By the summer of 2018, it had been over 30 years since Maronda Mims began her college journey. She garnered credits from North Carolina State University and multiple community colleges across New York and New Jersey. Approaching her 50s, Mims was three semesters away from graduating with a degree in environmental science from Rutgers University. However, her plans were halted when her mother was diagnosed with cancer, prompting Mims to drop her studies and assume a caregiver role.
After her mother’s remission, Mims returned to work, but the onset of the pandemic kept her from resuming college. Last year, she was accepted back to Rutgers but faced an enrollment block due to an unpaid $2,000 bill. Unable to clear this debt, Mims felt stuck, lamenting, “I just prayed, like if it’s meant for me, please God let it happen.”
Unexpectedly, a call from ReUp Education, an organization partnered with New Jersey to assist adults in completing their college education, changed her course. ReUp provides personalized coaching for those who left college without graduating.
Since March 2023, ReUp’s New Jersey collaboration has reenrolled 8,600 adults, with 350 graduating, as per the state Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. Approximately 750,000 New Jersey residents have some college credits but no degree. Nationally, 36.8 million adults, under 65, share this status, according to National Student Clearinghouse Research Center data. The U.S. Census shows 28% of Americans have attended some college but hold no degree. Reasons for incomplete education vary, including full-time work, caregiving responsibilities, and bureaucratic barriers.
ReUp addresses these challenges by collaborating with state leaders, universities, and organizations like the Michigan Association of State Universities and Ohio Department of Higher Education. ReUp has helped over 44,000 students reenroll, half in recent years. Financial burdens, even amounts under $5,000, hinder many from returning to college, according to Brittany Pearce of Ithaka S+R. Michigan’s goal for 60% adult degree attainment by 2030 hinges on enrolling older students, said Dan Hurley of Michigan Association of State Universities. Six Michigan universities are involved with ReUp.
New Jersey leaders aim to enhance workforce development by raising awareness of adults with unfinished degrees and improving support systems for returning students. Colleges like Middlesex College in Edison host events simplifying reenrollment for potential students. Rowan University and other New Jersey institutions have shifted focus from reaching out to former students to ensuring they can graduate.
Despite challenges, Mims continues to work with ReUp to navigate financial hurdles and reenroll at Rutgers. With guidance from a ReUp coach, she tackles tasks weekly, overcoming interconnected obstacles such as debt and car troubles. Encouragement and practical support help Mims push forward, illustrating the broader struggle many adults face in completing their education.
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