A lot of people in their 30s and 40s are still on the education train.
A University of Michigan study finds that 48 percent of an estimated 80 million GenXers are enrolled in continuing education courses or training necessary for certifications.
More than one in every 10 are enrolled in classes to continue formal educations
Generation X is usually defined as including people born between 1965 and 1976.
The findings show that 1.8 million GenXers are studying to earn associate degrees, 1.7 million are seeking bachelor's degrees and nearly 2 million are taking courses to earn advanced degrees.
In fall 2012, 1,166 students at U-M were 35 or older, and just 90 of those students were pursuing undergraduate degrees. U-M's total student body is 43,426.
According to Miller, just more than 40 percent of GenXers have earned a bachelor's degree, with those living in cities or suburbs more likely to have a degree than those living in small towns or rural areas.
The study also found that GenXers have earned graduate and professional degrees at a higher rate than any previous generation. By 2011, two decades after finishing high school, 22 percent of those surveyed had completed at least one advanced degree.
"This is an impressive level of engagement in lifelong learning," U-M researcher Jon D. Miller said in a release. "It reflects the changing realities of a global economy, driven by science and technology."
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.