With the growth of the older population due to longer life spans and a decline in birth rates, older adults will soon outnumber the younger population worldwide. One out of five workers in the United States reaches retirement age each day. This phenomenon has begun to cause a strain on Social Security funding and healthcare funding for those over 65. Many baby boomers are left with insufficient funding during this final stage of life. This qualitative case study was an investigation of why baby boomers return to college for the purposes of continued employment instead of retiring fully. Seven baby boomer participants attending college at the time of the study were interviewed using open-ended questions regarding the decision-making process of returning to higher education. The data were examined and analyzed using thematic analysis and the active aging framework as a conceptual framework. Four themes and six sub-themes developed from the gathered data. The study results contribute to a greater understanding of why baby boomers are enrolling in college and continuing their careers. The majority cited financial reasons along with the fulfillment employment could bring them after returning to school and staying employed. Other themes were the social aspects of education and the purpose of staying competitive in the workforce. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the phenomenon and creative problem solving around how best to support older adults who choose to continue working rather than fully retiring at a traditional age. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]