As colleges and universities work to improve student success and credential attainment, increasing attention is being paid to the millions of Americans who started college but left before earning a degree. These “some college, no credential” learners represent one of the largest untapped opportunities in higher education today. For institutions seeking to address workforce needs, close equity gaps, and increase educational attainment, helping stopped-out students return and complete their credentials is becoming a strategic imperative.
In a recent opinion piece for The EDU Ledger, Jamal Watson highlights emerging efforts that are helping former students reconnect with higher education. Drawing on results from California Reconnect and other re-enrollment initiatives, the article underscores the impact of personalized outreach, student coaching, and proactive support in helping adult learners navigate the complexities of returning to college. Rather than relying solely on technology-driven recruitment efforts, institutions are finding success by building meaningful relationships that help learners overcome academic, financial, and personal barriers.
The article also showcases innovative approaches that remove obstacles to completion and recognize students’ prior accomplishments. From individualized coaching and support services to proactive degree audits and credential completion initiatives, these strategies demonstrate how institutions can help learners translate past academic progress into meaningful educational and career outcomes. The broader lesson is clear: student success requires ongoing engagement and institutional responsibility long after a student first enrolls.
For National University, supporting adult learners and ANDers is central to its mission. Many NU students are balancing education and careers, family responsibilities, military service, or other life commitments. Through its Whole Human Education™ approach, the university provides comprehensive academic, career, financial, and personal support designed to help learners persist, complete their credentials, and achieve their goals. Initiatives such as the Near Completers Project reflect NU’s commitment to ensuring students receive recognition for the work they have already accomplished and pathways to continue moving forward.
Learn More:
Read the full opinion piece, The 43 Million Americans Higher Education Left Behind, in The EDU Ledger. Learn more about how National University supports adult learners and ANDers through Whole Human Education™, flexible pathways to completion, and student-centered support at https://www.nu.edu/.
