Millions of Americans have found themselves in a challenging educational limbo, possessing college credits but lacking a degree. As colleges face dwindling future enrollments, they are increasingly teaming up with national organizations to re-engage these so-called ‘stop-out’ students to complete their education.
SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
In the United States, over 43 million individuals have left college without obtaining a degree. This presents a dual problem: colleges are concerned about declining enrollment rates, and millions have unfinished educational journeys. Institutions are keen to bring these potential students back into the fold. Kirk Carapezza from member station GBH explores this effort.
KIRK CARAPEZZA, BYLINE: In 2022, Meredith Ruland joined Ramapo College of New Jersey, a public liberal arts institution, with aspirations of obtaining her bachelor’s degree. To fund her education and living expenses, Ruland juggled numerous jobs, including roles as a receptionist, preschool aide, pet sitter, and employee at Trader Joe’s.
MEREDITH RULAND: 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.
CARAPEZZA: At 28, Ruland has also paused her studies due to a disability.
RULAND: So I have a connective tissue disorder, which has been quite the adventure the last 10 years.
CARAPEZZA: Balancing her health, work, and studies became overwhelming, leading her to stop out in 2024. Then, an unexpected call changed her course.
RULAND: I didn’t know it was a real call. I thought it was like a solicitor, and I usually prank them. So I answered, and I was actually listening.
CARAPEZZA: The call was from a college coach with ReUp Education, a national organization dedicated to supporting colleges and states in their reenrollment initiatives. With prior knowledge of Ruland’s academic history, the coach successfully persuaded her to give college another try.
RULAND: 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.
CARAPEZZA: The issue of stop-out students is escalating, as reported by the National Student Clearinghouse. Concurrently, the number of high school graduates is projected to decline, a ripple effect from the Great Recession’s impact on birth rates. Reenrolling these students could be crucial for higher education’s survival.
JONATHAN GOWIN: If institutions don’t get this right, reengaging the some-college no-degree population, then we will lose our institutions.
CARAPEZZA: Jonathan Gowin, an engagement director at Complete College America, emphasizes the importance of accommodating nontraditional learners.
GOWIN: Our institutions were not built for nontraditional learners. They were built for traditional students on the pathway heading to college after high school.
CARAPEZZA: The needs of nontraditional and traditional students vary significantly.
TERAH CREWS: We’re going to meet learners – potential learners in this case – wherever they are.
CARAPEZZA: Terah Crews, CEO of ReUp Education, notes her organization’s collaboration with 150 institutions across 33 states to facilitate adult students’ return. She highlights the necessity of extensive communication and support for these students, many of whom need help navigating their schedules, credits, and financial responsibilities.
CREWS: Someone who’s got a full-time job or multiple part-time job and kids, they don’t immediately enroll in a couple weeks. They actually have to organize and intentionally design their life, and they have to think through it. This is the second biggest investment you will make in your life if you’re lucky enough to own a home.
CARAPEZZA: For Meredith Ruland, ReUp was instrumental in helping her manage her professional and academic commitments.
RULAND: 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.
CARAPEZZA: Presently, while still employed at Trader Joe’s, Ruland is on course to graduate with a degree in environmental studies this spring.
For NPR News, I’m Kirk Carapezza in Boston.
DETROW: Kirk Carapezza hosts GBH’s podcast College Uncovered. You can listen wherever you get your podcasts.
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