New Jersey Initiative Has Re-Enrolled 13,500 Adults Back In College

A statewide program has brought more than 13,500 adult learners back to college in New Jersey since outreach started in 2023, according to a report released Dec. 2. The Some College, No Degree initiative targets roughly 840,000 state residents who earned college credit but never finished a degree.

The New Jersey Office of Secretary of Higher Education partnered with ReUp Education to create a centralized re-enrollment marketplace. Twenty-two colleges and universities across the state joined the effort. More than 280,000 adult learners have engaged with the initiative. Over 28,000 are now looking into a return to education.

More than 1,400 adult learners who re-enrolled through the program have earned a degree. These graduates are expected to contribute $128 million in economic activity in their first year after finishing, said Brian Bridges, secretary of higher education for New Jersey, in the report.

“With degrees in hand and access to better paying jobs, we also anticipate those who have graduated being able to contribute an estimated $128 million in added economic activity in their first year after finishing,” said Bridges in the report, according to NJBIZ. “This means we’re on track to return six times the State’s total investment in these individuals.”

Participating institutions have recaptured nearly $74 million in tuition revenue. That figure is projected to rise to an estimated $183 million as each re-enrolled student completes their degree.

The data shows 68% of learners expressed interest in returning within one year. Cost remains the biggest barrier. Financing concerns topped the list for 51% of learners as their main obstacle to returning to school.

The re-enrolled population includes 37% Hispanic/Latino learners and 25% Black/African American learners. Age breakdown shows 29% are between 18-24, 46% are 25-34, 20% are 35-49, and 6% are 50 or older.

“New Jersey’s collaboration with ReUp has become a national model for how states can re-enroll learners at scale, improving career opportunities for students while building a pipeline of skilled workers,” said Terah Crews, CEO of ReUp Education, in the report.

Bridges noted the program helps learners believe in their ability to return while providing tailored support to complete college. “When more residents can succeed in higher education, it not only transforms their lives but ensures residents are prepared with the right skills for the right jobs,” said Bridges in the report.

The post New Jersey Initiative Has Re-Enrolled 13,500 Adults Back In College appeared first on WMTR AM.