A newly released study reveals that the majority of college students in the US are balancing both academics and employment, reshaping the traditional image of a full-time student. According to The New Majority Learner Report 2025, published by Genio, 69.3% of college students are now holding jobs while pursuing their studies—an increase of 10 percentage points since 2016.The report, based on data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, highlights a growing trend: today’s students are not the stereotypical recent high school graduates attending college full-time. Instead, they are older, often financially independent, and juggling multiple responsibilities.Nontraditional students now make up the new majorityGenio’s report identifies this growing population as “new majority learners,” a term referring to students who defy traditional college norms. These individuals now constitute a majority of the US college population. Among the key findings:
These figures underscore the reality that today’s “typical” student is far from typical. Many are described as “time poor,” managing work, education, and family responsibilities simultaneously.Academic preparedness and diverse needs are pressing concernsThe report also draws attention to the academic challenges faced by this population. Many are underprepared for college-level work, particularly first-generation students, veterans, immigrants, and those from underrepresented communities. In addition, 16.5% of students are neurodivergent, a figure that has grown more than 2.5 times since 2004. This includes individuals with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and other learning differences.Dave Tucker, founder and CEO of Genio, emphasized the urgency of addressing these needs, stating that colleges are “facing a crisis of revenue” as enrollment patterns shift. He told Forbes that improving support for new majority learners is essential for student retention and institutional survival.A call for targeted support and systemic changeTo support this evolving demographic, the report outlines five key strategies institutions should adopt:• Introduce study skills courses tailored to new majority learners• Use assistive technologies to improve academic outcomes• Expand flexible and accessible online learning options• Implement early warning systems to identify at-risk students• Develop targeted programs for first-generation students, including advising, financial aid, and campus resourcesThe report stresses the importance of building a “network of support” that offers community and guidance, as reported by Forbes. Without these changes, colleges risk losing not only revenue but also the chance to help a growing segment of the student population succeed.
