According to a February 2026 report from the American College of Education®, roughly one in three adults has returned to school in the past two years. Adults planning to return to school may find the idea exciting yet a little intimidating. However, adults need not be afraid, and some might even discover they enjoy school more now than they did years ago. As adults prepare to re-enter the classroom, keeping a few key points in mind can ease their worries and set them up for success.

You’re not alone.  

The ACE report shows that many adults are returning to school. Knowing there will be others your age with similar life experiences can ease worries and make the classroom feel less intimidating. In fact, data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that 74% of students have at least one nontraditional characteristic, a significant statistic that should help adult students feel they belong.  

Recognize that you bring a unique and insightful perspective.

When adults return to school, they often offer viewpoints that younger classmates cannot. Having navigated professional and personal challenges—such as raising a family and supporting other students—they challenge the status quo, leading to more engaging and nuanced classroom discussions. From that perspective, it’s clear that adult students are valuable assets. 

Prepare for change.

It’s essential that adult students recognize that academia has evolved. However, change should be welcomed rather than viewed as a hurdle or a deterrent. Many schools now use e-books instead of traditional print books, which may require some adjustment for adult learners. Additionally, applications that may not have existed when adults were last in a classroom may now be standard. Using e-books and new applications can involve a learning curve, but educators, many of whom also had to adapt to the increasing focus on technology over the past decades, understand that adult students need time to adjust. Many are willing to provide that time and offer guidance on adapting. 

Get ready to enjoy learning more this time.  

Many adults who return to school find they enjoy learning more the second time. Some who tried college before might not have had clear goals the first time, which likely affected their motivation and excitement. When adults return to school, they usually know exactly what they want and why they’re doing it, making the experience more enjoyable and engaging.
Adults have much to gain by returning to school. As countless adults who have gone back to school can confirm, the benefits far outweigh the fears they may have when starting this exciting new chapter in their lives. Here in Western New York, adults returning to school can access free tuition, fees, and books through SUNY Reconnect for residents ages 25–55. SUNY Empire State University also offers unique programs for adult learners. See https://www.buffalo.edu/eoc.html to learn more.