It’s safe to say that school isn’t for everyone. While some thrive in a classroom environment, others can’t wait to be freed from academia so that they can finally thrive in the “real world.” But for those who do enjoy education, the pleasure of learning something new doesn’t have to stop after their traditional path of study comes to an end. In fact, ongoing education is available for adults of all ages and across all subjects, depending on your unique interests. 

And as the data show, nearly half of U.S. adults (45%) consider ongoing learning ‘important’ or ‘a passion.’ That figure is more than double those who are ‘not interested’ in continuing their education. Women are slightly more likely than men to display an interest in ongoing learning (48% vs 43%), while Gen Z outpaces all other age demographics–perhaps in part due to their proximity to traditional schooling. 

And perhaps to no one’s surprise, adults who consider ongoing learning ‘a passion,’ also demonstrate other unique behaviors that put them in a class all their own.

Sleep Scores: Those who prioritize ongoing education are also the most likely to get a good night’s sleep. Just 35% of education fans get less than six hours of sleep per night, while 47% of those not interested say the same. 

Travel: Those who say ongoing learning is a ‘passion’ are 21 percentage points more likely to consider traveling for pleasure ‘important.’ In a similar vein, they are also the most likely to leave the continent frequently (17% vs. 10%). 

Anti-Amazon: Those who value education the most are also the most likely to say they don’t like Amazon. With fewer Amazon hauls, it may not come as a surprise that they are also the most likely to say they anticipate having ‘significantly or somewhat’ less debt in the next six months  (37% vs 31%).   

Pharmacy Fans: Between pharmacy giants Walgreens and CVS, those who value ongoing learning and education prefer Walgreens. Additionally, those who value lifelong education the most are 11 percentage points more favorable towards Walgreens than those without an interest. 

Health-Minded: Health and fitness activities are a passion for lifelong education fans. Half of those who consider ongoing learning and education a ‘passion’ feel the same way about health and fitness activities–suggesting that ongoing education may exist beyond the textbook. 

Clearly, those who love to learn aren’t just spending their days in classes. They’re prioritizing their health, seizing opportunities to travel and making an impact with their wallets–whether by avoiding Amazon splurges or shopping at their preferred pharmacy. Once again, lifelong students demonstrate that a single preference really can ripple out into every area of life.