Millions of Americans with Incomplete College Education Find New Opportunities to Re-enroll
Across the United States, a staggering 43 million individuals possess some college credits but have not completed their degree. With colleges facing future enrollment challenges, their focus has shifted to these ‘stop-out’ learners, encouraging them to return to academia. Institutions are now collaborating with organizations to aid this demographic in finishing their education.
Support for Returning Students
Meredith Ruland, a student at Ramapo College in New Jersey, exemplifies the challenges faced by many. Despite working multiple jobs, including roles as a receptionist and preschool aide, Ruland has juggled her studies around her hectic schedule. Her journey has been further complicated by a connective tissue disorder that has impacted her ability to maintain consistent enrollment.
Ruland explained, “Longtime part-time student is what I coin myself. I’ve done full-time semesters but kind of here and there. I’ve taken a lot of breaks for working.” In 2024, the combination of work, health, and academic responsibilities led her to take another break from her studies.
ReUp Education’s Role
Ruland’s story took a positive turn when a coach from ReUp Education, an organization dedicated to assisting colleges with reenrollment efforts, reached out to her. Initially skeptical, Ruland soon found the support invaluable. “Just having somebody to be, like, listening and supportive and helping me get from point A to B to C or answering all my questions, I think that actually made a huge difference for me,” she shared.
ReUp Education, led by CEO Terah Crews, has partnered with institutions across 33 states, from North Carolina to Massachusetts. Crews highlights the unique needs of adult learners who require personalized support to manage their schedules and finances. “Someone who’s got a full-time job or multiple part-time jobs and kids, they don’t immediately enroll in a couple weeks,” Crews noted.
Addressing Enrollment Challenges
The growing number of stop-out students, documented by the National Student Clearinghouse, presents both an opportunity and a challenge for colleges. With high school graduate numbers expected to decline due to lower birth rates following the Great Recession, reenrolling stop-out students might be crucial for sustaining educational institutions.
Jonathan Gowin, an engagement director at Complete College America, warns, “If institutions don’t get this right, reengaging the some-college no-degree population, then we will lose our institutions.” He points out that the traditional college system was designed for recent high school graduates, not for the diverse needs of adult learners.
Future Prospects
Thanks to the support from ReUp Education, Ruland is now back on track to complete her degree in environmental studies. “The No. 1 thing I really struggled with throughout the last 10 years was actually finding somebody who really supported and cared about my education,” she said. Her story is a testament to the importance of personalized support in helping stop-out students return to and succeed in higher education.
For more insights, listen to Kirk Carapezza’s podcast, College Uncovered, available wherever you get your podcasts.
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