Online education and AI-powered support systems are emerging as key solutions for the millions of Americans with unfinished college degrees. With over 40 million people having some college credit but no credential—a number that grew by 1.4 million from 2021 to 2022—institutions like Southern New Hampshire University are leveraging flexible online courses and artificial intelligence to address the structural barriers that prevent degree completion, including work schedules, caregiving responsibilities, and financial constraints.
The big picture: While traditional college enrollments decline ahead of a projected “enrollment cliff,” online education is experiencing significant growth as it provides flexible pathways for students who couldn’t complete their degrees through conventional programs.
Key details: Southern New Hampshire University has embraced asynchronous online education to accommodate the complex lives of its student population.
Why this matters: The flexibility of online education directly addresses the structural barriers identified in the Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice’s brief, including full-time employment, caregiving responsibilities, housing insecurity, and prior educational debt.
AI integration: SNHU implemented an AI-powered chatbot named Penny in 2022 to enhance student support and connect with the university’s advising system.
What they’re saying: “We all do better when learners of all ages have access to higher education and the support they need to achieve their goals,” said SNHU spokeswoman Siobhan Lopez.