States across the country are recognizing that investing in adult learners is an economic imperative. With more than 40 million adults in the U.S. holding some college credit but no credential, the opportunity this population represents is significant — for workforces, for communities, and for long-term economic growth.

New Jersey’s Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) is leading the way with its Some College, No Degree (SCND) initiative. In 2023, OSHE partnered with ReUp Education to remove barriers and support adult learners across the state who want to return to college.

Recently, OSHE hosted its second annual statewide SCND virtual convening — bringing together higher education leaders, practitioners, and partner organizations including ReUp Education and Ithaka S+R. The event centered on the barriers and best practices shaping adult learner success. Here are three core strategies that emerged from the conversation.

Three strategies to support returning learners

1. Personalized support drives persistence

Returning adult learners need more than motivation — they need the right support at the right time. Strategies that are making a difference across New Jersey institutions include:

• Extended advising hours on evenings and weekends to accommodate complex schedules
• Dedicated advisors who build personal connections with learners, providing consistent guidance and encouragement
• Re-orientation programs that help returning students feel equipped to succeed in a modern academic environment

Notable insights: Montclair State University shifted from childcare vouchers to a broader basic needs fund — and saw more learners access the support they actually needed.

• 790,000+ New Jersey residents have some college credit but no degree
• 22 institutions statewide are participating in the initiative
• Nearly $5 million in state grants awarded to reduce barriers for returning students
• Over 11,800 learners have re-enrolled through targeted policies, innovative partnerships, and personalized support

2. Data fuels smarter strategies

Institutions are increasingly relying on data to drive decisions — and the impact is tangible. Effective practices shared at the convening include:

• Using CRM systems to track student progress and improve outreach efforts
• Leveraging statewide databases — such as New Jersey’s Statewide Data System — to identify trends and inform policy
• Conducting exit surveys to understand obstacles and refine future strategies

Notable insight: Institutions that hold monthly enrollment meetings with a dedicated focus on adult learners keep leaders aligned on this population’s unique needs and progress.

3. Policy adjustments remove barriers

Institutional policies often create unintentional challenges for adult learners. By rethinking policies from an adult learner’s perspective, New Jersey colleges are building a more inclusive experience. Changes that are making a meaningful difference include:

• Simplified enrollment processes that reduce paperwork and unnecessary steps
• Updated transfer credit policies that honor prior learning and reduce redundancy
• Academic forgiveness policies that give learners a fresh start after years away

Notable insight: Institutions that involve learners directly in policy discussions often see better outcomes — real-life experiences surface what truly matters.

Learner-centered policies drive meaningful change

By addressing long-standing barriers and introducing adaptive support systems, New Jersey is building a more accessible education framework — one that benefits adult learners and strengthens the broader workforce.

That commitment was recently recognized at the national level: the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association selected OSHE to receive the 2025 Exceptional Agency Award, presented to agencies whose innovative actions or governance practices significantly advance student success or overcome exceptional challenges.