More than 70% of jobs are expected to require some form of education beyond high school by 2031.
Community colleges and vocational programs are experiencing rising interest as cost-effective, time-efficient ways for adult learners to gain the specific skills needed by employers in 2026 and beyond.
- In Spring 2025, a total of 18.4M adults pursued Higher Education, encompassing both undergraduate and graduate students, representing a 3.5% YOY increase and reflecting a steady rise in adult enrollment.
- Community Colleges experienced a notable 5.4% YOY growth in enrollment (+288k) and now account for 39% of all U.S. undergraduate students, underscoring their continuing importance as a key pathway to higher education.
- Vocational and Trade Schools saw nearly 12% YOY enrollment growth (+91k students), with overall enrollment since 2020 rising by nearly 20%, highlighting the growing popularity of career-focused and skills-based education programs.
- When it comes to Education Recruitment, 69% of public schools reported difficulty filling one or more vacant non-teaching positions, emphasizing ongoing staffing challenges beyond the classroom.
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Most students are drawn from a 94-mile radius, providing a refined target geography to deliver mail, digital, and CTV messaging.
Promote continuing education and online programs to adult learners seeking career changes or new skills/certifications.
As four-year college tuition soars, community colleges and trade schools offer a cost-effective alternative to further education goals.
Source: AdMall 2025.
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Sources: National Student Clearinghouse. Georgetown CEW. National Center for Education Statistics. Community College Daily.