GoKawiilOnline universities like WGU, SNHU and ASU Online reshape US higher education for adult learners
A wave of online-first and hybrid universities—including Western Governors University, Southern New Hampshire University, University of the People, Penn State's World Campus and Arizona State's ASU Online—have grown into major providers of higher education by building programs around working adults rather than traditional campus life. A 2026 CAEL-CollegeAPP study found roughly 41.7 million U.S. adults aged 25-64 plan to pursue further education or training within two years, underscoring the size of this market.