State Programs Empower More Students to Achieve Their Academic Pursuits

Today’s higher education landscape is evolving. The traditional college degree is no longer the only marker of academic success.

Millions of students begin their journey with the goal of earning a degree, but for various reasons, not all complete the full program. Not having a credential can lead to lost job opportunities for students, even if they have done a lot of coursework. That’s why it’s more important than ever to recognize and reward the progress students make along the way.

About 37.6 million working-age Americans have taken college courses but haven’t earned a credential. This is according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s Some College, No Credential (SCNC) report. This annual publication, last released in June 2025, seeks to understand the educational trajectories of SCNC individuals. These are students who leave college without earning a credential or “stop out” without reenrolling for three consecutive semesters.

The report found that the number of students stopping out of higher education declined for the second consecutive year. However, the SCNC population still grew, as 2.1 million students newly stopped out between January 2022 and July 2023.

“Re-enrollment has risen for two consecutive years. Credential completion among re-enrollees has also increased,” said Matthew Holsapple, Senior Director of Research of the National Student Clearinghouse. “However, the ‘some college, no credential’ population continues to grow year-over-year. That growth is outpacing those returning, driven by 2.1 million new stopouts between January of 2022 and July of 2023.”

Several states have created programs to help students with some college but no degrees. These programs award credentials for completed coursework. They also make it easier for adult students to earn degrees.

Colorado Program Turns College Credits into Degrees

Colorado recognizes the academic achievements of students who left college before completing a degree through its innovative Colorado Re-Engaged (CORE) Initiative.

CORE empowers four-year institutions to award an associate degree to eligible students. These students must have earned at least 70 credit hours but stopped out of a bachelor’s program. This initiative acknowledges the significant progress these students have made toward a degree. It also provides them with a valuable credential that can enhance career opportunities and earning potential.

CORE bridges the gap between effort and credential. It gives Coloradans a second chance to return to higher education and enter the workforce on a stronger footing.

“Earning an associate degree in recognition of academic credits already completed expands opportunities in the workplace and the ability to earn a higher income.” Western Colorado University shares on its CORE page.

Massachusetts Re-Engages Adult Learners

Massachusetts is also taking bold steps to recognize the academic progress of students who left college without a degree. Through its MassReconnect and MassTransfer initiatives, the state aims to re-engage adult learners and returning students.

• MassReconnect is a state initiative. It provides free community college for residents aged 25 and older who do not already have a college degree. The program covers tuition and fees at any of the Commonwealth’s 15 public community colleges. It also provides an allowance for books and supplies.
• MassTransfer streamlines the transfer process from public community colleges to public four-year institutions within the state. The program helps students save money, reduce time to degree completion, and ensure that credits transfer smoothly. By streamlining credit transfers and offering associate degrees or certificates retroactively, Massachusetts reduces barriers to re-enrollment and boosts workforce readiness. This approach not only recognizes students’ past academic investments but also empowers them to re-enter the educational system.

Holsapple added, “State programs that award interim credentials, such as certificates or associate degrees, can empower more students. These credentials validate the skills and knowledge students have gained. This gives them a competitive edge in the job market and a stepping stone toward future academic goals.”

Michigan Expands Access to Career Credentials

Michigan is investing in its workforce and adult learners through the Michigan Reconnect program. This state initiative offers free in-district and discounted out-of-district community college tuition to residents aged 25 and older without a college degree.

By removing the financial barrier to higher education, the program empowers adults to pursue associate degrees or skills certificates. This in turn can lead to better-paying, in-demand jobs.

The program is part of Michigan’s broader strategy to close the skills gap, strengthen the economy, and support lifelong learning. Michigan Reconnect offers flexible options and statewide access. So far, it has helped over 207,000 state residents turn unfinished educational journeys into new career opportunities.

“Expanding the Michigan Reconnect program has opened doors for so many Michiganders — people who might not have otherwise had the chance are now finding jobs in skilled trades, healthcare, manufacturing and more,” said Michigan State Senator Sarah Anthony in a news release.

Expanding Credential Access Benefits Everyone

Recognizing partial academic progress through certificates and associate degrees is more than a symbolic gesture. It’s a strategic response to the realities of today’s students and labor market.

Programs like Colorado’s CORE, Massachusetts’ MassReconnect and MassTransfer, and Michigan Reconnect demonstrate the benefits of state investment. By creating flexible, inclusive pathways, states enable more students to turn unfinished journeys into meaningful credentials.

These efforts validate the hard work of millions of students who have stopped out. They also create new opportunities for career pursuits and lifelong learning.

“Re-enrollment has risen for two consecutive years. Credential completion among re-enrollees has also increased. However, the ‘some college, no credential’ population continues to grow year-over-year. That growth is outpacing those returning, driven by 2.1 million new stopouts between January of 2022 and July of 2023.”

Matthew Holsapple
Senior Director of Research, National Student Clearinghouse