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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Adult & Continuing Education Schools

24 Colleges in the United States
766 Adult & Continuing Education Degrees Awarded
$50,448 Avg Early-Career Salary

Adult & Continuing Education is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 92 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best adult & continuing education schools.

What’s on this page:

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Choosing a Great Adult & Continuing Education School

Best Adult & Continuing Education Schools

Where you study adult & continuing education matters for your future. To help, we created our Best Adult & Continuing Education Schools rankings. Our overall ranking combines our degree-level rankings, weighted by degrees awarded at each level.

To find the best fit, you can narrow this list to a specific degree level below.

Adult & Continuing Education Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Adult & Continuing Education
Bachelor's Degrees in Adult & Continuing Education
Master's Degrees in Adult & Continuing Education
Doctoral Degrees in Adult & Continuing Education

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we have developed a number of rankings, including this Best Adult & Continuing Education Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.

Learn more about our methodology

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Best Schools for Adult & Continuing Education in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall adult & continuing education education, regardless of degree level.

Top Schools in Adult & Continuing Education

1
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

No school ranked higher than University Of Pennsylvania this year for adult & continuing education. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Philadelphia. University Of Pennsylvania graduates 96% of students within six years. There were roughly 37 adult & continuing education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent data year. Students who receive their adult & continuing education degree from University Of Pennsylvania earn around $59,413 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Pennsylvania graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. See the full adult & continuing education program report for University Of Pennsylvania

2
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in adult & continuing education, landing the #2 spot this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Harrisonburg. James Madison University graduates 80% of students within six years. About 10 adult & continuing education degrees were awarded at James Madison University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, adult & continuing education degree recipients from James Madison University generally make around $52,997. James Madison University graduates carry a median of $21,218 in student loans. Get the full adult & continuing education details for James Madison University

3

Students looking for a strong adult & continuing education program will find one at University Of Georgia, which ranked #3. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. About 90% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 65 adult & continuing education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Georgia in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, adult & continuing education degree recipients from University Of Georgia generally make around $59,279. Typical student debt for the program is $18,229. Get the full adult & continuing education details for University Of Georgia

4

Rutgers University New Brunswick is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in adult & continuing education, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public university. Rutgers University New Brunswick graduates 84% of students within six years. There were roughly 13 adult & continuing education students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers University New Brunswick in the most recent data year. Students who receive their adult & continuing education degree from Rutgers University New Brunswick earn around $60,618 in the first couple years of their career. Rutgers University New Brunswick graduates carry a median of $25,120 in student loans. Read more about the adult & continuing education program at Rutgers University New Brunswick

5

Students looking for a strong adult & continuing education program will find one at Indiana University Bloomington, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public university. About 80% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 18 adult & continuing education students who graduated with this degree at Indiana University Bloomington in the most recent data year. Graduates of the adult & continuing education program make about $49,947 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,741. Read more about the adult & continuing education program at Indiana University Bloomington

6

Texas A And M University College Station placed #6 among the best adult & continuing education schools. This very large public university is located in the city of College Station. About 84% of students finish within six years. Texas A And M University College Station awarded about 41 adult & continuing education degrees in the most recent data year. Adult & Continuing Education graduates of Texas A And M University College Station earn a median of $54,179 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $20,031. Read more about the adult & continuing education program at Texas A And M University College Station

7

Western Washington University earned the #7 position for adult & continuing education this year. This large public university is located in the city of Bellingham. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. Western Washington University awarded about 10 adult & continuing education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, adult & continuing education degree recipients from Western Washington University generally make around $58,418. Typical student debt for the program is $22,000. Read more about the adult & continuing education program at Western Washington University

8

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #8 among the best adult & continuing education schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Minneapolis. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 10 adult & continuing education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities in the most recent data year. Adult & Continuing Education graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of $36,271 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,598 to complete this degree. Read more about the adult & continuing education program at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

9

Florida International University earned the #9 position for adult & continuing education this year. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. Florida International University awarded about 12 adult & continuing education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, adult & continuing education degree recipients from Florida International University generally make around $48,461. Typical student debt for the program is $16,490. Get the full adult & continuing education details for Florida International University

10

Pennsylvania State University World Campus earned the #10 position for adult & continuing education this year. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public university. Pennsylvania State University World Campus graduates 34% of students within six years. There were roughly 32 adult & continuing education students who graduated with this degree at Pennsylvania State University World Campus in the most recent data year. Get the full adult & continuing education details for Pennsylvania State University World Campus

11

North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #11 for adult & continuing education this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Raleigh. About 85% of students finish within six years. North Carolina State University At Raleigh awarded about 18 adult & continuing education degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the adult & continuing education program make about $44,877 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the adult & continuing education program at North Carolina State University At Raleigh

12

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best adult & continuing education schools. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norman. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 39 adult & continuing education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus in the most recent data year. Graduates of the adult & continuing education program make about $46,244 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $22,626. Get the full adult & continuing education details for University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

13

Teachers College At Columbia University came in at #13 for adult & continuing education this year. Teachers College At Columbia University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. Teachers College At Columbia University awarded about 28 adult & continuing education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, adult & continuing education degree recipients from Teachers College At Columbia University generally make around $60,962. See the full adult & continuing education program report for Teachers College At Columbia University

14

Oregon State University placed #14 among the best adult & continuing education schools. Located in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public university. Oregon State University graduates 70% of students within six years. About 24 adult & continuing education degrees were awarded at Oregon State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their adult & continuing education degree from Oregon State University earn around $48,763 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $24,043 to complete this degree. Get the full adult & continuing education details for Oregon State University

15

Ball State University landed the #15 spot for adult & continuing education this year. Located in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public university. Ball State University graduates 62% of students within six years. About 19 adult & continuing education degrees were awarded at Ball State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the adult & continuing education program make about $48,051 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,655. See the full adult & continuing education program report for Ball State University

16

Kansas State University earned the #16 position for adult & continuing education this year. Located in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a very large public university. About 71% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 30 adult & continuing education students who graduated with this degree at Kansas State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their adult & continuing education degree from Kansas State University earn around $45,512 in the first couple years of their career. Kansas State University graduates carry a median of $24,999 in student loans. Read more about the adult & continuing education program at Kansas State University

17

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #17 for adult & continuing education this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Charlotte. About 69% of students finish within six years. About 12 adult & continuing education degrees were awarded at University Of North Carolina At Charlotte in the most recent year. Adult & Continuing Education graduates of University Of North Carolina At Charlotte earn a median of $45,528 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $24,763. See the full adult & continuing education program report for University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

18
Suny Empire State College crest
Suny Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, NY

Suny Empire State College placed #18 among the best adult & continuing education schools. Located in the suburb of Saratoga Springs, Suny Empire State College is a large public university. About 36% of students finish within six years. About 12 adult & continuing education degrees were awarded at Suny Empire State College in the most recent year. Adult & Continuing Education graduates of Suny Empire State College earn a median of $62,860 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $23,693 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in adult & continuing education from Suny Empire State College

19

Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #19 for adult & continuing education this year. Set in the city of Fort Collins, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public institution. Colorado State University Fort Collins graduates 66% of students within six years. About 13 adult & continuing education degrees were awarded at Colorado State University Fort Collins in the most recent year. Graduates of the adult & continuing education program make about $51,693 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $22,843 to complete this degree. Read more about the adult & continuing education program at Colorado State University Fort Collins

20

Virginia Commonwealth University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best adult & continuing education schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Richmond. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. About 11 adult & continuing education degrees were awarded at Virginia Commonwealth University in the most recent year. Graduates of the adult & continuing education program make about $57,000 in their early career. Virginia Commonwealth University graduates carry a median of $23,813 in student loans. Get the full adult & continuing education details for Virginia Commonwealth University

21
Drake University crest
Drake University
Des Moines, IA

Drake University came in at #21 for adult & continuing education this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Des Moines. Roughly 73% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 12 adult & continuing education students who graduated with this degree at Drake University in the most recent data year. Adult & Continuing Education graduates of Drake University earn a median of $46,479 early in their careers. Drake University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the adult & continuing education program at Drake University

22

Troy University came in at #22 for adult & continuing education this year. Located in the town of Troy, Troy University is a large public university. Troy University graduates 49% of students within six years. Troy University awarded about 31 adult & continuing education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their adult & continuing education degree from Troy University earn around $48,733 in the first couple years of their career. Troy University graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Get the full adult & continuing education details for Troy University

23

University Of Idaho placed #23 among the best adult & continuing education schools. This large public university is located in the town of Moscow. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. There were roughly 27 adult & continuing education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Idaho in the most recent data year. Students who receive their adult & continuing education degree from University Of Idaho earn around $48,164 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete this degree. See the full adult & continuing education program report for University Of Idaho

24

University Of West Alabama came in at #24 for adult & continuing education this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the rural area of Livingston. Roughly 28% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of West Alabama awarded about 25 adult & continuing education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their adult & continuing education degree from University Of West Alabama earn around $54,953 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $31,894. More information about a degree in adult & continuing education from University Of West Alabama

25
Waldorf College crest
Waldorf College
Forest City, IA

Waldorf College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best adult & continuing education schools. Located in the rural area of Forest City, Waldorf College is a mid-sized private for-profit university. Waldorf College graduates 24% of students within six years. There were roughly 24 adult & continuing education students who graduated with this degree at Waldorf College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the adult & continuing education program make about $63,346 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $24,622 to complete this degree. See the full adult & continuing education program report for Waldorf College

Rest of the Top 36 Adult & Continuing Education Schools

These schools also placed among the best for adult & continuing education this year:

26
Capella University crest
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
27
28
29
30
31
32
Park University crest
Park University
Parkville, MO
33
34
35
36

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Adult & Continuing Education by Region

View the Best Adult & Continuing Education Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

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View All Rankings >

Explore other rankings in majors related to Adult & Continuing Education. See all related rankings.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 92 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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