The vitality of New York State's economy depends on deepening the ranks of the skilled workforce, a need that will grow more urgent over the next several years as the Baby Boomer generation moves into retirement. If employers cannot fill high-skilled positions they will lose competitive ground, and some may leave. New York has successfully expanded college enrollment among recent high school graduates over the past decade. Yet enrollment among adults has not only lagged--it has sharply dropped, leaving New York with one of the nation's lowest rates of adult college enrollment. Turning around the decline in adult college participation is essential and achievable. While a successful plan will include several integrated components, this study focuses on what the author believes to be the most essential component: improving affordability so that more working adults can gain access to college and avoid dropping out. Currently, New York's financial aid system is failing adult students. To rectify this problem, the author recommends that New York reform its Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and seek other vehicles for improving adult access to higher education. (Contains 3 tables, 4 charts, and 45 endnotes.) [This report was produced in part by the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy.]