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StraighterLine Launches Finish Your Degree Day

On August 6, 2025, StraighterLine will mark the inaugural 'Finish Your Degree Day', an initiative aimed at encouraging over 40 million Americans who have started but not completed their college education to return. This innovative day is grounded in recent research revealing that 78% of those who paused their studies would consider going back if they were offered free college courses.

The motivation behind this initiative stems from a survey conducted by StraighterLine, which found that many stop-outs attribute their inability to finish their degree to financial constraints. With the cost of education being a significant barrier, these individuals may have missed career opportunities and faced substantial income loss—over $40,000 annually for half of those surveyed.

The Significance of Finish Your Degree Day
Matt Hulett, CEO of StraighterLine, emphasizes the day as not only a chance to educate and empower these prospective students but also a way to help them realize their potential. He notes that education is a key driver of wage growth and that the opportunity to finish college remains within reach for many.

For those participating in this special day, StraighterLine will provide the equivalent of a free semester of courses for first-time students enrolling on August 6. This offer requires no credit card and allows learners to select from various college-level classes designed to be flexible and affordable, suitable for individuals balancing work and life commitments.

Empowering Stop-Outs
Dr. Melanie Glennon, Chief Learning Officer at StraighterLine, believes that this initiative will significantly impact stop-outs. She states, "Stop-outs who come to StraighterLine aren't learners who left college because they lacked the will, but because life got in the way." The objective is to provide these students with a pathway back to education that accommodates their unique circumstances.

The data indicates a palpable desire among stop-outs to complete their education, with 74% expressing a strong motivation to return. Importantly, 73% of individuals surveyed felt not finishing their degree had caused them to miss out on desirable job opportunities. Over a third reported feeling a sense of failure due to their incomplete education, leading some to conceal their degree status from peers and employers.

How to Get Involved
Those interested in participating in Finish Your Degree Day or accessing free college credits are encouraged to visit finishyourdegree.org. This platform will serve as a resource hub for individuals seeking to reclaim their academic pursuits, offering them support and guidance throughout their journey.

Finish Your Degree Day represents a collective opportunity for individuals who once felt their educational dreams were unreachable. With the support of StraighterLine and its commitment to accessible, high-quality online education, participants can take proactive steps toward building brighter futures. This day is more than just a promotion; it embodies a movement dedicated to reinvigorating the aspirations of millions of learners—because it's never too late to graduate.

About StraighterLine
StraighterLine is a leading provider of online education, dedicated to helping learners quickly achieve their goals through flexible and affordable courses. With a portfolio that includes a wide range of educational solutions, StraighterLine has empowered over 200,000 students annually. Its commitment is to provide accessible education pathways that facilitate career advancement and fulfill lifelong learning dreams.