Why adults pursuing career growth or personal interests are the 'new majority' student

Millions of adults are continuing their education by returning to school and enrolling in credit and non-credit courses, certificates, micro-credentials, job training and degree programs

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Interested in starting a business, learning about artificial intelligence or exploring a new hobby? There's a class for that.

Millions of U.S. adults enroll in credit and non-credit college courses to earn professional certificates, learn new skills or to pursue academic degrees. Some older students are seeking career advancement, higher pay and job security, while others want to explore their personal interests or try new things.

“They might have kids, they might be working full-time, they might be older non-traditional students," said Eric Deschamps, the director of continuing education at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. But returning to school "opens doors to education for students that might not have those doors open to them otherwise.”

Older students, many of whom bring years of work and life experience to their studies, often are juggling courses with full-time jobs, caregiving and other family responsibilities. It is a challenging balancing act but can also sharpen priorities and provide a sense of fulfillment.

Here's what experts have to say about returning to school, what to consider beforehand and how to balance coursework with work and personal commitments.