As states across the U.S. strive to ensure 60% of their working-age population holds a college degree or postsecondary credential by 2030, adult learners are emerging as a critical force in meeting these ambitious goals. For the accounting profession, the demand for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) is growing, yet traditional student pipelines alone can’t supply enough graduates to meet state targets and workforce needs. Adult learners—working professionals, career changers, and those with some college credit—are stepping up to fill this gap through flexible CPA education pathways. Here’s why adult learners are essential to achieving state CPA degree attainment goals and how they’re reshaping the accounting landscape.

The Growing Need for CPAs and State Attainment Goals

States like Michigan, Texas, and Colorado have set bold targets to boost postsecondary attainment to 60% by 2030, driven by initiatives like Michigan’s Sixty by 30 and Texas’ 60x30TX. These goals aim to strengthen economies by ensuring a skilled workforce, particularly in high-demand fields like accounting. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4% job growth for accountants and auditors through 2032, with over 126,000 annual openings, many requiring CPA licensure. However, traditional college students can’t meet this demand alone. In Texas, only 38% of 25- to 34-year-olds held a degree or certificate in 2015, far from the 60% goal, highlighting the need for broader educational access. Adult learners, with their diverse experiences and motivation, are vital to closing this education gap through CPA education.

Why Adult Learners Are Uniquely Positioned

Adult learners bring unique strengths to CPA education. Unlike traditional students, they often have real-world experience in finance, business, or related fields, giving them a practical lens for accounting coursework. A 2024 EAB survey found that 41% of adult learners pursue education for career advancement, with many targeting credentials like the CPA to boost earning potential. Their self-directed learning style, as outlined in Knowles’ adult learning theory, allows them to take charge of their studies, making them ideal candidates for flexible CPA education programs. For example, adults with some college credits—40.4 million nationwide—can complete the 150 semester hours required for CPA licensure without starting from scratch, accelerating state attainment goals.

Flexible CPA Education Bridges the Gap

To meet CPA licensure requirements, candidates need 150 semester hours, including 24–30 hours of upper-division accounting and business courses, per state boards like Florida and New York. Adult learners, often balancing work and family, rely on flexible learning options to fulfill these standards. States are responding with policies that support nontraditional students. Michigan’s Sixty by 30 promotes online programs, while Tennessee’s Drive to 55 offers free community college for adults, easing access to CPA education. Online platforms, like those offered by CPACredits.com in partnership with Upper Iowa University, provide self-paced courses in auditing, taxation, and ethics, allowing adults to earn credits at their convenience. These pathways make it feasible for adult learners to contribute to state degree goals while pursuing CPA licensure.

Addressing Equity in CPA Education

The education gap in CPA attainment is stark among underserved groups. In 2021, only 27.8% of Latino adults and 34.2% of Black adults held a degree, compared to 50.2% of White adults, per Lumina Foundation data. States like Texas are tackling this through 60x30TX, which prioritizes financial aid and outreach for Black and Hispanic students. Adult learners from these communities, motivated to model educational success for their families, are key to closing equity gaps. AARP’s 50+ Education Comebackers initiative notes that degree attainment among people of color boosts income equity and community well-being, making adult-focused CPA education a tool for broader social impact.

Overcoming Barriers for Adult Learners

Despite their potential, adult learners face challenges in pursuing CPA education, including time constraints, financial burdens, and self-doubt about returning to school. A 2025 Research.com report highlights time management as a top hurdle, with family and work often taking priority. States are addressing these barriers with policies like prior learning assessments (PLA), which award credit for work experience, as seen in North Carolina’s MyFutureNC initiative. Affordable options, such as community college transfers or online courses, also help. By removing these obstacles, states enable adult learners to complete the rigorous CPA education requirements needed for licensure and degree attainment.

The Bigger Picture: Adult Learners and State Success

Adult learners are not just meeting individual career goals—they’re driving state economic progress. A 2015 Texas report projected that reaching 60% attainment would boost wages and innovation, benefits amplified by CPA professionals who command salaries in the top 10% (over $137,280, per BLS). By engaging the 54 million U.S. adults without degrees, states can meet workforce demands and stay globally competitive. As initiatives like Kentucky’s 60% goal and Oregon’s Future Ready Oregon show, investing in adult learners through accessible CPA education is a win for individuals, communities, and economies.

Looking Ahead to 2030

With 2030 on the horizon, adult learners are the linchpin for states aiming to hit 60% degree attainment. Their motivation, experience, and ability to leverage flexible CPA education make them indispensable to meeting the demand for CPAs. As states continue to innovate with policies and programs, the path to CPA licensure becomes more attainable, ensuring that adult learners can lead the charge toward a more educated, equitable future. Whether you’re an aspiring CPA or a professional seeking to upskill, now is the time to explore how CPA education can help you contribute to these transformative state goals.