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The Some College, No Degree initiative has resulted in over 1,400 graduates so far and generated $74 million in recaptured tuition revenue for the state's 22 participating colleges and universities. The program addresses a population of nearly 840,000 New Jersey adults who earned college credit but never completed their credentials.
"The Some College, No Degree initiative is a game changer for New Jerseyans who had to put their higher education pursuits on hold," said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. "Through this initiative, we are working across sectors to put a college degree back within reach for our residents, empowering them to return to the classroom."
The initiative connects stopped-out learners with live coaching, financial aid assistance, and tailored support through a centralized marketplace serving more than 280,000 eligible residents.
"New Jersey is creating a resilient infrastructure that empowers residents to finish what they started and contribute more dynamically to our workforce and communities," said Dr. Brian Bridges, New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education. "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."
According to the report, re-enrolling adults typically requires an average of 24 touch points through texts, emails, and meetings before students return to campus. Since 2023, the program has engaged 28,000 learners who are actively exploring their return to higher education.
The data reveals that 45% of engaged learners want to return to school immediately, while 23% are unsure of their timing and another 23% plan to return within six to twelve months. Roughly 43% of learners re-enroll within 120 to 365 days of initial outreach, while 31% take more than a year.
Cost remains the primary barrier, with 51% of surveyed learners citing finances as their main obstacle to returning, followed by time management challenges at 22%. The program addresses these concerns by connecting learners with financial aid opportunities and providing personalized coaching on balancing school with work and family responsibilities.
One Thomas Edison State University student described the challenges of juggling multiple responsibilities: "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."
Returning students have pursued degrees aligned with workforce needs in healthcare, engineering, computer science, and protective services. Each graduate is projected to increase New Jersey's annual GDP by approximately $137,800 and generate an average of 7.1 additional jobs through economic activity, according to the report.
The economic returns and increased earning potential of re-enrollers who graduate puts the state on track to return over six times its total investment in the SCND initiative. The report projects that as each re-enrolled learner completes their degree, recaptured tuition revenue will rise to an estimated $183 million.
Graduates are expected to contribute an estimated $128 million in added economic activity in their first year after completion. On average, each graduate will expand the tax base by $6,590 per year, with lifetime contributions reaching nearly $1.5 million per learner.
"These results show what's possible when a state centers learner needs and workforce goals in one shared system," said Terah Crews, CEO of ReUp Education. "New Jersey's model delivers re-enrollments and completions at scale by putting adult learners in the driver's seat with real coaches, flexible options, and help to address common barriers."
The SCND population in New Jersey is racially and ethnically diverse. Hispanic, Black/African American, and Asian learners together make up 48% of the stopped-out population. The program re-enrolls Hispanic and Black/African American adult learners at rates that exceed their share of the SCND population.
Women make up 51% of the SCND population but account for 60% of both engagement and re-enrollment. Men represent 47% of the population but only 39% of re-enrollments, reflecting broader national trends in higher education.
Learners ages 18-24 represent just 19% of the SCND population but account for 29% of all re-enrollments. The largest group, ages 25-34, makes up 49% of the stopped-out population and 46% of re-enrollments.
The State Higher Education Executive Officers Association recognized the initiative with its 2025 Exceptional Agency Award, highlighting New Jersey's strategic leadership in re-enrollment efforts. The Murphy Administration has maintained budget support for the initiative in the current fiscal year to continue serving students considering their return to higher education.
"This is an innovative program that is succeeding in reopening the doors to higher education for students across New Jersey," said Senator Joe Cryan, chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee. "It is having a real impact for working people whose education gets interrupted by affordability, family responsibilities or other challenges in their lives. It offers them the opportunity to continue their education and gain the skills to compete in the rapidly evolving economy. We will see the benefits for generations to come with a skilled workforce supporting the state's economic progress."
Assemblywoman Linda Carter, chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee, highlighted the program's role in closing opportunity gaps.
"This report confirms what we already know to be true. When we invest in New Jerseyans, we see progress," Carter said. "The 'Some College, No Degree' initiative is helping close opportunity gaps by giving adult learners the resources they need to return to college and succeed. As Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee, I remain committed to expanding access, improving affordability, and supporting programs that allow all students to reach their goals."
The report includes testimonials from students who have successfully navigated the program. One New Jersey learner described overcoming significant obstacles: "It was a lot to handle but I did it, and I even got an A- after [taking care of a toddler, giving birth, and finishing a college class]. It feels amazing! I'm so happy and proud to be done and looking forward to my next steps. Thank you [ReUp] so much for all of your support and working with me to get it done."
Students cited various motivations for returning to school. A Kean University learner said: "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. I'm trying to get my degree so things can change. I mean, I want to make my mom proud of me."
The statewide marketplace officially launched in April 2023 with 17 institutions, expanding to 22 institutions covering nearly all geographic regions of the state. Participating institutions include community colleges and four-year universities ranging from Sussex County Community College in the north to Salem Community College and Stockton University in the south.
