California Seeks To Expand College Access For Adults

Adults without degrees may soon see new, flexible pathways to finish their education and enter the workforce.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Adult Education

Gouache-painted illustration of a graduation cap resting on a stack of books in a sunlit archway, representing adult education. — California is targeting a 70 percent degree attainment rate by 2030, aiming to support millions of working-age adults in completing their education. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should colleges change their academic structure to better accommodate the needs of working adult students?

A new report from California Competes identifies 6.4 million working-age Californians who lack a college degree, highlighting the state's path to meeting workforce needs. Adult learners in the state may see expanded institutional support as California aims for 70 percent degree attainment by 2030.

Why it matters

With 46 percent of future state jobs expected to require a degree and high school graduate pools shrinking by 30 percent, the state is shifting focus toward credentialing working adults. This strategy seeks to bridge the gap between current attainment and the 2030 goal.

The report identifies 6.4 million residents aged 25 to 54 without a degree, including 3.1 million who have already earned some college credits. These individuals are measured against the state's 70 percent attainment goal for 2030, currently standing at 56 percent.

The players

California Competes

An organization that researches and advocates for higher education and workforce policies in the state.

The details

To reach these potential graduates, the report proposes that schools expand online instruction and simplify credit transfer processes while awarding credit for prior learning. For adult learners who are often balancing full-time work and parenting, the strategy suggests integrating public assistance programs such as CalFresh and CalWORKs into the college experience. These measures aim to remove barriers for the 46 percent of potential students who currently earn less than a living wage.

1960: The year the state's Master Plan for Higher Education was formalized.
2030: The target year for California to reach 70 percent degree attainment.

Adult Education
Oct. 28
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Education Landscape

This focus on adult learners marks a strategic shift from the 1960 Master Plan for Higher Education, which historically prioritized traditional student pipelines. The state is updating its approach to address a projected 30 percent decline in high school graduates.

If you have prior college credits but no degree, watch for incoming changes to how schools in California evaluate transfer credits and prior learning. Consider reaching out to your local institution's admissions office to ask about existing flexible or online programs designed for working adults.

The takeaway

The state is prioritizing adult learners as the primary solution to a changing labor market. If you are a parent or worker considering a return to school, monitor university websites for new credit-for-prior-learning policies and available support services for working students.