Baby Boomers Now Live Next to 18-Year-Olds at Colleges Across US

As colleges across the U.S. face financial pressures from declining enrollment and rising costs, some are finding an innovative solution: partnering with senior living communities. At Lasell University near Boston, students like 20-year-old Sara Leclair are attending class alongside residents of Lasell Village, a retirement community located on campus. These “university retirement communities” allow older adults to continue learning while providing colleges with a steady stream of income. While it may seem like an odd pairing, the model has proven successful and is spreading nationwide. There are now about 85 such communities in the U.S., and more are likely on the way as the country’s population ages and college enrollments shrink.

The concept isn’t entirely new. In the 1980s Iowa State and Indiana University began a similar program. But, it’s now gaining momentum as demographic shifts grow. By 2050, adults over 65 will make up more than 20% of the U.S. population, while the number of high school graduates is expected to drop significantly. This is financially concerning for colleges, with many already closing their doors. At the same time, the senior housing industry is struggling to keep up with demand. Developers and schools saw an opportunity to solve both problems by converting campuses or setting up retirement communities next to existing institutions. These arrangements often include shared classes, student job opportunities, and even social events that foster connections across the generations.

However, the partnerships come with challenges. Systematic delays, zoning battles, financial risks, and occasional tensions between students and residents can complicate the model. Some colleges, like Purchase College in New York, took decades to move from proposal to opening. Others, like Eckerd College in Florida, had to bail out their retirement facilities financially. Despite this, when done well, these collaborations can thrive. For some students, the relationships formed with residents become lasting sources of support. As Lasell Village resident Toni Miller became a “bonus grandmother” to a young student, these unconventional setups show the real power of connection and creativity in adapting to a changing world.

For more information see Elizabeth Rembert “Baby Boomers Now Live Next to 18-Year-Olds at Colleges Across US,” Bloomberg UK, July 19, 2025.

Special thanks to Lewis Saret (Attorney, Washington, D.C.) for bringing this article to my attention.