Athens State University Helps 'Finishers' Complete Degrees

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Athens State University in Alabama is part of a growing trend of 'finishers' colleges' designed to help students who have already started college but haven't finished their degrees. With over 38% of college students now age 25 or older, these institutions offer flexible online courses, personalized support, and recognition for prior learning to cater to the needs of adult learners.

Why it matters

The rise of 'finishers' colleges' like Athens State reflects a massive demographic shift, as more adults return to higher education to upskill and reskill. These institutions are uniquely positioned to serve this growing population by offering the flexibility, affordability, and competency-based learning that traditional colleges often struggle to provide.

The details

Athens State University partners with over 1,000 local employers to offer tuition discounts and recognize workplace experience, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both students and businesses. The school's emphasis on micro-credentialing and assessing prior learning foreshadows a larger trend towards skills-based education, moving away from the traditional time-based degree model.

• The number of adult college students age 25 or older reached over 38% in fall 2022.
• Athens State University has been serving adult learners for decades, but is gaining more prominence as the 'finishers' college trend grows.

What’s next

As more traditional universities adapt to serve the adult learner market, we may see more partnerships and acquisitions between these larger institutions and specialized 'finishers' colleges like Athens State.