The list of 2017 Top 50 Colleges and Universities with Adult Education Program was released recently. Topping the list was the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks.

Programs offered include online learning, accelerated learning, night classes and active veteran's office. These programs are designed to help the students balance their school and home life, according to MCPHERSON Sentinel

Students who enroll in these schools are usually single parents, housewives who decided to go back to school after all the children had grown up and retired military men and women who want to finish their degree.,.

Criteria for ranking colleges and universities with adult education program include affordability, availability of several programs for students to choose from, students retention rates, academic awards and recognition, according to Great Value Colleges.

Here are the top 3 universities and colleges that have the best adult education program for 2017.

University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks

This university topped the list of the best colleges and universities with adult education program. It garnered a total of 16 points. The program is highly affordable, with a net cost of $8,741. The university has 11,000 adult enrollees in seven campuses statewide. There is one teacher for every 12 students. The average age of is 25. Numerous programs are available to suit every student's needs.

University of Illinois at Springfield in Springfield, Illinois

This university garnered a total of 15 points, landing as number 2 among 50 colleges and universities. Total net cost of adult education in this school is $12,308. Total enrollment is more than 5000 and there are 14 students for one teacher. Average age of students in undergraduate programs is 26. It offers various degrees and students can take them online.

Troy University

This is a public university located in Alabama. It garnered 14 points and the net cost is $9,350. It has an enrollment of 18, 376 students. Majority of the students have an average age of 25 to 29 years old. It has several adult education programs offered.