“It’s Just Not in the Cards”: Barriers Hindering Re-Enrollment Among Adult Learners

To meet state-level attainment goals, community colleges must effectively reengage adult learners. Grounded in Wang’s Momentum Theory, this study investigates why individuals with some credit but no degree choose not to re-enroll. Surveying 271 non-enrollees across eight community colleges, we identified various types of “counter-momentum friction” within the adult learner journey. Findings reveal a significant disconnect between institutional priorities and adult learner realities. While colleges often focus on logistics like technology, the primary barriers we found were the high opportunity costs involving work and family. Qualitative themes of “life happening” underscore how rigid academic structures conflict with parenting and professional responsibilities. The brief recommends structural redesigns, including accelerated eight-week terms, expanded credit for prior learning policies, and holistic student support.