Adult Learners

Opening doors for Mississippians to return, restart, and reimagine their path to a post-secondary degree or credential.

One in four college students in Mississippi is an adult. For many, returning to higher education means finishing what they began after stepping away because of work, family, or financial pressures. These learners bring persistence, experience, and drive to the classroom, but they also deserve accessible pathways that recognize their ability and help them complete a credential.

Adult learners face unique barriers. From navigating outdated credits to balancing classes with work and family responsibilities, they need flexible systems that meet them where they are.

Our approach focuses on both local solutions and statewide change. We partner with community colleges, employers, and local organizations to connect adults with education aligned to workforce demand. Through Get2College, we provide tailored support for adults navigating admissions, transferring credits, or reengaging after time away. We also support military-connected learners as they transition their skills to civilian careers, linking them with clear and flexible pathways to postsecondary education. At the statewide level, we advocate for policies that expand financial aid eligibility, recognize prior learning, and ensure flexible options like online and competency-based programs.

Supporting adult learners is also essential to Mississippi’s Ascent to 55% goal. By helping more adults return to college and complete a credential, WHEF is strengthening the workforce, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that education remains a pathway to economic mobility for every stage of life.

“We can’t reach 55% without adults coming back into the system. Supporting them isn’t optional—it’s essential to Mississippi’s future.”

–Morgan Miller, Director of Communications, Policy, and Advocacy