Fast Facts - Adult Education and Literacy

• The Need Has Never Been Greater

  • 59 million adults struggle with the most basic literacy tasks.
• More than half of U.S. adults lack the literacy skills needed to fully participate in today's economy.
• Demand far exceeds available services, leaving many adults waiting for help.
• As literacy skills continue to decline nationally, organizations like Literacy New York and the programs we support are essential to building the capacity of local adult literacy programs to meet this growing need.
  • Sources: National Center for Education Statistics (PIAAC 2023); ProLiteracy Adult Literacy Facts (2025).
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• Why Adult Education Matters

• 59 million U.S. adults have low literacy skills, making everyday tasks challenging—from reading medication labels to helping a child with homework or completing workplace forms.
• 43% of adults with the lowest literacy skills live in poverty.
• Adults with low literacy are more likely to experience unemployment, poorer health outcomes, and limited opportunities for education and career advancement.
• Adult education helps learners gain the skills, confidence, and independence they need to achieve their personal, family, and career goals.
  • Sources: National Center for Education Statistics (PIAAC 2023); Ballard Brief; ProLiteracy.
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  The Cost of Low Literacy

• Low literacy costs the U.S. economy an estimated $300 billion each year in lost earnings, reduced workplace productivity, higher crime, and increased public assistance.
• A Gallup study estimates that the U.S. economy could gain as much as $2.2 trillion annually if all adults attained at least a sixth-grade reading level.
• Parents' education and literacy levels strongly influence their children's educational success, making adult education an investment that benefits future generations.
  • Sources: ProLiteracy (2025); Barbara Bush Foundation/Gallup National Action Plan for Adult Literacy (2021).

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  Health, Justice, and Adult Literacy

• Limited health literacy is associated with higher health care costs, contributing an estimated $106–$238 billion annually in additional U.S. health care spending.
• Nearly 9 in 10 U.S. adults struggle to understand and use health information when it is presented in complex ways, highlighting the importance of clear communication and literacy skills.
• More than 60% of incarcerated adults have low literacy skills, and literacy education is associated with lower rates of recidivism.
• Approximately 85% of youth involved in the juvenile justice system have significant literacy challenges, underscoring the importance of early intervention and education.
  • Sources: Center for Health Care Strategies; ProLiteracy; National Literacy Institute; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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• The Need in New York
• Nearly every community in New York has adults who struggle with literacy, English language acquisition, digital skills, or earning a high school equivalency credential.
• Adult literacy programs serve learners of all ages and backgrounds—including parents, workers, immigrants, refugees, veterans, and older adults.
• Most programs operate with limited resources and rely on dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and engaged board members to fulfill their mission.