Community colleges regularly re-enroll students who may have left higher education earlier in life or whose career goals have shifted.  Community college workforce programs often attract students who are older than the traditional-aged college student, evidence that mid-career disruptions drive many students to re-enroll to keep up with the market. More than a third of community college students are aged 22-39 years old. Returning students can benefit from a supportive environment created by community colleges that work meticulously to help such students integrate and thrive in their second round.

Source: AACC 2026 Fact Sheet