Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content

Adult Learners

Adult-Learners

Adult Learners

  • Adult learners are typically defined as learners over the age of 25, and are often referred to as nontraditional students. Yet for almost two decades, adult learners have comprised close to 40 percent of the college-going population, spanning a range of backgrounds and experiences, from Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and GED® credential holders to 55-year-old professionals and skilled workers in career transition. 
  • Prior Learning Assessments
    Many colleges and universities provide opportunities for adult learners to demonstrate college level learning through prior learning assessments or PLA. PLAs motivate adult learners to return, persist, and complete postsecondary credentials. And a range of prior learning assessment methods, such as evaluation of workplace training, testing out, and portfolio development expands options and promotes success.

Featured Content

  • Steps leading up

    Center for Lifelong Learning

    ACE's Center for Lifelong Learning is committed to adult learning and attainment and offers a wide range of programs and initiatives that support postsecondary access and success.

  • College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT)

    The American Council on Education's College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT) connects workplace learning with colleges and universities by helping adults gain access to academic credit for formal courses and examinations taken outside traditional degree programs.

  • Lady on stairs

    College and University Services

    As a growing number of adults across the United States require more postsecondary education, they look to colleges and universities with programs and services to meet their needs. More than 2,000 institutions in the ACE CREDIT College and University Network do just that with the recognition of ACE CREDIT recommendations.

  • Police Officer

    Adult Learner Services

    ACE offers adult learners assistance in using their ACE credit recommendations and transcripts, information about prior learning assessment options, and resources on returning to college.

  • The National Guide

    National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training

    The ACE National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training contains ACE credit recommendations for formal courses or examinations offered by various organizations, from businesses and unions to the government and military.

Previous Content

ACE Related Programs and Initiatives

Lady on a phone

Adult Learner of the Year Award

The Adult Learner of the Year Award is presented annually by ACE's College Credit Recommendation Service to an adult learner who has benefited from the use of ACE credit recommendations to earn a college degree or advance a career.

More information about Adult Learner of the Year Award

Events

 

 Links

 
  • Financial Aid for Adult Learners
    If you’ve never been to college, or started but never finished, this checklist is for you.
  • GED® Testing Service
    GED Testing Service is a joint venture between the American Council on Education (ACE) and Pearson, offering the only nationally recognized program that awards a high school equivalency credential.
  • The National College Transition Network: College for Adults
    This website helps with career planning, college selection and the application process.
  • Transcript Services
    ACE provides access to transcripts for several of its programs. If you have taken training through your employer, a specialized training provider, or during your military career, the links below will direct you to resources that, in many cases, can help you get that training translated into college credit.
  • Understanding Accreditation
    The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) has produced four short videos on issues related to higher education accreditation.The videos provide helpful information to anyone with an interest in knowing more about accreditation.