#United States #San Diego #Higher Education #National University #Near Completers Project

National University Empowers Former Students with Degrees

In a groundbreaking move, National University (NU), based in San Diego, has launched an initiative to assist former students by identifying those who have completed the requirements for an associate degree but left without receiving their credentials. This program, called the Near Completers Project, aims to provide these graduates with the recognition they deserve, even if they never return to the university.

The Initiative's Origins

The initiative was conceived with the intention to address the growing issue of individuals who have some college credits but no degree. According to recent statistics, over 43 million Americans find themselves in this situation, with many citing life changes rather than academic failure as the primary reason for leaving.

The project commenced with an analysis focusing on students who withdrew between 2022 and 2025 from NU’s School of Arts, Letters and Sciences. The result? An incredible 146 former students were identified as having fulfilled all requirements for an associate degree but had not formally received their diplomas.

Outreach and Engagement

The university executed a formal outreach campaign to reconnect with these individuals. Out of the 146 contacted via mail, 56 responded—a commendable engagement rate of 38%. Ultimately, 33 students accepted their degrees, while 19 of those who had balances under $2,000 had those debts forgiven. This action effectively alleviated any financial burdens preventing them from claiming their hard-earned credentials.

Interestingly, some graduates have even returned to NU to pursue bachelor’s degrees following this recognition, reinstating their educational journeys.

Understanding Student Needs

Insights from Trellis Strategies elucidate that personal finances, family responsibilities, and work demands drive students to leave their studies, emphasizing that it’s often not a lack of ability but rather life circumstances that cause them to stop out. For many, completing their degree promises increased career earnings and diversified opportunities, yet only a fraction intends to return to their previous institutions.

Dr. Mark D. Milliron, president and CEO of National University, stated, "These students did the work... Our obligation to them does not end because they stopped attending." The sentiment resonates deeply with the ethos of NU, aspiring to recognize and honor the effort that these individuals have already put forth in their education.

A Sustainable Future Approach

The Near Completers Project is envisioned as more than a one-time effort; it sets the stage for a continuous process through which the university aims to routinely audit student records for further credential opportunities. The addition of eleven concentrations in its Associate of Science program has also created new pathways for aspiring students, especially in critical fields like human biology where workforce shortages exist.

As Nicole Polen-Petit, dean of the School of Arts, Letters, and Sciences, puts it, "Access is only the beginning of the story... Many of the students who stop out are not leaving because they lack ability or determination but because of external pressures." Recognizing and rewarding the efforts of these students can lead to transformative changes in their professional and personal lives.

National University: A Commitment to Community

Founded in 1971, National University has long been committed to providing accessible education to non-traditional and military students. Serving approximately 130,000 learners annually, NU offers over 150 degrees—both online and on-campus—focusing on flexibility for students with busy lives. As it continues to strive to meet the needs of today's workforce, the university aims to further develop strategies that remove barriers and promote ongoing education for all.