Research in ScienceDirect notes that rapid enrollment expansions in adult education can sometimes strain resources like teacher credentials and per-pupil expenditure, potentially leading to higher dropout rates.
Many "Promise" (free college) programs still exclude older students through strict age or recent-high-school-graduation requirements. A report from the Institute for Women's Policy Research highlights that mature students often struggle to meet full-time enrollment intensity requirements due to family and work obligations. free school mature
Research on "free school" systems for mature students primarily focuses on "reconnect" programs, which provide tuition-free community college specifically for adult learners. free school mature