This longitudinal study examines the perceptions, attitudes, and preferences of the adult learners in higher education institutions in the United States. Based on these aspects, this study allowed for an insight into how higher education institutions can create programs to better meet the needs of their adult learning population. This study was especially prevalent related to those students who were already employed in the area management. A qualitative design was utilized, engaging respondents from six geographic regions in the United States. These three year, longitudinal research results were compared and contrasted with the eight principles of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, and best practices for meeting the educational and professional needs of the adult learner were proposed.