Meeting the Gen Z moment
By 2030, nearly 60% of adult learners will belong to Gen Z, a generation defined not only by digital fluency, but also by economic uncertainty, social disruption, and an evolving relationship with work and learning.
PCO (professional, continuing, and online education) leaders can’t afford to treat Gen Z as an afterthought. Institutions that don’t adapt to the motivations and challenges of this new generation of adult learners are not only at risk of failing to attract Gen Z—they will also fall behind on preparing for the next wave of adult learners: Gen Alpha.
Although Gen Z shares core needs with earlier cohorts, especially Millennials, this generation has unique needs that have been shaped by the pandemic, the rise of algorithm-driven media and AI, and volatile labor markets. And while none of these forces are within higher ed’s control, PCO leaders can prepare programs, processes, and services that acknowledge the unique perspective of Gen Zers shaped by them.
Who is Gen Z, really?
Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z includes today’s 13- to 28-year-olds. They are often described with stereotypes like being sensitive, disloyal, and disengaged. And each of these claims probably has some truth to it.
But it’s worth understanding that we made the same critiques of Millennials, Gen X, and even Boomers before them. Much of what we see (and criticize) about Gen Z reflects their life stage—common behaviors and preferences among young adults—more than it reflects anything specific about their generation.
Gen Z also defies easy categorization. Older Gen Zers remember life before constant digital connectivity yet launched their careers amid pandemic disruptions that derailed social and professional growth. Their younger peers live fully online, demanding seamless engagement and efficient systems.
Despite their differences, both groups prioritize career advancement, flexibility, and affordability in their higher ed search, just as other generations of adult learners have. But they seek these priorities in a new context. They are navigating Gen Z-specific challenges including rising mental health concerns, weakened academic readiness, and an unforgiving labor market that forces them to adapt faster than any generation before.
Challenge 1: Elevated stress and anxiety levels
Rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among Gen Z learners have nearly doubled over the past decade. Students describe not only personal stressors but also the frustration of navigating institutional systems that feel unnecessarily complex. What might once have been routine administrative tasks—registering for classes, finding support services, resolving billing issues—can now feel overwhelming for students already managing high cognitive and emotional loads.
-
73%
of Gen Z feel alone sometimes or always
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46%
of Gen Z has a diagnosed mental health condition
Meanwhile, Gen Z brings high expectations for the processes and services they engage with, shaped by their experiences outside higher education. They are accustomed to on-demand information, hyper-personalized recommendations, and seamless digital interfaces, from one-click retail checkouts to instant virtual healthcare. When campus systems fall short of those expectations, they disengage quickly and aren’t shy about voicing their dissatisfaction.
Gen Z doesn’t just accept the way things have always been done. They’ll call out inefficiencies whether it doesn’t work in general or simply doesn’t work for them personally.
Susie Reynolds, Adult Learner Student Advisor
Wayne State University
Simplifying student experiences, streamlining administrative touchpoints, and embedding mental health supports across the learner lifecycle will be critical for this generation’s success. Institutions that take a holistic view of the student experience and treat mental health, belonging, and operational efficiency as interconnected priorities will meet the expectations of today’s learners and support their long-term well-being.
Challenge 2: Disrupted pathways to academic and professional readiness
Pandemic-era disruptions have had lasting effects on how students learn, communicate, and manage their time. Even high-achieving students show declines in executive functioning, focus, and professional habits once considered baseline.
National assessments point to a clear downward trend in academic preparedness, and employers are now seeing those gaps appear in the workplace. Many early-career professionals report struggling to meet expectations, and managers cite communication, time management, and accountability as consistent areas of concern.
Traditional onboarding and orientation models assume students arrive ready to self-direct. That assumption no longer holds. Today’s learners, regardless of age or academic level, benefit from ongoing, embedded support to strengthen executive functioning, communication, and self-management skills. Institutions that integrate this scaffolding throughout the learner journey will drive greater persistence and long-term success.
Challenge 3: A volatile and unforgiving labor market
Nearly 60% of recent graduates are still searching for stable, full-time employment. Entry-level roles are shrinking or shifting as automation and AI transform organizational structures and redefine what “career readiness” entails.
Even students who made strategic choices to pursue high-demand fields like technology or business face fewer opportunities. Applicant tracking systems powered by AI now filter out most job seekers before their materials reach a human reviewer, further complicating the path from education to employment.
In this environment, social capital is increasingly critical, and graduates who can build and sustain professional networks have a distinct advantage. Yet many Gen Z students feel unprepared to connect and advocate for themselves.
To improve career outcomes for graduates, institutions should integrate networking, mentorship, and applied learning opportunities directly into program design.
Preparing today’s institutions for tomorrow’s students
Gen Z faces a perfect storm of pressures: heightened mental health needs, disrupted academic foundations, and unprecedented career uncertainty. Recognizing these challenges is just the first step. The next is understanding how innovative institutions are already responding, with new service models, support structures, and engagement strategies tailored to the Gen Z learner experience.
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