Adults returning to college often face the challenge of juggling multiple responsibilities, including family, work and online courses. To determine the cities where adult learners are most likely to thrive in their educational pursuits, we carefully assessed various factors, such as acceptance rates, graduation rates, access to the internet and more.
Placing No. 1 on our list is Washington, D.C., which features a city score of 70.50 out of 100. D.C. boasts 40 internet providers and roughly 19.5 free Wi-Fi hotspots per 100K residents.6,4
D.C. is home to adult public charter schools, which are specifically designed to cater to adults beyond the traditional high school setting. These schools offer a range of programs, including those focused on helping the adult student population attain the equivalent of a GED and enroll in industry-specific programs.11
Adult learners can succeed in New Orleans, Louisiana, which ranks No. 2 with a score of 69.50 out of 100. New Orleans is home to 39 internet providers and an outstanding 92.21% of adults have access to both a computer and an internet subscription, ensuring widespread connectivity and technological resources for educational pursuits.6,8
In New Orleans, the Youth Empowerment Project offers programs specifically designed to empower adults in their educational journeys. This organization helps adults enroll in postsecondary education and training programs, while also providing crucial support in navigating the complex landscape of financial aid.12
Coming in No. 3 is Denver, Colorado, which received a city score of 67.90 out of 100. Denver features roughly 39.9 free Wi-Fi hotspots per 100K residents and 46 internet providers.4,6
Colorado has forged a valuable partnership with the REACH Collaborative, a crucial initiative focused on supporting the educational aspirations of the adult student population. This collaborative effort aims to address the financial barriers faced by nontraditional students and foster increased graduation rates within the Colorado community college system, showcasing Colorado’s effort toward adults returning to college.13
Placing No. 4 on our list is Seattle, Washington, which received a city score of 67.10 out of 100. Seattle boasts an impressive ratio of 13.36 coffee shops per 100,000 residents, which provides a welcoming atmosphere for studying, especially for those who are going back to school as an adult. Moreover, the state of Washington is home to an extensive educational landscape, with 35 public universities.5,9
Seattle serves as a hub for educational institutions that cater to the specific needs of older adults, offering a wide range of professional programs and workshops. Adults may sign up to become firefighters, counselors, interpreters and more, which may be one reason why they’re high on our list.14
Following close behind is Colorado Springs, Colorado, which received a city score of 66.80 out of 100. Colorado Springs received high marks due to having 82.59 free Wi-Fi hot spots per 100K residents.4
Colorado is actively fostering a supportive environment for older adults completing a degree through the implementation of the Finish What You Started Program. This program provides support to students with some college experience, as well as those without a degree and/or those who applied in previous years but did not attend college, creating a path forward for students to attain their degree.15
