Graduate courses and programs in the educational field are intended to enhance instructional practice and leadership skills and prepare leaders with increased critical thinking skills applicable to their profession. With attrition rates rising in graduate programs, universities must seek the reasons why, and this begins with instructors and students alike. Three research questions were created to gather perceptions of online instructors on professional development and the impact professional development has on the quality of instruction, and how the quality of instruction impacts attrition rates. Three research questions were created to gather perceptions of adult online learners on the extent their needs are met and how this influences student attrition rates. This qualitative study used Google Form surveys that gathered perceptions from online instructors who teach adult online learners 25 years of age and older, and adult online learners. The findings of this study indicated that online instructors lack frequency and adequacy of professional development in adult learning (andragogy) or online learning which impacts the quality of instruction, and quality instruction impacts student attrition rates. In addition, adult online learners indicated they are not given opportunities to share their preferences, and their preferences are not met regarding course format and applicability. However, adult online learners reported they do receive quality instruction. The last finding of this study revealed three major contributing factors for adult online learners who have considered not reenrolling, which included time, outside factors, and cost. This study's findings could provide universities with insight into whether online instructors have adequate training in proper pedagogy and andragogy, in addition to the extent they are providing quality instruction to adult online learners. Study findings for adult online learners could also provide universities insight into whether adult online learners' preferences are being considered and if they are provided quality instruction, which impacts student attrition rates. Lastly, universities could benefit from knowing major contributing factors for consideration of not reenrolling, which could aid them in curbing the attrition rates of online graduate programs. [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.]