Adults considering a return to study may find they have more in common with the new kids on campus than they might expect - as record-breaking numbers of baby boomers are choosing to head back to education. A study by the Academy of Art University in San Francisco found that nationwide, many of the 76.1 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964 are going back to school because there is "always more to be learned". Figures from the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) show that this generation and other "non-traditional" students now make up 57% of those on 4-year courses at public institutions and 50% of those at private universities. Furthermore, many are taking bachelor's or master's degrees to enhance their career prospects, using school to "move forward" in their working lives - otherwise known as higher education. And for older students, it is not a case of studying to pass the time. Instead, many would rather make a difference in the world or leave a lasting legacy, the survey found. "Now, with the power of education, they can," it said. According to UCEA, online learning is a popular option among many higher education students with the number taking a course over the internet increasing 37% to 3.2 million in 2005.  |