The basics:

• 13,500+ adult learners re-enrolled through statewide initiative
• Institutions have recaptured nearly $74 million in tuition, projected to rise to $183 million
• Graduates expected to contribute $128 million in economic activity in their first year

An initiative to re-engage and re-enroll adult learners in New Jersey continues to yield remarkable results.

NJBIZ has previously reported on the Some College No Degree initiative. The program is aimed at reconnecting with the roughly 840,000 New Jersey residents who have earned some college credit but no degree.

As part of this effort, the New Jersey Office of Secretary of Higher Education has partnered with ReUp Education, an industry leader in finding, enrolling and supporting adult learners at scale. And Dec. 2, OSHE and ReUp are out with a new report highlighting the growth of the initiative since outreach began in 2023 – resulting in over 13,500 enrollments at New Jersey institutions.

Working in collaboration with the state, along with 22 participating colleges and universities in New Jersey, ReUp created a new statewide re-enrollment marketplace that centralizes outreach and coaching for learners who want to return to college.

Key figures include:

• 280,000-plus adult learners engaged with initiative, leading to more than 28,000 actively exploring a return to education, and that aforementioned re-enrollment figure
• More than 1,400 adult learners who re-enrolled have earned a degree
• Institutions have realized nearly $74 million in recaptured tuition revenue — projected to rise to an estimated $183 million as each re-enrolled learner completes their degree
• $128 million in anticipated economic activity of those who graduate in their first year after finishing
• 68% of learners expressed interest in returning within one year
• 51% of learners cited costs, including financing, as the biggest barrier to return to school
• 37% of re-enrolled learners are Hispanic/Latino
• 25% of re-enrolled learners are Black/African Americans
• Ages of re-enrolled learners:
  • 29% 18-24
  • 46% 25-34
  • 20% 35-49
  • 6% 50+

‘A pathway back’

“More than 280,000 New Jersey residents have access to ReUp’s re-enrollment marketplace that provides comprehensive support for returning learners across the entire student journey—from initial outreach to graduation—helping learners navigate barriers like cost, time, and uncertainty,” said Terah Crews, CEO of ReUp Education, in the report. “Connecting participating institutions and learners across New Jersey through a central platform with live coaching ensures that adults returning to college have guided access to programs aligned with their career aspirations and statewide workforce needs.

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.
– Terah Crews, CEO, ReUp Education

“At ReUp, we believe every learner deserves a pathway back. 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. We appreciate OSHE’s leadership in this initiative and look forward to building upon our innovative partnership in the coming years.”

New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges said Some College No Degree was designed to change the trend of adults starting college but not earning a degree or credential. He said it helps learners believe in their ability to return – as well as provides the tailored support they need 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. “This is crucial to New Jersey’s economic prosperity. Adult learners represent one of our greatest areas of opportunity to create upward social and economic mobility that has lasting ripple effects.”

Lightbulb moment

Bridges noted the topline stats, including the re-enrollment, and stressed their downstream economic impacts.

“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. “This means we’re on track to return six times the State’s total investment in these individuals.

“As we’ve worked under the Murphy administration to expand financial aid and strengthen supports for mental health, basic needs, and other barriers to completion, we’re showing what’s possible when innovative statewide policy and institutions work hand-in-hand to serve all students.”

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.
– Brian Bridges, New Jersey secretary of higher education

The report also shared testimonials from participants, including their stories and motivations.

One Thomas Edison State University learner said, “I was coaching youth soccer and trying to go to school at the same time. On top of that, having to go on duty some weekends, I was stretched. Then I saw an email from ReUp and a lightbulb went off! I have someone to turn to.”

“My family, my dad and mom, didn’t graduate from middle school. I’m the first person from my family who graduated from high school and I’m the first person to go to college,” a Kean University learner shared. “I’m trying to get my degree so things can change. I mean, I want to make my mom proud of me.”

A Middlesex County learner stated, “I’ve never not wanted to finish. I’m sure that’s how most people are. I struggled with school most of my life just between personal family stuff and access to school itself … I’m finally at a good place where I can finish my degree.”

The full impact report is available here.