
28
12
17
Not Important
71
60
71
72
62
78
87
45
76
68
n=
Availability of information to
link degrees to specific job
opportunities
Assistance with
daycare/childcare
Walker + Associates
71
Important Factors in Returning to School to Finish Degree
(cont.)

Three-quarters (75%) of respondents both emotionally and financially motivated to return to school consider flexibility
of class schedules essential.
Geography
Motivation For Returning To
School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
69
67
73
79
87
90
Nice to Have
21
21
22
14
4
9
Not Important
10
12
5
7
9
1
Need to Have
62
61
64
67
74
79
Nice to Have
30
31
30
31
17
19
Not Important
8
8
6
2
9
2
Need to Have
54
55
52
67
65
69
Nice to Have
36
34
40
31
28
25
Not Important
10
11
8
2
7
6
Need to Have
Flexibility of class schedules around
Nice to Have
work/taking care of children
Not Important
51
49
55
62
50
75
20
21
19
19
9
10
29
31
26
19
41
15
n=
Availability of financial aid
Convenient location
Availability of online courses
Walker + Associates
72
Important Factors in Returning to School to Finish Degree
(cont.)

More than one-half (55%) of respondents who are primarily emotionally motivated to return to school consider the
ability to get college credit for knowledge and skills acquired outside the classroom essential in returning to school.
Geography
Motivation For Returning To School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
46
49
39
52
74
55
Nice to Have
41
38
48
38
22
37
Not Important
13
13
12
10
4
8
Need to Have
45
47
40
48
50
64
Nice to Have
38
36
42
38
37
25
Not Important
17
17
18
14
13
10
Need to Have
Ability to get college credit for
knowledge and skills acquired outside Nice to Have
the classroom (like on-the-job training
or personal experience)
Not Important
44
46
42
55
48
48
47
46
49
43
39
49
9
9
9
2
13
3
Need to Have
38
40
35
41
54
48
Nice to Have
47
45
50
40
35
49
Not Important
15
15
15
19
11
3
n=
Availability of an advisor/counselor to
help map out my program/plan
Availability of evening classes
Availability of accelerated classes
and/or programs
Walker + Associates
73
Important Factors in Returning to School to Finish Degree
(cont.)

More than one-quarter (28%) of respondents motivated both emotionally and financially to return to school consider
assistance with daycare/childcare a “need to have.”
Geography
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
37
37
36
40
59
63
Nice to Have
46
46
47
43
28
34
Not Important
17
17
17
17
13
3
Need to Have
37
37
38
33
50
40
36
37
35
31
33
37
26
26
27
36
17
23
Need to Have
34
34
34
41
50
34
Nice to Have
46
45
49
43
37
48
Not Important
20
21
17
17
13
18
Need to Have
14
15
10
17
9
28
Nice to Have
16
15
17
21
6
24
Not Important
71
70
73
62
85
48
n=
Availability of information to link
degrees to specific job opportunities
Scheduling support from my employer
Nice to Have
(flexible work schedule)
Not Important
Financial support from my employer
(tuition reimbursement or employerpaid contributions)
Assistance with daycare/childcare
Walker + Associates
Motivation For Returning To School
74
Important Factors in Returning to School to Finish Degree
(cont.)

More than two-thirds (69%) of respondents ages 25-34 consider flexibility of class schedules around work and/or
taking care of children a “need to have” in the ability to return to school.
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
69
84
79
67
47
Nice to Have
21
13
12
25
34
Not Important
10
4
9
9
19
Need to Have
62
72
62
62
51
Nice to Have
30
22
33
31
34
Not Important
8
6
5
7
14
Need to Have
54
62
59
56
37
Nice to Have
36
32
33
35
46
Not Important
10
6
8
9
18
Need to Have
51
69
60
49
26
Nice to Have
20
15
17
19
29
Not Important
29
15
23
32
46
n=
Availability of financial aid
Convenient location
Availability of online courses
Flexibility of class schedules around
work/taking care of children
Walker + Associates
75
Important Factors in Returning to School to Finish Degree
(cont.)

One-half (51%) of respondents ages 35-44 feel they need to have an advisor or counselor to help map out their
programs/plans.
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
46
46
51
47
39
Nice to Have
41
47
40
42
37
Not Important
13
7
10
12
24
Need to Have
45
53
49
50
26
Nice to Have
38
38
35
35
44
Not Important
17
9
16
15
30
Need to Have
44
34
46
49
47
Nice to Have
47
58
49
44
39
Not Important
9
8
6
8
14
Need to Have
38
42
47
39
23
Nice to Have
47
46
43
48
51
Not Important
15
12
11
13
26
n=
Availability of an advisor/counselor to
help map out my program/plan
Availability of evening classes
Ability to get college credit for
knowledge and skills acquired outside
the classroom (like on-the-job training
or personal experience)
Availability of accelerated classes
and/or programs
Walker + Associates
76
Important Factors in Returning to School to Finish Degree
(cont.)

One-third (32%) of respondents ages 25-34 consider assistance with daycare/childcare essential in their ability to
return to school.
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
37
41
41
37
28
Nice to Have
46
47
51
47
38
Not Important
17
12
9
16
34
Need to Have
37
46
38
41
23
Nice to Have
36
44
40
32
32
Not Important
26
11
22
28
44
Need to Have
Financial support from my employer
(tuition reimbursement or employer-paid Nice to Have
contributions)
Not Important
34
37
40
39
18
46
52
43
45
47
20
12
17
16
36
Need to Have
14
32
14
6
6
Nice to Have
16
27
21
9
8
Not Important
71
40
65
85
87
n=
Availability of information to link
degrees to specific job opportunities
Scheduling support from my employer
(flexible work schedule)
Assistance with daycare/childcare
Walker + Associates
77
Needs for Returning to School

When ranking six general needs, the availability of financial aid is considered the most important factor in returning to
school.
43%
Availability of financial aid
Ability to get college credit for onthe-job training or personal
experience/knowledge I’ve gained
31%
Flexibility of class schedule around
work/personal obligations
(including online courses)
Convenient campus location
Assistance with daycare/childcare
21%
17%
6%
33%
12%
9%
Second
11%
15%
11%
26%
12% 3%
17%
25%
12% 3%
14%
29%
2%4% 4% 4% 5%
Accelerated courses and/or
1%
programs
Most Important
21%
24%
11%1%
3%
80%
19%
Third
25%
Fourth
36%
Fifth
10%
Least Important
Respondents were shown six statements and asked to rank the importance of the items in their ability to return to school, with “1” being the most
important and “6” being the least important.
Walker + Associates
78
Summary of Items Needed to Return to School

Among respondents not very or not at all likely to return to school, two in five (39%) ranked the ability to get college
credit for on-the-job training or personal experience/knowledge as the top item needed for returning to school.
Number of Schools
Attended
Stopouts
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/
Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
% Ranked Need Most Important
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Availability of financial aid
43
41
44
46
43
45
38
51
57
35
Ability to get college credit for on-thejob training or personal
experience/knowledge I’ve gained
31
34
27
29
33
28
31
16
22
39
Flexibility of class schedule around
work/personal obligations (including
online courses)
17
17
18
13
17
15
20
17
17
16
Convenient campus location
6
5
6
7
5
6
9
9
3
6
Assistance with daycare/childcare
2
2
2
4
2
3
2
7
1
2
Accelerated courses and/or programs
1
1
3
0
0
3
0
0
0
2
n=
Walker + Associates
79
Summary of Items Needed to Return to School (cont.)

Almost one-half (48%) of women rank financial aid first, while 45% of men rank the ability to get college credit for onthe-job training or personal experience/knowledge as the top item needed for returning to school.
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
% Ranked Need Most Important
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Availability of financial aid
43
53
48
32
53
35
41
47
31
48
Ability to get college credit for on-thejob training or personal
experience/knowledge I’ve gained
31
13
32
41
23
39
35
25
45
25
Flexibility of class schedule around
work/personal obligations (including
online courses)
17
21
16
19
14
20
15
19
15
17
Convenient campus location
6
6
4
7
6
5
6
5
7
5
Assistance with daycare/childcare
2
6
0
0
4
1
1
5
2
3
Accelerated courses and/or
programs
1
2
0
1
1
1
2
0
1
1
n=
Walker + Associates
80
Summary of Items Needed to Return to School (cont.)

One-fifth (21%) of respondents who are primarily emotionally motivated to return to school ranked flexibility of class
schedule as the most important need for returning to school.
Geography
Motivation For Returning To School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
% Ranked Need Most Important
%
%
%
%
%
%
Availability of financial aid
43
42
44
45
54
58
Ability to get college credit for on-the-job
training or personal experience/knowledge
I’ve gained
31
32
30
26
26
19
Flexibility of class schedule around
work/personal obligations (including online
courses)
17
17
16
21
11
10
Convenient campus location
6
5
7
5
2
10
Assistance with daycare/childcare
2
2
3
2
4
2
Accelerated courses and/or programs
1
1
2
-
2
-
n=
Walker + Associates
81
Summary of Items Needed to Return to School (cont.)

Younger respondents are less likely to rank the ability to get college credit for life experience as the top need for
returning to school (11% of those ages 25-34, compared to 31% on average).
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
% Ranked Need Most Important
%
%
%
%
%
Availability of financial aid
43
59
50
38
27
Ability to get college credit for on-the-job training or
personal experience/knowledge I’ve gained
31
11
26
35
51
Flexibility of class schedule around work/personal
obligations (including online courses)
17
19
16
17
14
Convenient campus location
6
4
6
7
6
Assistance with daycare/childcare
2
8
2
0
1
Accelerated courses and/or programs
1
0
1
2
1
n=
Walker + Associates
82
Items Needed to Return to School
Stopouts
Number of Schools Attended
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Most Important
43
41
44
46
43
45
38
51
57
36
Second
21
18
23
23
19
21
27
30
15
20
Third
11
13
11
6
14
7
6
7
8
13
Fourth
11
11
11
11
10
11
13
4
10
13
Fifth
12
13
9
13
11
11
16
4
9
15
Least Important
3
4
3
1
3
4
-
3
2
4
Most Important
31
34
27
30
34
28
31
16
22
39
Second
21
22
18
21
20
23
20
20
20
22
Third
15
16
17
12
16
12
18
10
24
13
Fourth
17
15
21
18
17
18
15
26
15
16
Fifth
12
11
11
17
11
15
13
20
15
9
Least Important
3
1
6
3
2
4
4
9
4
1
Most Important
17
18
18
13
17
15
20
17
17
16
Second
33
36
27
33
34
32
29
29
39
32
Third
25
24
26
28
25
24
29
37
13
27
Fourth
14
13
18
13
13
18
9
9
16
15
Fifth
11
9
11
14
11
10
13
9
14
10
Least Important
1
1
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
1
n=
Availability of financial aid
Ability to get college credit
for on-the-job training or
personal experience/
knowledge I’ve gained
Flexibility of class
schedule around
work/personal obligations
(including online courses)
Walker + Associates
83
Items Needed to Return to School (cont.)
Stopouts
Assistance with
daycare/childcare
Accelerated courses
and/or programs
Walker + Associates
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/Not
At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Most Important
6
5
6
7
5
6
9
9
3
6
Second
12
10
18
11
12
13
9
10
13
13
Third
26
26
26
24
23
29
27
24
25
27
Fourth
29
34
17
32
34
22
29
30
30
28
Fifth
24
21
29
24
23
26
24
24
23
24
Least Important
3
4
4
2
3
4
2
3
5
3
Most Important
2
2
2
4
2
3
2
7
1
2
Second
4
3
5
4
4
4
6
4
3
4
Third
4
4
4
5
4
5
2
6
7
3
Fourth
4
3
7
2
3
6
4
7
5
2
Fifth
5
7
6
1
7
4
2
9
4
5
Least Important
80
81
77
83
80
78
86
67
79
84
Most Important
1
1
3
-
1
3
-
-
-
2
Second
9
10
8
8
11
7
9
7
10
10
Third
19
18
17
24
17
22
18
16
24
18
Fourth
25
24
27
25
23
26
31
24
23
26
Fifth
36
38
35
32
38
34
33
34
35
37
Least Important
10
9
11
11
11
9
9
19
9
8
n=
Convenient campus
location
Number of Schools Attended
84
Items Needed to Return to School (cont.)
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Midlevel
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Most Important
43
53
48
32
53
35
41
47
31
48
Second
21
26
19
17
25
17
20
23
21
20
Third
11
6
8
15
9
12
12
9
13
10
Fourth
11
9
12
14
6
15
13
7
15
9
Fifth
12
2
10
19
3
19
13
9
16
10
Least Important
3
4
2
2
4
3
2
5
3
3
Most Important
31
13
32
41
23
39
35
25
45
25
Second
21
13
22
23
22
20
25
15
23
20
Third
15
15
18
14
16
15
14
16
11
17
Fourth
17
28
15
13
23
13
14
22
9
21
Fifth
12
25
11
7
12
13
11
15
10
14
Least Important
3
6
3
1
5
2
-
7
2
3
Most Important
17
21
16
19
14
20
15
19
15
17
Second
33
36
38
39
30
36
31
36
32
33
Third
25
21
31
23
26
24
23
29
24
26
Fourth
14
21
12
10
15
14
16
10
18
12
Fifth
11
2
4
7
14
7
14
6
11
11
Least Important
1
-
-
1
1
1
1
-
1
-
n=
Availability of financial aid
Ability to get college credit for
on-the-job training or personal
experience/knowledge I’ve
gained
Flexibility of class schedule
around work/personal
obligations (including online
courses)
Walker + Associates
85
Items Needed to Return to School (cont.)
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Midlevel
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Most Important
6
6
4
7
6
5
6
5
7
5
Second
12
15
10
4
11
14
14
9
9
14
Third
26
40
22
23
29
23
28
23
30
24
Fourth
29
23
33
30
27
31
28
31
28
30
Fifth
24
15
29
33
23
26
22
26
25
23
Least Important
3
2
2
3
5
2
2
6
2
4
Most Important
2
6
-
-
4
1
1
5
2
3
Second
4
6
5
1
7
2
1
8
5
3
Third
4
2
2
6
4
5
2
7
1
6
Fourth
4
4
5
-
6
2
1
9
2
5
Fifth
5
2
5
5
7
4
4
8
3
6
Least Important
80
81
82
88
72
87
91
63
88
77
Most Important
1
2
-
1
1
1
2
-
1
1
Second
9
4
5
15
6
13
10
8
10
9
Third
19
17
18
17
16
22
21
16
22
17
Fourth
25
15
24
33
23
27
27
21
29
24
Fifth
36
55
41
29
41
31
36
35
34
36
Least Important
10
8
12
5
13
7
4
19
4
12
n=
Convenient campus location
Assistance with
daycare/childcare
Accelerated courses and/or
programs
Walker + Associates
86
Items Needed to Return to School (cont.)
Geography
Motivation For Returning To School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Most Important
43
42
44
45
54
58
Second
21
20
23
26
20
27
Third
11
10
12
10
11
6
Fourth
11
11
11
7
7
-
Fifth
12
14
7
2
4
6
Least Important
3
3
3
10
4
3
Most Important
31
32
30
26
26
19
Second
21
21
21
21
11
22
Third
15
14
19
17
20
9
Fourth
17
17
19
24
28
15
Fifth
12
14
9
7
15
25
Least Important
3
3
3
5
-
9
Most Important
17
17
16
21
11
10
Second
33
34
31
29
50
21
Third
25
25
25
17
20
45
Fourth
14
13
16
19
11
15
Fifth
11
10
12
14
9
9
Least Important
1
1
-
-
-
-
n=
Availability of financial aid
Ability to get college credit for on-the-job
training or personal
experience/knowledge I’ve gained
Flexibility of class schedule around
work/personal obligations (including
online courses)
Walker + Associates
87
Items Needed to Return to School (cont.)
Geography
Motivation For Returning To School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Most Important
6
5
7
5
2
10
Second
12
12
13
14
9
13
Third
26
27
24
29
13
16
Fourth
29
31
25
21
28
36
Fifth
24
22
29
24
41
21
Least Important
3
4
3
7
7
3
Most Important
2
2
3
2
4
2
Second
4
4
3
2
2
6
Third
4
5
2
14
2
10
Fourth
4
4
4
7
-
10
Fifth
5
6
4
2
2
3
Least Important
80
79
84
71
89
69
Most Important
1
1
2
-
2
-
Second
9
9
9
7
9
10
Third
19
19
18
14
35
13
Fourth
25
25
25
21
26
24
Fifth
36
34
39
50
28
36
Least Important
10
11
7
7
-
16
n=
Convenient campus location
Assistance with daycare/childcare
Accelerated courses and/or programs
Walker + Associates
88
Items Needed to Return to School (cont.)
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Most Important
43
59
50
39
27
Second
21
24
19
22
18
Third
11
6
11
13
12
Fourth
11
1
8
12
22
Fifth
12
2
11
12
21
Least Important
3
8
3
2
-
Most Important
31
11
26
35
51
Second
21
17
18
22
28
15
12
21
18
8
17
28
17
15
10
Fifth
12
22
16
9
3
Least Important
3
11
2
1
-
Most Important
17
19
16
17
14
Second
33
32
44
32
22
Third
25
33
22
23
26
Fourth
14
13
11
17
14
Fifth
11
4
8
10
22
Least Important
1
-
-
1
-
n=
Availability of financial aid
Ability to get college credit for on-the- Third
job training or personal
Fourth
experience/knowledge I’ve gained
Flexibility of class schedule around
work/personal obligations (including
online courses)
Walker + Associates
89
Items Needed to Return to School (cont.)
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Most Important
6
4
6
7
6
Second
12
15
8
12
14
Third
26
25
22
25
33
Fourth
29
24
36
30
24
Fifth
24
26
26
24
20
Least Important
3
7
3
2
2
Most Important
2
8
2
-
1
Second
4
8
5
2
2
Third
4
12
3
2
1
Fourth
4
11
4
1
2
Fifth
5
11
5
4
3
Least Important
80
51
82
92
90
Most Important
1
-
1
2
1
Second
9
5
7
10
16
Third
19
13
22
19
20
Fourth
25
24
25
25
27
Fifth
36
35
35
41
30
Least Important
10
24
11
2
7
n=
Convenient campus location
Assistance with daycare/childcare
Accelerated courses and/or programs
Walker + Associates
90
Predisposition Toward Future Education
Walker + Associates
91
Degree or Certificate Most Likely to Pursue

More than one-third (37%) of respondents would seek a Bachelor’s degree if they returned to school.
Technical certificate
12%
Associate's degree (2-year)
34%
Bachelor's degree (4-year)
37%
None of these
Other
14%
2%
All respondents were asked “What type of degree or certificate are you most likely to pursue if you go back to school? (n=410)
Walker + Associates
92
Degree or Certificate Most Likely to Pursue (cont.)

More than one-half (56%) of respondents who are extremely or very likely to return to school would pursue a
Bachelor’s degree if they went back.
Stopouts
Number of Schools Attended
Likelihood to Return to School
Not
Very/Not
At All
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Technical
certificate
12
14
8
13
13
9
18
7
9
15
Associate’s
degree (2-year)
34
31
45
30
35
36
24
34
40
32
Bachelor's
degree (4-year)
37
30
42
48
32
42
46
56
48
28
Other
2
3
1
2
2
2
4
1
1
3
None of these
14
22
5
7
18
11
9
1
2
23
n=
Walker + Associates
93
Degree or Certificate Most Likely to Pursue (cont.)

Women are more likely than men to consider pursuing an associates degree (36% versus 28%).
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Technical certificate
12
11
8
14
13
11
15
8
11
13
Associate’s degree (2-year)
34
40
30
35
38
29
28
43
28
36
Bachelor's degree (4-year)
37
40
48
37
33
44
37
38
42
35
Other
2
2
-
2
3
2
2
2
-
3
None of these
14
8
14
12
13
16
18
9
19
13
n=
Walker + Associates
94
Degree or Certificate Most Likely to Pursue (cont.)

Respondents who are primarily emotionally motivated to return to school are equally likely to pursue an associate’s
degree or a bachelor’s degree (both 43%).
Geography
Motivation For Returning To School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Technical certificate
12
13
11
10
13
7
Associate’s degree (2-year)
34
32
38
43
35
40
Bachelor's degree (4-year)
37
39
34
43
46
48
Other
2
2
2
2
2
3
None of these
14
14
15
2
4
2
n=
Walker + Associates
95
Degree or Certificate Most Likely to Pursue (cont.)

Respondents ages 25-34 are more likely to consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree than an associate’s degree (47%
versus 35%, respectively).
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Technical certificate
12
9
7
17
14
Associate’s degree (2-year)
34
35
42
33
24
Bachelor's degree (4-year)
37
47
42
32
31
Other
2
2
1
2
3
None of these
14
6
9
16
27
n=
Walker + Associates
96
Predisposition Toward Types of Schools

Almost three-quarters (71%) of respondents would consider going to a public or state community college if they were
to return to school.
71%
Public/state community college
54%
4-year public/state college/university
TN College of Applied Technology
(TCAT)
Private college/university
For-profit college
17%
37%
37%
19%
46%
34%
17%
40%
31%
42%
29%
Would Consider
7%
29%
45%
Vocational or technical school
Career college
22%
41%
Neutral
25%
27%
30%
Would Not Consider
All respondents were asked, “If you decided to return to school to complete your degree or certificate or start a new one, which of the following
types of schools would you consider?” (n=410)
Walker + Associates
97
Predisposition Toward Types of Schools (cont.)

One-half (50%) of respondents who are somewhat likely to return to school would consider a career college,
compared to 37% on average.
Stopouts
4-year
public/state
college/
university
Vocational or
technical school
Career college
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Would Consider
71
64
82
75
69
72
75
70
83
67
Neutral
22
28
14
20
24
20
22
20
14
26
Would Not Consider
7
8
5
5
6
8
4
10
3
7
Would Consider
54
47
61
61
50
57
62
61
72
45
Neutral
29
34
24
25
33
25
27
27
22
33
Would Not Consider
17
19
15
14
17
18
11
11
7
22
Would Consider
45
45
50
39
48
41
40
40
48
45
Neutral
37
36
35
41
34
37
49
43
35
36
Would Not Consider
19
19
16
20
18
22
11
17
17
19
Would Consider
37
35
44
34
38
39
27
30
50
34
Neutral
46
47
43
46
47
39
56
53
36
48
Would Not Consider
17
18
14
20
15
21
16
17
14
19
n=
Public/state
community
college
Number of Schools Attended
Walker + Associates
98
Predisposition Toward Types of Schools (cont.)

Almost one-half (45%) of respondent with one stopout would consider a TCAT, compared to 34% on average.
Stopouts
Private college/
university
For-profit college
(University of
Phoenix, Kaplan,
DeVry, etc.)
Walker + Associates
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Would Consider
34
30
45
34
33
36
38
36
39
32
Neutral
40
44
29
44
43
36
42
36
36
43
Would Not Consider
25
26
26
22
25
29
20
29
25
25
Would Consider
31
26
42
31
25
40
33
39
42
25
Neutral
42
43
38
42
45
34
47
43
41
42
Would Not Consider
27
31
20
27
30
26
20
19
16
34
Would Consider
29
26
40
26
30
29
29
33
35
26
Neutral
41
47
32
37
43
37
42
39
47
39
Would Not Consider
30
28
28
37
27
35
29
29
19
35
n=
TN College of
Applied
Technology
(TCAT)
Number of Schools Attended
99
Predisposition Toward Types of Schools (cont.)

Respondents in entry level jobs are more likely to consider public/state community colleges than mid-level and
management/senior leadership level career holders (77%, versus 68% and 67%, respectively).
Household
Income
Career Level
4-year public/state
college/university
Vocational or technical
school
Career college
Walker + Associates
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Midlevel
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Would Consider
71
77
68
67
73
69
70
73
61
75
Neutral
22
19
27
23
20
26
24
20
30
19
Would Not Consider
7
4
5
9
8
6
6
7
9
6
Would Consider
54
55
58
58
52
56
52
57
57
53
Neutral
29
38
31
21
29
31
28
31
32
28
Would Not Consider
17
8
11
20
20
13
20
12
11
19
Would Consider
45
47
42
40
50
40
44
46
47
44
Neutral
37
45
35
34
35
39
39
33
35
38
Would Not Consider
19
8
23
27
15
22
17
21
18
19
Would Consider
37
36
37
41
38
38
35
39
35
38
Neutral
46
55
48
39
48
44
47
45
43
47
Would Not Consider
17
9
15
20
14
19
18
16
21
16
n=
Public/state community
college
Kids in HH
100
Predisposition Toward Types of Schools (cont.)

Two in five (42%) respondents in entry level positions would consider a TCAT, compared to 29% of respondents in
management/senior leadership positions.
Household
Income
Career Level
Private college/university
For-profit college
(University of Phoenix,
Kaplan, DeVry, etc.)
Walker + Associates
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Midlevel
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Would Consider
34
42
31
29
37
34
34
35
37
33
Neutral
40
42
42
35
38
42
41
40
38
41
Would Not Consider
25
17
28
37
25
25
25
26
25
25
Would Consider
31
38
35
33
32
32
28
35
37
28
Neutral
42
43
41
40
40
44
39
47
37
44
Would Not Consider
27
19
24
28
28
25
33
18
26
28
Would Consider
29
26
35
28
28
32
29
29
31
28
Neutral
41
43
42
39
43
38
38
45
35
43
Would Not Consider
30
30
24
34
29
31
33
26
34
28
n=
TN College of Applied
Technology (TCAT)
Kids in HH
101
Predisposition Toward Types of Schools (cont.)

One-quarter (24%) of respondents primarily motivated to return to school for emotional reasons would not consider a
vocational or technical school or a career college.
Geography
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Would Consider
71
69
76
74
76
87
Neutral
22
25
17
17
17
12
Would Not Consider
7
6
7
9
7
1
Would Consider
54
56
50
62
63
69
Neutral
29
28
32
31
17
25
Would Not Consider
17
16
18
7
20
6
Would Consider
45
42
51
36
39
55
Neutral
37
39
33
40
39
33
Would Not Consider
19
19
16
24
22
12
Would Consider
37
35
41
36
46
45
Neutral
46
47
43
40
39
42
Would Not Consider
17
18
16
24
15
13
n=
Public/state community college
4-year public/state
college/university
Vocational or technical school
Career college
Walker + Associates
Motivation For Returning To
School
102
Predisposition Toward Types of Schools (cont.)

Respondents in rural areas are more likely to consider TCATs than respondents in urban areas (45% versus 30%).
Geography
Total
Urban
Rural
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Would Consider
34
30
45
38
30
45
Neutral
40
44
32
41
48
33
Would Not Consider
25
26
23
21
22
22
Would Consider
31
34
23
45
41
43
Neutral
42
39
48
36
31
39
Would Not Consider
27
27
29
19
28
18
Would Consider
29
30
28
36
43
40
Neutral
41
41
39
47
33
36
Would Not Consider
30
29
33
17
24
24
n=
TN College of Applied
Technology (TCAT)
Private college/university
For-profit college (University of
Phoenix, Kaplan, DeVry, etc.)
Walker + Associates
Motivation For Returning To
School
Emotional Financial
Both
103
Predisposition Toward Types of Schools (cont.)

Respondents ages 35-44 are most likely to consider 4-year public/state colleges/universities.
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Would Consider
71
71
74
71
68
Neutral
22
17
21
25
26
Would Not Consider
7
13
5
4
7
Would Consider
54
57
62
51
47
Neutral
29
24
30
33
29
Would Not Consider
17
20
9
16
24
Would Consider
45
40
46
49
41
Neutral
37
41
35
34
39
Would Not Consider
19
19
19
17
20
Would Consider
37
34
40
42
28
Neutral
46
44
47
45
49
Would Not Consider
17
22
13
13
23
n=
Public/state community college
4-year public/state college/university
Vocational or technical school
Career college
Walker + Associates
104
Predisposition Toward Types of Schools (cont.)

One-quarter (27%) of respondents ages 25-34 are willing to consider TCATs, but 33% would not consider them.
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Would Consider
34
27
40
39
29
Neutral
40
40
40
34
50
Would Not Consider
25
33
20
28
21
Would Consider
31
29
36
31
27
Neutral
42
41
49
39
38
Would Not Consider
27
29
15
30
36
Would Consider
29
25
35
34
20
Neutral
41
45
46
32
43
Would Not Consider
30
31
19
34
37
n=
TN College of Applied Technology
(TCAT)
Private college/university
For-profit college (University of Phoenix,
Kaplan, DeVry, etc.)
Walker + Associates
105
Reasons for Not Considering Tennessee Colleges of Applied
Technology (TCATs)

One-quarter (25%) of respondents would not consider a Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT). Those
respondents were asked, “Why wouldn’t you consider a TN College of Applied Technology (TCAT)?”

Of those who would not consider a TCAT:

40% would not consider a TCAT because they do not offer programs/degrees that they would want to pursue.

16% would not consider a TCAT because they are unfamiliar with them.

4% would not consider a TCAT because they view them as less reputable or as providers of a lower quality
education.
Walker + Associates
106
Reasons for Not Considering Community Colleges

Only 27 respondents (7%) would not consider public/state community colleges. Those respondents were asked, “Why
wouldn’t you consider a community college?”

Of those who would not consider public/state community colleges, reasons included:

Schools do not offer the type of degree I would like to seek

Schools are not in convenient locations

Respondents do not wish to seek any type of degree (regardless of type of school)
Walker + Associates
107
Information About Returning to School
Walker + Associates
108
Sources Most Likely to Use to Get Information About Returning
to School

Two-thirds (66%) of respondents would go directly to a school’s website to get information about returning to school,
and over one-half (56%) would use a general web search.
Go directly to a school's website
66%
General online/web search
56%
Visit a school in person
24%
Call a school
22%
Interactive websites
21%
Ask a friend/family member for recommendations/advice
17%
In-person workshops at a local community center or public library
12%
College recruiter
8%
Advertising
6%
Ask your employer for advice
6%
Non-profit/outreach organization
6%
Other
1%
Respondents asked, “Where would you be most likely to get information about returning to school?” (n=410) Respondents could mark multiple
responses.
Walker + Associates
109
Sources Most Likely to Use to Get Information About Returning
to School (cont.)

One-fifth (21%) of respondents extremely or very likely to return to school would use college recruiters as a source of
information about returning to school.
Stopouts
Number of Schools Attended
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Go directly to a school’s website
66
65
61
72
60
68
84
77
71
61
General online/web search
56
56
52
59
52
59
60
57
61
53
Visit a school in person
24
23
22
27
24
23
27
37
20
22
Call a school
22
20
21
26
20
20
35
33
21
19
Interactive websites
21
19
24
21
21
23
18
30
25
17
Ask a friend/family member for
recommendations/advice
17
15
19
19
17
18
16
20
20
15
In-person workshops at a local
community center or public library
12
9
14
15
12
10
16
17
11
11
College recruiter
8
7
8
11
10
4
9
21
7
5
Ask your employer for advice
6
6
5
8
4
9
7
4
4
7
Advertising (TV, billboards, other
ads)
6
5
8
4
6
6
4
9
3
6
Non-profit/outreach organization
6
5
9
6
6
7
6
7
9
5
Other
1
0
0
3
1
2
0
3
0
0
n=
Walker + Associates
110
Sources Most Likely to Use to Get Information About Returning
to School (cont.)

Respondents in management/senior leadership positions are half as likely to visit a school in person to get information
than respondents in entry level career positions.
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Go directly to a school’s website
66
64
68
61
69
63
66
65
68
65
General online/web search
56
55
56
53
54
57
59
50
55
56
Visit a school in person
24
28
22
14
26
23
27
18
29
22
Call a school
22
26
19
18
26
20
21
23
23
22
Interactive websites
21
23
22
17
26
17
22
20
22
20
Ask a friend/family member for
recommendations/advice
17
9
18
17
17
18
18
16
15
18
In-person workshops at a local community
center or public library
12
17
13
2
15
9
14
8
13
11
College recruiter
8
8
11
3
11
6
6
11
8
8
Ask your employer for advice
6
8
12
5
4
9
7
4
10
5
Advertising (TV, billboards, other ads)
6
4
5
4
5
6
6
6
2
7
Non-profit/outreach organization
6
4
7
2
8
5
7
4
4
7
Other
1
2
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
n=
Walker + Associates
111
Sources Most Likely to Use to Get Information About Returning
to School (cont.)

One-fifth (22%) of respondents who are both emotionally and financially motivated to return to school would use a
college recruiter as a source of information for going back to school.
Geography
Motivation For Returning To School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Go directly to a school’s website
66
67
62
79
57
73
General online/web search
56
57
53
64
70
54
Visit a school in person
24
22
30
26
20
21
Call a school
22
22
21
26
24
24
Interactive websites
21
22
20
26
33
30
Ask a friend/family member for recommendations/advice
17
19
13
24
22
21
In-person workshops at a local community center or public
library
12
11
14
7
20
15
College recruiter
8
8
8
7
9
22
Ask your employer for advice
6
6
7
17
4
2
Advertising (TV, billboards, other ads)
6
5
7
2
11
13
Non-profit/outreach organization
6
7
3
10
9
8
Other
1
1
-
-
2
-
n=
Walker + Associates
112
Sources Most Likely to Use to Get Information About Returning
to School (cont.)

One-quarter (26%) of respondents ages 25-34 would use interactive websites to get information about returning to
school.
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Go directly to a school’s website
66
73
62
65
64
General online/web search
56
62
54
54
53
Visit a school in person
24
20
24
19
34
Call a school
22
22
18
21
28
Interactive websites
21
26
18
24
16
Ask a friend/family member for recommendations/advice
17
22
12
17
18
In-person workshops at a local community center or public library
12
13
11
10
14
College recruiter
8
15
9
6
3
Ask your employer for advice
6
6
6
5
8
Advertising (TV, billboards, other ads)
6
5
10
5
3
Non-profit/outreach organization
6
4
8
6
7
Other
1
0
1
0
2
n=
Walker + Associates
113
“One-Stop Shop” Resources

Information about the cost of completing a degree or certificate is the top need of a “one-stop shop” resource.
72%
Cost of completing your degree or certificate
Length of time it would take to complete your
degree or certificate
23%
62%
32%
56%
Information about taking classes online
4%
5%
38%
6%
Information about getting college credit for
training you've received on the job or elsewhere
52%
42%
6%
Location of relevant college programs near you
52%
41%
7%
Information about flexible class schedules for
working students or students with children
A directory of who to contact at each school for
more information
Need to Have
49%
34%
44%
48%
Nice to Have
17%
8%
Not Important
All respondents were asked “If there were a one-stop shop resource for getting information about returning to school, how important would it be to
include each of the following pieces of information?” (n=410)
Walker + Associates
114
“One-Stop Shop” Resources (cont.)

Advice on how to balance school, work, and family life is the least important need for a “one-stop shop” resource, but
21% still consider it necessary.
Information to link degrees or certificates to
specific job opportunities
43%
Help with filling out financial aid forms and
application
43%
43%
14%
A calculator to help you determine how many
classes you need to finish your degree or
certificate
42%
44%
14%
Information about the differences between types
of schools (public, private, etc.)
Ability to connect with a mentor or another adult
student who's been in your situation
Advice on how to balance school, work, and family
life
50%
15%
33%
53%
14%
28%
47%
23%
21%
Need to Have
10%
34%
Help choosing an academic program or major
Information about how much you could earn if you
completed your degree or certificate
47%
25%
56%
21%
50%
Nice to Have
29%
Not Important
All respondents were asked “If there were a one-stop shop resource for getting information about returning to school, how important would it be to
include each of the following pieces of information?” (n=410)
Walker + Associates
115
“One-Stop Shop” Resources (cont.)

One-half of respondents, regardless of likelihood to return to school, consider information about getting college
credit for training received outside school a “need to have” in a one-stop shop.
Stopouts
Length of time it would take to
complete your degree or
certificate
Information about taking classes
online
Information about getting college
credit for training you’ve received
on the job or elsewhere
Location of relevant college
programs near you
Walker + Associates
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
72
68
76
77
69
76
75
76
82
68
Nice to Have
23
26
21
20
26
20
22
23
19
25
Not Important
4
6
3
3
5
4
4
1
0
7
Need to Have
62
61
64
63
63
61
64
66
70
59
Nice to Have
32
32
32
33
32
34
27
30
29
34
Not Important
5
7
4
4
5
5
9
4
1
7
Need to Have
56
53
59
59
55
58
56
64
58
53
Nice to Have
38
39
37
37
39
37
36
31
40
39
Not Important
6
9
4
4
7
5
7
4
2
9
Need to Have
52
50
52
58
52
52
56
51
53
52
Nice to Have
42
42
42
40
42
44
35
44
46
39
Not Important
6
8
6
2
6
4
9
4
1
9
Need to Have
52
50
55
54
51
55
49
47
55
52
Nice to Have
41
42
40
41
41
38
47
46
44
39
Not Important
7
9
5
5
8
7
4
7
1
9
n=
Cost of completing your degree
or certificate
Number of Schools Attended
116
“One-Stop Shop” Resources (cont.)

Three in five (61%) respondents extremely or very likely to return to school consider information about flexible
class schedules a “need to have.”
Stopouts
Number of Schools Attended
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
Information about flexible class
schedules for working students or Nice to Have
students with children
Not Important
49
45
53
53
48
53
40
61
57
42
34
36
30
34
34
31
42
30
34
36
17
19
17
14
18
15
18
9
10
22
Need to Have
44
41
44
52
43
46
44
59
47
39
Nice to Have
48
49
50
44
48
47
51
37
52
50
Not Important
8
10
7
4
9
7
6
4
1
11
Need to Have
43
38
49
50
39
49
44
47
46
41
Nice to Have
47
51
42
44
51
40
47
47
49
46
Not Important
10
12
10
6
10
11
9
6
5
13
Need to Have
43
42
47
44
49
39
35
50
47
40
Nice to Have
43
46
37
43
40
47
44
40
48
42
Not Important
14
13
17
13
12
14
22
10
5
18
Need to Have
A calculator to help you
determine how many classes you
Nice to Have
need to finish your degree or
certificate
Not Important
42
40
42
50
40
45
44
43
46
41
44
46
39
44
45
40
47
47
45
42
14
15
19
6
15
15
9
10
10
17
n=
A directory of who to contact at
each school for more information
Information to link degrees or
certificates to specific job
opportunities
Help with filling out financial aid
forms and applications
Walker + Associates
117
“One-Stop Shop” Resources (cont.)

Two in five (40%) respondents who have had two or more stopouts consider help choosing an academic major
essential in a one-stop shop of resources.
Stopouts
Number of Schools Attended
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
34
31
37
40
31
39
36
44
40
29
Nice to Have
50
51
49
51
53
45
53
46
49
52
Not Important
15
18
15
10
16
16
11
10
11
19
Need to Have
33
31
32
39
33
32
35
39
40
29
Nice to Have
53
52
59
51
53
55
53
53
52
54
Not Important
14
18
9
11
14
13
13
9
8
17
Need to Have
Information about the differences
between types of schools (public, Nice to Have
private, etc.)
Not Important
28
25
28
35
26
29
31
34
28
26
47
48
48
46
47
44
58
39
58
46
25
28
24
19
27
27
11
27
14
28
Need to Have
23
22
23
25
23
24
20
33
22
21
Nice to Have
56
52
57
62
55
55
62
50
67
53
Not Important
21
26
19
13
22
21
18
17
11
26
Need to Have
21
22
18
24
22
22
18
27
22
19
50
45
54
55
48
50
56
47
59
47
29
33
28
21
30
29
26
26
20
34
n=
Help choosing an academic
program or major
Information about how much you
could earn if you completed your
degree or certificate
Ability to connect with a mentor
or another adult student who’s
been in your situation
Advice on how to balance school,
Nice to Have
work, and family life
Not Important
Walker + Associates
118
“One-Stop Shop” Resources (cont.)

Two-thirds (66%) of respondents in management or senior leadership career positions consider information about
getting college credit for training received on-the-job or elsewhere essential in a one-stop shop of resources.
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Midlevel
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
72
79
73
68
76
68
72
72
71
73
Nice to Have
23
21
24
23
20
27
23
25
20
25
Not Important
4
0
3
8
4
6
5
3
9
2
Need to Have
62
62
67
65
62
62
59
67
57
65
Nice to Have
32
34
28
29
32
33
34
29
34
32
Not Important
5
4
5
6
6
6
6
4
9
4
Need to Have
56
55
56
56
54
58
51
64
47
60
Nice to Have
38
38
38
36
40
36
41
33
41
36
Not Important
6
8
6
8
7
7
8
3
12
4
Need to Have
52
42
48
66
51
54
56
47
53
52
Nice to Have
41
53
47
27
43
40
37
48
35
44
Not Important
6
6
5
7
6
6
7
4
11
4
Need to Have
Location of relevant
Nice to Have
college programs near you
Not Important
52
49
54
47
51
54
51
53
43
56
41
43
41
41
42
40
41
41
44
40
7
8
5
12
8
7
8
6
12
5
n=
Cost of completing your
degree or certificate
Length of time it would
take to complete your
degree or certificate
Information about taking
classes online
Information about getting
college credit for training
you’ve received on the job
or elsewhere
Walker + Associates
119
“One-Stop Shop” Resources (cont.)

Three in five (58%) respondents with kids consider information about flexible class schedules a “need to have” for
a one-stop shop.
Household
Income
Career Level
A directory of who to contact at each
school for more information
Information to link degrees or certificates
to specific job opportunities
Help with filling out financial aid forms
and applications
A calculator to help you determine how
many classes you need to finish your
degree or certificate
Walker + Associates
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Midlevel
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
49
57
54
52
52
48
43
58
41
52
Nice to Have
34
36
33
33
34
35
33
35
39
32
Not Important
17
8
13
15
15
18
24
7
20
16
Need to Have
44
38
51
41
51
39
45
42
33
49
Nice to Have
48
55
45
50
40
54
46
51
57
44
Not Important
8
8
5
9
9
7
8
7
10
7
Need to Have
43
40
43
39
44
44
44
42
43
43
Nice to Have
47
53
48
48
49
44
43
53
43
48
Not Important
10
8
8
13
7
13
13
5
14
8
Need to Have
43
53
45
30
51
36
45
40
40
45
Nice to Have
43
38
42
54
39
47
39
50
40
44
Not Important
14
9
12
16
10
18
16
10
20
11
Need to Have
42
42
44
46
38
47
43
42
44
42
Nice to Have
44
49
45
36
50
36
44
43
39
45
Not Important
14
9
12
18
12
17
14
14
16
13
n=
Information about flexible class
schedules for working students or
students with children
Kids in HH
120
“One-Stop Shop” Resources (cont.)

Women are more likely than men to want help choosing an academic program or major (39% versus 25%,
respectively).
Household
Income
Career Level
Information about how much you could
earn if you completed your degree or
certificate
Information about the differences
between types of schools (public,
private, etc.)
Ability to connect with a mentor or
another adult student who’s been in your
situation
Advice on how to balance school, work,
and family life
Walker + Associates
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Midlevel
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
34
38
33
32
40
30
34
35
25
39
Nice to Have
50
43
55
50
46
53
49
52
53
49
Not Important
15
19
12
18
14
18
17
13
22
13
Need to Have
33
34
34
28
35
31
31
36
30
34
Nice to Have
53
53
57
54
53
54
53
53
55
53
Not Important
14
13
9
18
12
15
16
11
16
13
Need to Have
28
32
29
28
32
24
29
26
29
27
Nice to Have
47
42
48
42
44
50
47
47
47
48
Not Important
25
26
23
31
24
27
24
26
25
25
Need to Have
23
23
22
28
28
19
23
24
21
24
Nice to Have
56
64
58
45
55
56
55
58
54
57
Not Important
21
13
20
28
16
25
23
18
25
19
Need to Have
21
15
27
22
24
20
18
26
21
21
Nice to Have
50
58
51
46
51
49
47
53
49
50
Not Important
29
26
22
32
25
32
35
20
30
29
n=
Help choosing an academic program or
major
Kids in HH
121
“One-Stop Shop” Resources (cont.)

Almost all (94%) respondents primarily financially motivated to return to school consider information about the
cost of completing your degree or certificate essential for a one-stop shop of resources.
Geography
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
72
73
71
83
94
81
Nice to Have
23
22
26
14
-
18
Not Important
4
5
3
3
6
1
Need to Have
62
65
56
76
83
72
Nice to Have
32
29
40
24
13
27
Not Important
5
6
4
-
4
1
Need to Have
56
57
54
64
72
66
Nice to Have
38
36
41
33
17
30
Not Important
6
7
5
3
11
4
Need to Have
52
52
53
67
70
58
Nice to Have
41
42
41
33
26
39
Not Important
6
6
6
-
4
3
Need to Have
52
53
49
55
72
57
Nice to Have
41
40
43
43
19
40
Not Important
7
7
8
2
9
3
n=
Cost of completing your degree or
certificate
Length of time it would take to
complete your degree or certificate
Information about taking classes
online
Information about getting college
credit for training you’ve received
on the job or elsewhere
Location of relevant college
programs near you
Walker + Associates
Motivation For Returning To School
122
“One-Stop Shop” Resources (cont.)

Three-quarters (72%) of respondents both emotionally and financially motivated to return to school consider
information about flexible class schedules essential.
Geography
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
49
49
49
62
74
72
Nice to Have
34
32
39
26
13
21
Not Important
17
19
12
12
13
8
Need to Have
44
47
37
62
63
57
Nice to Have
48
45
55
33
30
37
Not Important
8
8
8
5
7
6
Need to Have
43
42
46
60
63
58
Nice to Have
47
48
44
38
30
36
Not Important
10
10
10
2
7
6
Need to Have
43
46
38
50
70
43
Nice to Have
43
41
48
31
15
48
Not Important
14
13
14
19
15
9
Need to Have
42
46
35
55
59
45
Nice to Have
44
41
50
31
28
46
Not Important
14
14
15
14
13
9
n=
Information about flexible class schedules for working
students or students with children
A directory of who to contact at each school for more
information
Information to link degrees or certificates to specific
job opportunities
Help with filling out financial aid forms and
applications
A calculator to help you determine how many classes
you need to finish your degree or certificate
Walker + Associates
Motivation For Returning To School
123
“One-Stop Shop” Resources (cont.)

Three in five (61%) of respondents primarily financially motivated to return to school consider help choosing an
academic program or major essential.
Geography
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
%
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
34
37
28
43
61
46
Nice to Have
50
48
56
45
30
40
Not Important
15
15
16
12
9
14
Need to Have
33
33
32
40
57
42
Nice to Have
53
53
56
43
37
52
Not Important
14
14
12
17
6
6
Need to Have
28
28
27
33
46
37
Nice to Have
47
48
46
43
30
45
Not Important
25
24
27
24
24
18
Need to Have
23
24
20
38
28
40
Nice to Have
56
56
57
41
59
46
Not Important
21
20
23
21
13
14
Need to Have
21
22
21
33
26
28
Nice to Have
50
50
48
31
48
55
Not Important
29
28
31
36
26
17
n=
Help choosing an academic program or major
Information about how much you could earn if you
completed your degree or certificate
Information about the differences between types of
schools (public, private, etc.)
Ability to connect with a mentor or another adult
student who’s been in your situation
Advice on how to balance school, work, and family life
Walker + Associates
Motivation For Returning To School
124
“One-Stop Shop” Resources (cont.)

Three in five (57%) of respondents ages 45-54 feel it would be essential to include information about getting
college credit for training received on-the-job or elsewhere.
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
72
74
77
72
66
Nice to Have
23
24
19
25
27
Not Important
4
2
4
4
8
Need to Have
62
65
69
67
47
Nice to Have
32
32
29
28
43
Not Important
5
4
3
5
10
Need to Have
56
52
60
60
49
Nice to Have
38
40
38
33
42
Not Important
6
8
2
7
9
Need to Have
52
48
49
57
54
Nice to Have
41
47
50
35
36
Not Important
6
5
2
8
10
Need to Have
52
48
57
51
51
Nice to Have
41
45
36
44
39
Not Important
7
7
7
5
10
n=
Cost of completing your degree or certificate
Length of time it would take to complete your
degree or certificate
Information about taking classes online
Information about getting college credit for
training you’ve received on the job or
elsewhere
Location of relevant college programs near
you
Walker + Associates
125
“One-Stop Shop” Resources (cont.)

Younger respondents are more likely to feel that information about flexible class schedules is essential to a onestop shop of resources (62% “need to have” versus 49% on average).
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
49
62
56
49
27
Nice to Have
34
32
32
32
42
Not Important
17
6
11
19
31
Need to Have
44
47
43
45
41
Nice to Have
48
46
52
46
48
Not Important
8
7
5
9
11
Need to Have
43
39
47
47
38
Nice to Have
47
54
51
42
43
Not Important
10
7
3
12
19
Need to Have
43
51
51
39
34
Nice to Have
43
37
41
46
47
Not Important
14
13
9
15
19
Need to Have
42
41
44
45
39
Nice to Have
44
42
46
41
47
Not Important
14
17
11
15
14
n=
Information about flexible class schedules for
working students or students with children
A directory of who to contact at each school
for more information
Information to link degrees or certificates to
specific job opportunities
Help with filling out financial aid forms and
applications
A calculator to help you determine how many
classes you need to finish your degree or
certificate
Walker + Associates
126
“One-Stop Shop” Resources (cont.)

Younger respondents are also more likely to feel that connecting students with a mentor or other adult student is
essential to a one-stop shop of resources (31% “need to have” versus 23% on average).
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
%
%
%
%
%
Need to Have
34
39
39
33
27
Nice to Have
50
51
46
51
54
Not Important
15
11
15
16
19
Need to Have
33
34
40
32
26
Nice to Have
53
58
50
55
51
Not Important
14
8
11
13
23
Need to Have
28
29
31
30
19
Nice to Have
47
41
50
44
56
Not Important
25
29
19
26
26
Need to Have
Ability to connect with a mentor or another adult
Nice to Have
student who’s been in your situation
Not Important
23
31
21
23
19
56
53
59
56
54
21
17
20
21
27
Need to Have
21
22
29
22
11
Nice to Have
50
51
51
49
49
Not Important
29
27
20
30
40
n=
Help choosing an academic program or major
Information about how much you could earn if
you completed your degree or certificate
Information about the differences between
types of schools (public, private, etc.)
Advice on how to balance school, work, and
family life
Walker + Associates
127
Respondent Profile
Walker + Associates
128
Gender, Age, and Ethnicity
Stopouts
Number of Schools Attended
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
Gender
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Male
30
32
27
27
29
30
33
20
29
33
Female
70
68
73
73
71
70
67
80
71
67
Age
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
25-34
21
16
26
25
20
23
18
54
25
10
35-44
26
23
27
31
25
27
26
30
38
20
45-54
32
39
28
20
34
31
26
10
27
40
55-64
22
23
18
24
21
20
31
6
10
31
Ethnicity
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Alaskan Native
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Indian
1
1
1
-
-
1
4
-
-
1
Asian or Pacific Islander
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
3
-
1
Black, not Hispanic
11
7
12
19
11
11
11
22
9
9
Hispanic
1
1
-
-
1
-
-
-
1
1
Multi-racial
2
1
1
2
1
2
6
3
2
1
White, not Hispanic
84
86
85
77
86
83
78
73
85
86
Unknown
1
1
-
1
1
2
-
-
2
1
n=
Walker + Associates
129
Gender, Age, and Ethnicity (cont.)
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
Gender
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Male
30
30
34
40
23
36
34
23
100
-
Female
70
70
66
60
77
64
66
77
-
100
Age
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
25-34
21
40
22
14
32
11
12
34
17
22
35-44
26
30
35
23
25
27
16
40
22
27
45-54
32
17
30
42
22
40
38
21
34
31
55-64
22
13
13
20
21
23
33
4
26
20
Ethnicity
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Alaskan Native
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Indian
1
4
-
-
1
1
1
-
1
1
Asian or Pacific Islander
1
-
2
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
Black, not Hispanic
11
4
17
2
14
9
11
12
8
12
Hispanic
1
-
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
0
Multi-racial
2
-
2
3
1
2
1
2
2
1
White, not Hispanic
84
92
79
90
80
86
83
85
84
84
Unknown
1
-
-
3
2
1
1
1
3
0
n=
Walker + Associates
130
Gender, Age, and Ethnicity (cont.)
Geography
Motivation For Returning To School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
Gender
%
%
%
%
%
%
Male
30
29
31
29
30
13
Female
70
71
69
71
70
87
Age
%
%
%
%
%
%
25-34
21
23
16
31
28
40
35-44
26
26
25
31
33
30
45-54
32
31
34
24
28
25
55-64
22
20
25
14
11
5
Ethnicity
%
%
%
%
%
%
Alaskan Native
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Indian
1
1
-
-
-
3
Asian or Pacific Islander
1
2
-
-
-
2
Black, not Hispanic
11
13
7
8
20
20
Hispanic
1
1
-
-
-
-
Multi-racial
2
2
-
2
6
1
White, not Hispanic
84
80
92
90
74
74
Unknown
1
1
1
-
-
-
n=
Walker + Associates
131
Gender, Age, and Ethnicity (cont.)
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
Gender
%
%
%
%
%
Male
30
25
26
32
36
Female
70
75
74
68
64
Ethnicity
%
%
%
%
%
Alaskan Native
-
-
-
-
-
American Indian
1
-
-
2
-
Asian or Pacific Islander
1
3
-
1
2
Black, not Hispanic
11
14
14
10
7
Hispanic
1
-
2
1
-
Multi-racial
2
3
1
1
2
White, not Hispanic
84
78
83
86
87
Unknown
1
4
-
-
1
n=
Walker + Associates
132
Employment, Career Status, and Household Income
Stopouts
Number of Schools Attended
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
Employment Status
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Employed full-time
59
62
54
55
60
61
46
64
64
55
Employed part-time
12
9
17
12
9
12
18
11
12
11
Not employed
19
19
20
19
22
16
18
21
19
19
Retired
11
10
9
15
9
10
18
3
5
15
Career Status
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Entry level
19
15
26
19
15
23
20
34
17
14
Mid-level
45
45
41
51
48
44
40
45
49
44
Management
25
29
23
16
27
22
26
13
27
27
Senior leadership/business
owner
9
10
8
10
9
10
9
6
4
13
Other (Please Specify)
2
1
1
5
1
2
6
2
3
2
Household Income
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Under $25,000
18
14
15
29
19
14
21
33
20
12
$25,000 to under $50,000
32
32
38
24
33
33
26
39
28
31
$50,000 to under $75,000
24
24
22
27
23
24
28
20
24
26
$75,000 to under $100,000
12
15
10
10
12
14
9
3
14
15
$100,000 or higher
14
16
14
10
13
14
15
4
15
16
n=
Walker + Associates
133
Employment, Career Status, and Household Income (cont.)
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
Employment Status
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Employed full-time
59
68
91
85
48
69
55
64
75
52
Employed part-time
11
32
9
15
17
7
12
11
7
13
Not employed
19
0
0
0
24
15
18
22
7
25
Retired
11
0
0
0
11
10
16
3
11
10
Career Status
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Entry level
18
100
0
0
32
9
19
18
16
20
Mid-level
45
0
100
0
42
47
42
50
44
46
Management
25
0
0
72
15
33
23
27
26
24
Senior leadership/business
owner
9
0
0
28
10
9
12
6
13
7
Other (Please Specify)
2
0
0
0
2
2
4
0
1
3
Household Income
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Under $25,000
18
26
9
8
36
0
19
15
11
20
$25,000 to under $50,000
32
49
34
24
64
0
30
34
27
34
$50,000 to under $75,000
24
9
31
29
0
48
22
28
28
23
$75,000 to under $100,000
12
13
14
18
0
25
14
10
20
9
$100,000 or higher
14
2
13
20
0
28
15
12
14
14
n=
Walker + Associates
134
Employment, Career Status, and Household Income (cont.)
Geography
Motivation For Returning To School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
Employment Status
%
%
%
%
%
%
Employed full-time
59
60
54
55
59
54
Employed part-time
11
12
11
7
13
15
Not employed
19
18
21
31
24
27
Retired
11
10
14
7
4
4
Career Status
%
%
%
%
%
%
Entry level
18
18
20
27
21
26
Mid-level
45
49
34
34
58
50
Management
25
21
34
31
15
18
Senior leadership/business owner
9
10
9
8
3
4
Other (Please Specify)
2
2
3
-
3
2
Household Income
%
%
%
%
%
%
Under $25,000
18
16
21
19
13
30
$25,000 to under $50,000
32
30
36
29
43
35
$50,000 to under $75,000
24
23
28
20
20
17
$75,000 to under $100,000
12
13
10
17
13
7
$100,000 or higher
14
18
5
15
11
11
n=
Walker + Associates
135
Employment, Career Status, and Household Income (cont.)
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
Employment Status
%
%
%
%
%
Employed full-time
59
60
71
63
37
Employed part-time
11
15
11
9
12
Not employed
19
25
17
20
16
Retired
11
-
1
9
36
Career Status
%
%
%
%
%
Entry level
18
33
19
10
16
Mid-level
45
44
54
42
39
Management
25
19
21
34
21
Senior leadership/business owner
9
3
6
10
25
Other (Please Specify)
2
2
1
4
-
Household Income
%
%
%
%
%
Under $25,000
18
29
18
14
13
$25,000 to under $50,000
32
46
29
22
34
$50,000 to under $75,000
24
13
33
25
24
$75,000 to under $100,000
12
8
12
19
8
$100,000 or higher
14
4
8
21
21
n=
Walker + Associates
136
Marital Status, Children in Household, and Military Experience
Stopouts
Number of Schools Attended
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
410
212
103
95
218
137
55
70
92
248
Marital Status
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Single
19
14
22
27
18
20
22
43
20
12
Married
61
65
63
48
61
62
55
31
62
68
Domestic Partnership
4
6
1
4
6
2
4
10
7
2
Separated/Divorced
14
12
13
17
13
12
18
16
11
14
Widowed
3
2
1
4
2
4
2
0
1
4
Number of Children
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
None
61
67
52
59
63
57
66
46
47
71
1
19
15
23
25
20
20
15
21
24
17
2
12
14
15
7
12
15
11
24
16
8
3
6
5
7
6
5
5
9
6
11
4
4 or more
2
1
3
2
1
3
0
3
2
1
Veteran or Active Service
Member
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Yes
8
7
7
11
8
8
7
6
8
9
No
92
93
92
88
91
92
93
94
91
91
Prefer not to answer
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
1
1
n=
Walker + Associates
137
Marital Status, Children in Household, and Military Experience
(cont.)
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
410
53
130
98
194
200
251
159
122
288
Marital Status
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Single
19
28
22
12
28
10
25
10
21
18
Married
61
58
53
71
42
78
53
72
61
60
Domestic Partnership
4
4
5
4
5
4
4
5
3
5
Separated/Divorced
13
9
18
10
21
7
14
12
14
13
Widowed
2
0
2
2
4
1
4
1
1
3
Number of Children
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
None
61
60
55
60
60
61
100
0
70
57
1
19
19
25
17
20
19
0
50
16
21
2
12
17
14
16
12
14
0
32
11
13
3
6
2
5
5
6
5
0
14
2
7
4 or more
1
2
2
1
1
2
0
4
2
1
Veteran or Active Service Member
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Yes
8
9
7
9
8
7
8
7
19
3
No
91
91
92
91
92
93
91
92
80
96
Prefer not to answer
1
0
2
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
n=
Walker + Associates
138
Marital Status, Children in Household, and Military Experience
(cont.)
Geography
Motivation For Returning To School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
410
288
122
42
46
67
Marital Status
%
%
%
%
%
%
Single
19
20
16
17
31
25
Married
61
57
69
56
54
51
Domestic Partnership
4
5
3
7
2
8
Separated/Divorced
13
15
10
17
11
15
Widowed
2
3
2
3
2
1
Number of Children
%
%
%
%
%
%
None
61
62
60
38
74
36
1
19
18
22
43
11
19
2
12
13
11
14
9
33
3
6
6
5
5
2
10
4 or more
1
1
2
-
4
2
Veteran or Active Service Member
%
%
%
%
%
%
Yes
8
6
11
-
7
2
No
91
93
88
98
93
98
Prefer not to answer
1
1
1
2
-
-
n=
Walker + Associates
139
Marital Status, Children in Household, and Military Experience
(cont.)
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
410
85
105
130
90
Marital Status
%
%
%
%
%
Single
19
37
24
9
11
Married
61
47
59
67
66
Domestic Partnership
4
6
5
5
1
Separated/Divorced
13
11
12
16
15
Widowed
2
-
-
3
7
Number of Children
%
%
%
%
%
None
61
37
39
74
92
1
19
26
27
18
7
2
12
26
18
8
-
3
6
9
12
1
1
4 or more
1
2
4
-
-
Veteran or Active Service Member
%
%
%
%
%
Yes
8
2
9
9
11
No
91
98
91
90
87
Prefer not to answer
1
-
-
1
2
n=
Walker + Associates
140
Appendix A: Other Schools Attended (If More Than One)
Walker + Associates
141
Second Most Recent School Attended

The median length of enrollment (2 years) is the same for the most recent school attended and second most recent
school attended.
Median Age Enrolled
19 years old
Median Age Stopped Taking Classes
21 years old
9%
29%
Median Length of Enrollment
2 years
62%
Full-time
Part-time
Both
School attended prior to most recently attended school (n=192)
Walker + Associates
142
Second Most Recent School Attended (cont.)
Stopouts
Age When
Stopped
Classes
Student Type
Walker + Associates
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
192
57
55
80
-
137
55
38
45
109
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Mean
21
20
20
23
-
20
23
22
21
21
Median
19
18
18
20
-
18
21
20
19
19
Mode
18
18
18
18
-
18
19
18
18
18
Mean
23
21
21
25
-
22
24
24
23
22
Median
21
20
20
22
-
20
23
22
21
20
Mode
19
19
19
20
-
20
21
19
20
19
Full-time
63
67
69
55
-
66
53
61
71
60
Part-time
29
26
27
31
-
23
42
24
22
33
Both full-time
and part-time
9
7
4
14
-
10
6
16
7
7
n=
Enrollment Age
Number of Schools Attended
143
Second Most Recent School Attended (cont.)
Career Level
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
192
30
58
44
87
98
114
78
59
133
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Mean
21
22
21
20
21
21
22
20
21
21
Median
19
20
19
19
19
19
19
18
19
19
Mode
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
Mean
23
23
23
22
23
23
24
21
22
23
21
21
21
21
21
20
21
20
20
21
Mode
19
20
20
20
19
20
19
19
20
19
Full-time
63
57
64
61
64
60
60
67
68
60
Part-time
29
33
26
32
25
32
33
22
22
32
Both fulltime and
part-time
9
10
10
7
10
8
7
12
10
8
n=
Enrollment Age
Household Income
Age When
Median
Stopped Classes
Student Type
Walker + Associates
144
Second Most Recent School Attended (cont.)
Geography
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
192
145
47
25
22
40
%
%
%
%
%
%
Mean
21
21
21
23
19
20
Median
19
19
19
19
18
20
Mode
18
18
18
18
18
18
Mean
23
23
22
23
21
22
Median
21
21
20
20
20
21
Mode
19
20
19
20
18
20
Full-time
63
59
72
72
54
68
Part-time
29
31
21
24
32
22
Both fulltime and
part-time
9
10
7
4
14
10
n=
Enrollment Age
Age When Stopped
Classes
Student Type
Walker + Associates
Motivation For Returning To School
145
Second Most Recent School Attended (cont.)
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
192
41
51
56
44
%
%
%
%
%
Mean
21
20
20
21
23
Median
19
18
19
19
20
Mode
18
18
18
18
18
Mean
23
21
22
23
25
Median
21
20
21
20
22
Mode
19
20
19
20
19
Full-time
63
76
67
55
55
Part-time
29
17
22
36
39
Both full-time
and part-time
9
7
12
9
7
n=
Enrollment Age
Age When Stopped
Classes
Student Type
Walker + Associates
146
Reasons for Dropping Out of Second Most Recent School

One-fifth (19%) of respondents dropped out of their second school due to a move.
Moved to a different area
19%
Couldn't afford it
15%
Had child(ren)
13%
Got married/divorced
12%
I was dissatisfied with some aspect of the school
10%
Got a job/changed jobs
10%
Didn't feel ready for college
10%
Wasn't doing well in school
9%
Lost interest in degree I was pursuing
9%
Finished courses/classes
Didn't feel connected to the campus life
Illness/Illness of a family member
Had trouble with transportation
Other
6%
5%
4%
3%
13%
Respondents asked,”Why did you stop attending [school]?” Respondents allowed to mark multiple responses (n=192)
Walker + Associates
147
Reasons for Dropping Out of Second Most Recent School (cont.)
Stopouts
Number of Schools Attended
Likelihood to Return to School
Total
0
1
2+
1
2
3+
Ext/Very
Somewhat
Not Very/
Not At All
192
57
55
80
-
137
55
38
45
109
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Moved to a different area
19
19
16
20
-
17
24
24
11
20
Couldn't afford it
15
7
20
18
-
17
11
8
22
15
Had child(ren)
13
11
15
13
-
13
11
16
13
11
Got married/divorced
12
14
7
13
-
11
13
11
7
14
I was dissatisfied with some
aspect of [school]
10
9
9
13
-
9
15
13
16
7
Got a job/changed jobs
10
7
7
14
-
10
11
5
9
12
Didn't feel ready for college
10
12
13
6
-
12
4
3
11
12
Lost interest in the degree I
was pursuing
9
5
13
10
-
10
7
11
7
10
Wasn't doing well in school
9
16
4
9
-
11
6
5
11
10
Finished courses/classes
6
11
6
3
-
5
7
5
2
7
Didn't feel connected to the
campus life
5
7
6
4
-
4
7
-
13
4
Illness/illness of a family
member
4
-
7
4
-
5
-
8
4
2
Had trouble with transportation
3
4
2
3
-
2
4
-
2
4
Other
13
19
7
13
13
13
13
9
15
n=
Walker + Associates
148
Reasons for Dropping Out of Second Most Recent School (cont.)
.
Career Level
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Total
Entry
level
Mid-level
Mgmnt/
Sr Ldr
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
192
30
58
44
87
98
114
78
59
133
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Moved to a different area
19
10
26
20
17
18
20
17
29
14
Couldn't afford it
15
13
22
16
14
16
14
17
10
17
Had child(ren)
13
17
9
7
11
13
11
15
-
18
Got married/divorced
11
13
14
2
6
15
11
12
7
14
I was dissatisfied with some aspect of
[school]
10
10
9
14
14
8
11
10
8
11
Got a job/changed jobs
10
10
9
11
11
9
7
14
10
10
Didn't feel ready for college
10
17
7
9
13
8
9
12
14
8
Lost interest in the degree I was
pursuing
9
17
7
11
15
5
11
8
14
8
Wasn't doing well in school
9
10
12
9
10
9
7
13
14
8
Finished courses/classes
6
3
3
7
3
8
7
4
2
8
Didn't feel connected to the campus life
5
3
9
7
5
6
4
6
3
6
Illness/illness of a family member
4
3
2
2
7
1
4
4
-
5
Had trouble with transportation
3
7
2
2
2
3
4
1
7
1
Other
13
7
16
9
16
11
16
9
19
11
n=
Walker + Associates
149
Reasons for Dropping Out of Second Most Recent School (cont.)
.
Geography
Motivation For Returning To School
Total
Urban
Rural
Emotional
Financial
Both
192
145
47
25
22
40
%
%
%
%
%
%
Moved to a different area
19
17
23
16
9
23
Couldn't afford it
15
17
11
12
32
13
Had child(ren)
13
14
9
16
5
23
Got married/divorced
11
13
6
8
-
8
I was dissatisfied with some aspect of [school]
10
10
11
20
18
3
Got a job/changed jobs
10
9
13
12
14
5
Didn't feel ready for college
10
8
17
12
5
8
Lost interest in the degree I was pursuing
9
10
6
12
9
5
Wasn't doing well in school
9
11
4
16
9
10
Finished courses/classes
6
6
6
-
5
8
Didn't feel connected to the campus life
5
6
2
4
14
5
Illness/illness of a family member
4
3
4
8
5
5
Had trouble with transportation
3
3
-
-
5
-
Other
13
10
21
8
14
13
n=
Walker + Associates
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Reasons for Dropping Out of Second Most Recent School (cont.)
.
Age
Total
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
192
41
51
56
44
%
%
%
%
%
Moved to a different area
19
22
12
20
23
Couldn't afford it
15
12
28
9
11
Had child(ren)
13
12
17
9
16
Got married/divorced
11
2
14
9
21
I was dissatisfied with some aspect of [school]
10
17
12
5
9
Got a job/changed jobs
10
2
10
11
16
Didn't feel ready for college
10
20
4
13
5
Lost interest in the degree I was pursuing
9
7
14
7
9
Wasn't doing well in school
9
20
12
5
2
Finished courses/classes
6
7
0
13
2
Didn't feel connected to the campus life
5
10
8
2
2
Illness/illness of a family member
4
7
2
5
0
Had trouble with transportation
3
0
2
5
2
Other
13
10
12
9
23
n=
Walker + Associates
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Reasons for Dissatisfaction (If Dissatisfied with Some Aspect)

Class scheduling and availability were reasons for dissatisfaction among a quarter of respondents.
Lack of academic advising
50%
The campus/school didn't provide helpful or
effective support
50%
Class schedules were not flexible enough
25%
Course selection/availability too limited
25%
School policies and procedures were too
complicated or confusing to navigate
20%
Was unhappy with faculty member(s)
15%
Was unhappy with staff member(s)
15%
I missed a deadline because I was not given
information in a timely manner
Other
10%
25%
Asked of respondents who stopped attending most recent school because they were dissatisfied with some aspect of the school. Respondents
were allowed to mark multiple responses. “What aspect(s) of the school were you dissatisfied with?” (n=20)
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Earliest School Attended

The median age for enrollment at earliest school for those that rated a third school is 18 years old.
Median Age Enrolled
18 years old
Median Age Stopped Taking Classes
19 years old
6%
18%
Median Length of Enrollment
1 year
76%
Full-time
Part-time
Both
Earliest school attended by each respondent. (n=55)
Walker + Associates
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Earliest School Attended (cont.)
Stopouts
Likelihood to
Return to
School
2+
Not Very/
Not At All
37
28
%
%
%
Mean
19
20
19
Median
18
18
18
Mode
18
18
18
Mean
21
21
20
Median
19
20
19
Mode
19
19
19
Full-time
76
78
75
Part-time
18
16
18
Both full-time
and part-time
6
5
7
Total
n=
Enrollment Age
Age When Stopped
Classes
Student Type
Walker + Associates
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Earliest School Attended (cont.)
Household Income
Age When Stopped
Classes
Student Type
Walker + Associates
Gender
Age
Total
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
Under
45
45+
55
25
28
36
19
18
37
24
31
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Mean
19
18
20
19
19
20
19
19
20
Median
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
Mode
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
Mean
21
20
21
21
20
21
20
20
21
Median
19
19
19
19
20
20
19
19
19
Mode
19
19
18
19
18
20
18
19
19
Full-time
76
88
64
81
68
89
70
79
74
Part-time
18
8
29
14
26
6
24
17
19
Both full-time
and part-time
5
4
7
6
5
6
5
4
7
n=
Enrollment Age
Kids in HH
155
Earliest School Attended (cont.)
Geography
Total
Urban
Rural
55
47
8
%
%
%
Mean
19
19
21
Median
18
18
19
Mode
18
18
18
Mean
21
20
22
Median
19
19
20
Mode
19
19
19
Full-time
76
75
88
Part-time
18
19
12
Both full-time and
part-time
5
6
-
n=
Enrollment Age
Age When Stopped Classes
Student Type
Walker + Associates
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Reasons for Dropping Out of Earliest School Attended

The primary reason for dropping out of school attended was relocation.
Moved to a different area
22%
Lost interest in degree I was pursuing
15%
Got married/divorced
15%
Got married/divorced
15%
Got a job/changed jobs
13%
Didn't feel connected to the campus life
9%
Illness/Illness of a family member
7%
I was dissatisfied with some aspect of the school
7%
Had child(ren)
6%
Didn't feel ready for college
6%
Had trouble with transportation
Couldn't afford it
Other
4%
2%
24%
Respondents asked, ”Why did you stop attending [school]?” Respondents allowed to mark multiple responses (n=55)
Walker + Associates
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Reasons for Dropping Out of Earliest School Attended (cont.)
Stopouts
Likelihood to
Return to
School
Total
2+
Not Very/
Not At All
55
37
28
%
%
%
Don't have the money/can't take on more debt
44
51
35
Don't have time
25
27
24
Feel like I'm too old to go back to school
24
23
27
Don't need a degree for the work I am currently doing
22
21
29
Don't want/need to return to school
15
13
23
Worried that I couldn't pass the classes I need to complete my degree
or certificate
10
12
9
Don't know how to start the process to go back to school
6
5
4
Don't have childcare options
5
7
4
There aren't any schools convenient to where I live
5
5
4
Didn't have a good experience before and don't think things will be
any different
4
4
5
Other
9
12
8
n=
Walker + Associates
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Reasons for Dropping Out of Earliest School Attended (cont.)
Household Income
Kids in HH
Gender
Age
Total
Under
$50k
$50k+
No
Yes
Male
Female
Under
45
45+
55
25
28
36
19
18
37
24
31
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Moved to a different area
22
28
18
17
32
28
19
42
7
Lost interest in the degree I was
pursuing
15
12
18
11
21
6
19
25
7
Got married/divorced
15
-
29
11
21
11
16
13
16
Wasn't doing well in school
15
20
11
14
16
33
5
13
16
Got a job/changed jobs
13
16
4
14
11
11
14
4
19
Didn't feel connected to the campus
life
9
12
7
8
11
6
11
13
7
I was dissatisfied with some aspect of
[school]
7
12
4
11
-
11
5
4
10
Illness/illness of a family member
7
16
-
8
5
-
11
4
10
Had child(ren)
5
8
4
-
16
6
5
13
-
Didn't feel ready for college
5
8
4
8
-
11
3
8
3
Had trouble with transportation
4
8
-
-
11
-
5
4
3
Couldn't afford it
2
-
4
3
-
-
3
-
3
Other
24
24
25
25
21
33
19
13
32
n=
Walker + Associates
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Reasons for Dropping Out of Earliest School Attended (cont.)
Geography
Total
Urban
Rural
55
47
8
%
%
%
Moved to a different area
22
21
25
Lost interest in the degree I was pursuing
15
15
13
Got married/divorced
15
13
25
Wasn't doing well in school
15
17
-
Got a job/changed jobs
13
13
13
Didn't feel connected to the campus life
9
11
-
I was dissatisfied with some aspect of [school]
7
9
-
Illness/illness of a family member
7
6
13
Had child(ren)
5
6
-
Didn't feel ready for college
5
4
13
Had trouble with transportation
4
4
-
Couldn't afford it
2
2
-
Other
24
26
13
n=
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