The Rise of Remote Work and Its Impact on Productivity

As more companies embrace flexible work models, we continue to see an increase in remote work across a wide range of industries. But this shift isn’t just about convenience – it’s fundamentally changing how we define productivity and measure success.

What Is Remote Work Productivity?

Remote work productivity refers to the effectiveness and output of remote employees compared to their counterparts who work in the office. Research from the highlights that remote workers often match or exceed the productivity levels of traditional office-based employees. The ability to customize the work environment, control work hours and minimize office distractions contributes significantly to this phenomenon.

Why Work from Home Increases Focus and Efficiency

Office space can be filled with disruptions, from casual conversations to unplanned meetings, and even unwanted harassment. In contrast, those who work from home have more control over their environment, leading to optimized workflows and improved focus.

By allowing remote employees to align their work style with their peak productivity periods, when done effectively, companies can see higher job satisfaction and employee engagement. Not to mention, this flexibility additionally gives organizations the opportunity to create higher quality outcomes.

Top Benefits of Remote Work on Employee Output

The impact of a well-supported remote team can be profound, no matter the industry. For instance, many remote workers have revealed that they now have a better work-life balance, which has led to fewer instances of burnout and greater long-term loyalty.

Here are just a few more ways remote work contributes to greater productivity:

• Flexibility fuels creativity: Remote team members enjoy the autonomy to work during their most productive times.
• Longer focus periods: Without frequent interruptions, remote workers can concentrate deeply on critical tasks.
• Better time management: Flexible work arrangements enable employees to manage their work hours effectively, resulting in more productive outcomes.

How Remote Work Is Creating Stronger Leaders

Just as remote work is reshaping the way we see productivity, it’s also transforming the concept of leadership. Managing a remote team brings out essential leadership qualities in a way that the traditional office environment is often not able to.

Remote Leadership: A New Breed of Leaders

Remote leadership is a leadership style that thrives in virtual environments, requiring enhanced communication, trust-building and emotional intelligence. According to , remote working isn’t a compromise; it’s a catalyst for more effective leadership. Remote environments necessitate proactive listening, transparent and frequent communication, and deeper empathy – skills that every leader benefits from, no matter the setting. With less oversight and fewer impromptu check-ins, leaders must be intentional about their interactions and communication.

How Leading Remote Teams Strengthens Key Leadership Skills

Leading a distributed team challenges leaders to grow and adapt in real time. Here’s how remote work brings out the best in today’s leadership:

• Decision-making under uncertainty: Remote leaders must often make swift decisions without immediate access to team members.
• Building trust without micromanagement: Successful remote leadership hinges on empowering employees, not hovering over them.
• Enhancing digital communication: Regular video calls and clear written objectives with frequent updates become critical in keeping remote teams aligned and engaged.

Remote Leadership Challenges

While remote leadership has many advantages, it also comes with its own set of hurdles. Navigating these challenges requires a thoughtful, people-first approach to leadership – one that can potentially serve organizations for the long term. Some common challenges related to remote work include:

• Isolation: Both leaders and team members can feel disconnected without in-person interaction. This makes it essential to intentionally create opportunities for casual, non-work interactions across the organization to maintain a strong sense of connection.
• Maintaining team morale: Active employee engagement and intentional celebration of wins become essential.
• The need for emotional intelligence: Remote leadership requires consistently practicing empathy and active listening to ensure remote employees feel truly seen, heard and valued. It also means recognizing each team member as a whole person, not just a name or face on a video call.

Building a Thriving Remote Work Culture

At the heart of remote work success is culture. A healthy remote work culture lays the foundation for high-performing teams, increased productivity and long-term organizational growth.

How Remote Work Culture Drives Productivity and Innovation

Remote work culture refers to the shared values, norms and practices that unite a distributed workforce. A strong remote work culture emphasizes collaboration, trust and recognition – even across screens. Celebrating achievements virtually, investing in digital collaboration tools, and promoting transparency help keep remote teams connected and motivated.

Now more than ever, organizations need to be deliberate about fostering connection and inclusion in remote environments. When done well, remote culture becomes a powerful driver for both innovation and productivity.

How to Create a Strong Remote Work Culture

While some professionals may feel inclined to replicate the in-office experience, it’s important to reimagine the way collaboration, engagement and success should look like in a remote setting.

Here are a few foundational practices that help support a thriving and productive remote culture:

• Clear communication: Ensure expectations, goals and feedback loops are explicit and ongoing.
• Virtual team-building activities: Promote engagement and camaraderie through creative virtual experiences.
• Encouraging work-life balance: Support flexible work policies that enable remote employees to thrive personally and professionally.

How ACE Embodies Remote Work

At ������Ƶ (ACE), we’ve lived the remote work model long before it became mainstream. Our remote-first approach predates COVID-19, demonstrating that a thoughtfully crafted remote work culture can drive both employee engagement and organizational success.

Over the years, ACE has built a work environment where excellence thrives. We’ve earned the Top Workplaces designation for four consecutive years, along with multiple Culture Excellence Awards recognizing our culture, including work-life flexibility, leadership and innovation.

Remote work has expanded our access to a nationwide talent pool. We average over 300 applicants for every full-time position because we can recruit remote workers from almost every state. In the past two years, more than 20% of our full-time hires cited remote flexibility as a major factor in choosing ACE. Meanwhile, our regrettable turnover remains impressively low – under 8%.

Ninety percent of ACE employees report that they have the flexibility to balance work and personal life, according to our 2024 annual engagement survey. This flexibility has played a key role in strengthening employee engagement, increasing job satisfaction and fostering a dynamic, resilient company culture with a passion for our mission.

Remote work isn’t just where we work – it’s how we thrive, grow and lead.

A Collaborative Model for Leadership Continuity 

In their joint session on April 7, Klein and Pelham shared how ACE has developed a sustainable, data-informed approach to succession planning – one that bridges academic and administrative perspectives to strengthen leadership pipelines and institutional stability. 

“Succession planning is a systematic process of identifying future leaders to ensure continuity of leadership,” Klein explained. He additionally noted that in higher education, this process is often hindered by cultural resistance, limited resources, and high turnover.  

ACE’s model addresses these challenges through intentional collaboration between Human Resources and department leaders. By integrating succession planning into the institution’s Human Resources Information System (HRIS), ACE identifies employees who are ready for development and tailors growth plans accordingly.  

Measurable Impact on Retention Growth

The results of this approach are compelling. In 2024 alone, ACE celebrated 54 internal promotions across faculty and staff. Plus, the institution’s turnover rate remains under 7.5%, significantly below the national average in the higher education industry.  

“Due to our successful succession planning, emphasis on individual and departmental development, and ongoing collaboration with institutional leaders, we achieved over 80 internal promotions last year, representing 26.79% of our full-time workforce,” Pelham shared. 

Planning for the Future 

In 2024, ACE enhanced its approach by introducing workforce planning sessions with each department leader to pinpoint individual and team training needs. These sessions informed resource allocation in budgets and identified opportunities for upskilling beyond standard professional development funds.  

“By focusing on our greatest asset – our employees – we empower our workforce and foster engagement, equipping our organization for ongoing strategic growth,” Klein emphasized.  

ACE’s commitment to cultivating future leaders through a holistic and collaborative approach to succession planning serves as a model for institutions aiming to enhance leadership development, maintain stability and support long-term mission and goals. As higher education continues to navigate dynamic changes, such strategies are essential for fostering resilient and thriving academic communities.��

I completed college as a first-generation graduate, and upon graduation, I knew one of my interests was to help students understand the academic language that seemed so confusing when I enrolled in an English composition course during my freshman year.

However, something that seemed challenging has blossomed into something I now enjoy doing as a college faculty member. I have taught numerous writing courses, and I implement teaching scholarly writing across all my course subjects.

As an educator, my goal is to help students navigate writing resources and improve their professional writing skills to support their career journey. Being skilled in scholarly writing also creates the potential for career opportunities.

What is Scholarly Writing?

Scholarly writing refers to writing with the purpose of sharing knowledge and creating a reputable source of information. This intentional form of writing is concise and direct for clarity. It also must be original. Scholarly writers should avoid repeating what other authors have already published. Additionally, they should never use clichés, as they are overused expressions that are not original.

������Ƶ’s (ACE) Writing Center lists three attributes to scholarly writing, which are:

1. Generating strong claims for our insights and arguments
2. Incorporating sources as evidence to support our ideas
3. Contributing new ideas to larger scholarly conversations

Scholarly Writing at ACE

Scholarly writing is integral in all of ACE’s courses. In college and university settings, student authors communicate their ideas through academic writing and projects. They demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the subject matter through various assignments. However, in scholarly writing, we should provide evidence to inform readers how we know what we know. We do so by using in-text citations. At ACE, we use the American Psychological Association’s formatting style, commonly known as APA, to format in-text citations and their matching references. 

Peer-Reviewed Articles

The most credible type of academic literature is the peer-reviewed journal article. Scholarly and peer-reviewed journals or published articles are written by subject matter experts and reviewed and scrutinized by other subject matter experts in the same field who either accept or deny a proposed article for publication. This process is called a blind review, in which the author is not aware of who the peer reviewers are; however, the peer reviewers are aware of the author(s).

Wiley, an American multinational publishing company, notes on their that the review process assesses “the validity, quality and often the originality of articles for publication. It is the foundation for safeguarding the quality and integrity of scholarly research.”

Other Types of Scholarly Publications

Students should know that scholarly articles aren’t always peer-reviewed. Many instructors require students to include peer-reviewed articles as references in their weekly assignments; however, students should also explore other scholarly sources to increase their expertise and gain multiple perspectives on a topic.

Such sources include books by seminal authors, case studies developed for learning, white papers, government publications, conference papers, educational websites and trade publications.

Why Scholarly Writing is Important

Some might assume scholarly writing is pertinent only to higher education; however, it’s a standard form of communication across industry sectors like healthcare, education, social sciences and more. It’s critical for individuals who want to earn terminal degrees to advance in their fields, such as secondary educators, law enforcement, social workers, etc.

Nonprofit organizations also heavily rely on scholarly writing in developing grant proposals, which are essential for their financial sustainability. Additionally, having a strong scholarly writing foundation will support those seeking employment, as the skills can be applied to writing cover letters, personal statements and other application requirements.

What is a Scholarly Article?

What constitutes a scholarly article is a few key attributes. They’re written by experts seeking to impart knowledge and offer research in an area that hasn’t been explored before. Oftentimes, they’re targeted at a specific field and are seen as reputable due to the intensive peer review process.

Accessing Scholarly Sources

Scholarly writing also requires intentional reading and analysis. Further, writers must know how to access scholarly sources. At ACE, students can access scholarly sources through the ACE Library. Across the United States, college and university libraries subscribe to academic journals to ensure students have access to quality literature for their learning and research. Journal subscriptions can be expensive, with some costing thousands of dollars.

However, some sources are available for free through a system called open educational resources (OER). The nonprofit organization, is popular for accessing and publishing scholarly literature.

Tips for Scholarly Writing

Reading academic literature is a great first step to developing scholarly writing skills. This style of writing is different from what’s found in popular sources, such as fictional books, magazines and newspaper articles. Reading scholarly literature helps students become familiar with tone, word choices and sentence structure.

Proofreading and revision are expected steps in the scholarly writing process. Writers should expect to receive critical feedback and be open to making revisions. This process ensures the credibility of the writing and is a vital step in developing subject matter expertise.

Reflection and critical thinking are also recommended in the scholarly writing process. I often advise doctoral students to spend a day thinking about their research and take notes on their thoughts. Scholarly writers must contemplate ideas, analyze sources and reflect on their learning to know what to write about. Authors should be critical and systematic thinkers as well as thoughtful observers.

As I mentioned earlier, scholarly writing is a form of communication used to share knowledge. Knowledge is developed through research, observation, experience and practice, which are all part of the scholarly writing process. Therefore, this style of writing requires dedication and time; however, the hard work is worth it.

Tools for Scholarly Writing Support

ACE students have access to helpful scholarly writing tools. Two tools I recommend are and . Every ACE student has 7.5 monthly hours for Tutor.com’s 24/7 student support services. Tutor.com assists with developing a thesis statement, identifying a paper’s central themes and writing in an academic tone. Students gain valuable feedback on documents, presentations and other projects, such as developing infographics and writing executive summaries.

Turnitin’s Draft Coach is a writing assistant tool that assists students with quality and originality. Students can check originality before submitting their work. This tool also identifies areas that require in-text citations.

Turnitin is a third-party tool integrated into all of ACE’s courses that checks students’ submissions for academic integrity. This is a critical component and expectation of scholarly writing. Authors who violate academic integrity in the professional world are often terminated or forced to resign.

All to say, scholarly writing is a valuable and integral contributor to not only academia, but global efforts that make the world a better place. Researchers and scholarly authors offer sources of information that can initiate positive change and innovative growth in any sector.

Advance your education with the high-quality, fully online and affordable programs at ������Ƶ.

This leaves higher education leaders with a remarkable puzzle to solve – how do we make quality college education affordable? ������Ƶ (ACE) employs a cost-effective model that allows 86% of students to graduate without debt* and achieve career advancement through employer satisfaction and salary increases. The proof is in the numbers, and this unique framework breaks the trend of impossible tuition costs.

Understanding the High Cost of College

Historical Trends in College Tuition

Tuition has trended upward for decades, since the eighties. More recently, in the past 20 years, public institutions have (7% average increase annually). This reflects the astonishing rise of tuition from . Furthermore, student loan interest and loss of income can combine to become a $500,000 . When tuition reaches such extremes, higher education in public and private schools becomes inaccessible to millions.

Factors Contributing to Rising College Costs

To generate affordability models, we must understand the culprits behind tuition increases so we can adjust for inflation.

• Administrative bloat and increased staffing: Higher education has , including administrative and non-teaching staff, for the past several decades. Overspending in these areas decreases funds to hire qualified faculty.
• Expansion of campus facilities and amenities: Many institutions overspend on unnecessary facility updates or amenities that don’t contribute to academic success. While the student experience is important, teaching and learning is critical to student success.
• Reduction in state funding for public institutions: When state funds are decreased, higher education leaders are forced to find financial aid from other sources at the start of each fiscal school year. Unfortunately, it often results in increased student tuition and fees.
• Increased demand for higher education: Higher education is a common pathway to career readiness and advancement. However, increased demand results in a growing need for qualified faculty and staff who desire appropriate pay scales to support student success and operational processes.

Impact on Students and Families

The student loan debt crisis continues to be a hot topic in today’s higher education landscape. American students owe . Such high balances are among the in the U.S. These statistics alone reflect the severity of how student debt negatively impacts students and pose a strong argument for why colleges should focus on lowering costs. It’s a huge disservice to aspiring college students to have to choose between the cost of living and advancing their careers.

ACE’s Approach to Affordable Quality Education

ACE was founded to offer a quality, cost-effective alternative to unaffordable traditional colleges. With pricing significantly lower than the national average cost of tuition,* ACE maintains low costs through online program delivery and a focus on essential services. While we’re eligible, we choose not to accept Title IV funding, which allows us to offer programs at a lower cost. The college uniquely prioritizes affordability and student return on investment, as every dollar students invest in an ACE program results in $19.20 in future earnings for a 120.7% annual return.

ACE’s Tuition and Fee Transparency

As higher education institutions, it’s our job to be transparent about how much a degree will cost, so that students can make the best decision for their needs. It’s paramount that institutions make this information readily available so a student isn’t blindsided by hidden fees tucked behind an inaccurate sticker price.

On our website, ACE publicizes total costs and the tuition and fee breakdowns that generate it, outlining the cost per credit hour and fee calculations based on credit hour counts. This information provides students with a simple total cost of attendance summary for every program. For example:

Strategies Employed by ACE to Keep Costs Low

Affordability is one of our highest priorities at ACE, and we can offer our programs at industry-low costs by focusing on what matters most to student success.

• Online program delivery. Our fully virtual workforce and program portfolio allow us to focus our funding on the academic experience and flexibility that students deserve. We don’t have to pay for parking, facility management or athletics, and we pass those savings along to our students.
• Essential academic services over luxury amenities. Many traditional colleges use their resources to amplify the college experience found in state-of-the-art dormitories or extravagant athletic facilities that seldom enhance academic success. ACE prioritizes funding toward essential instruction and academic services that support degree conferral.

Student Outcomes and Satisfaction at ACE

Successful affordability models make a quality college education more accessible, and their impact contributes to unmatched outcomes. ACE boasts an 85% graduation rate and a 96% employer satisfaction rate. When we see such great results, we know it emerges from a focus on affordability and return on investment for a quality education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is the average cost of college so high in the U.S.?

Several factors contribute to increased costs for colleges and universities. These include but are not limited to administrative expenses, campus facility expansions and decreased state funding. Cost may also vary for in-state versus out-of-state students.

How does ACE maintain affordable tuition costs?

ACE maintains low tuition costs through fully online program delivery and a focus on essential services.

Is the quality of education at ACE compromised due to lower costs?

No. Quality comes first in everything we do. ACE is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the highest level of accreditation possible. We invest our resources in industry-leading faculty and relevant content, so our graduates are immediately ready for career success.

Are there additional fees at ACE apart from tuition?

ACE tuition costs, including minimal fees, are transparently shared from the start.

How does ACE’s cost of attendance compare to national averages?

ACE’s total cost of attendance is significantly lower than the national average for both public and private institutions.*

*Source: Internal Research Conducted March 2025

As online education becomes more popular and the number of online students grows, the cost of online degree programs at traditional universities continues to rise, often matching the tuition paid by on-campus students. In fact, many students who rarely set foot on campus subsidize the facilities, parking and housing that they don’t use or simply pay artificially elevated tuition that does not align with the institution’s cost of delivery. 

At ������Ƶ (ACE), we’ve created a unique student-centric model that prioritizes everything you need and nothing you don’t. Built as a fully online, affordable, accredited institution, ACE focuses on teaching and learning, and offers online courses with transparent pricing and no hidden costs. It’s all part of our mission to help students earn a degree without accumulating more debt. This blog examines how our one-of-a-kind online degree program compares to traditional institutions and why our affordability and compelling return on investment for students is no accident. 

Online Classes with On-Campus Costs 

It’s no secret that online enrollment is booming. 2025 will see more Americans take to fully online education than those enrolled in classes that are entirely in person.¹ But while students are logging into class from living rooms, libraries and coffee shops, for many, their tuition bills still reflect the cost of on-campus vs online degrees. 

A Quality Matters report found that 83% of online degree programs are just as expensive, if not more, than their traditional counterparts.¹ These students are often billed for campus services, student centers and amenities they never use, all while balancing the demands of remote learning. 

What’s even more frustrating to online students nationwide is that many of these programs weren’t initially built for online delivery. They’re extensions of campus-first institutions, often retrofitted with lecture videos and minimal interactivity. 

What About the Student Debt Crisis? 

It’s no secret: the cost of college has become a national concern. With student loan debt exceeding $1.6 trillion, more Americans ask: Is it worth it?² With a significant disconnect between college costs and the outcomes students can expect, institutions across the nation should reevaluate their strategies.  

At ACE, we prioritize our pricing models and delivery systems to support your outcomes while safeguarding your post-graduation financial security. It’s all about saving you money while providing a learning style that offers a quantifiable return on your investment. Independent market research shows ACE graduates earn an average of $19,000 more in future earnings for every $1 invested, and self-reported data reveals a $20,000 salary increase in the first year after graduation. 

Comparing Costs: Traditional vs. Online Degree Programs 

According to a College Board report, the 2024-25 school year saw an increase of 2.7% in tuition and fees at public four-year universities. At private institutions, this increase rose to a staggering 3.9%.³ This steady increase puts graduate degrees out of reach for many working adults, especially when paying for features they don’t use. 

Regarding master’s degrees, the average cost of college varies depending on the area of education and the institution. However, they can generally average a cost between the ranges of $44,640 and $71,140.⁴ 

ACE costs are different: 

• Most master’s degree programs cost under $10,000. 

• Our doctoral programs are under $25,000. 

Choose Intentional Online Education 

Our programs were built from the ground up to serve online students, and we don’t operate a traditional campus. 

What does that mean for students? 

• High-quality and relevant content taught by practitioners. 

Valuing Partnership Since Before Day One

The year before ACE offered its first course, prominent educators and business leaders gathered in concern regarding a shortage of educators and educational leaders as well as a large number of students who don’t finish college. The group believed that leveraging the power of technology and offering fully online degree programs would make education more accessible, but it wouldn’t be possible without intentional collaboration.

ACE built its first cohort of students through a partnership with one of the largest school districts in the country. The district sought a flexible and affordable way to invest in their educators, inspire retention and create a pipeline of skilled educational leaders. A handshake later, and the district’s educators had the accessible learning opportunities they deserved through ACE.

ACE cofounder Thomas Evans reflected, “It’s an honor to have been part of ACE’s founding, and our first school district partnership launched what would become 20 years of collaborative relationships with school districts, health systems, businesses and beyond. We had a strong desire to address educational crises by marrying the power of online learning with affordability – two components educators desperately needed, and still need, to earn degrees. It’s truly astonishing to think about how a group can come together with a mission and dream and then see the tremendous success of ACE and its graduates.”

Addressing Human Capital Shortages Through Partnerships

Fast forward to 2025, our partnership model has exponentially expanded and grown as we collaborate with over 2,500 partners. We’re now impacting areas in and beyond education as well as building more opportunities that benefit our partners. Thousands of students are experiencing accessible education, and ACE is committed to continuously expanding our efforts.

Solutions That Develop a Network of Credentialed Educators

Our educational partnerships with school districts and other education-focused organizations have supported various needs nationwide.

Temple Independent School District is one of many success stories as they sought to develop their paraprofessionals into licensed educators. Their Director of Employee Relations, Adrian Lopez, stated about their partnership with ACE, “We have seen many teachers excited about the opportunity to advance their careers from paraprofessionals to licensed educators. There is a sense of pride within the cohort of teachers in the program, and it’s terrific to see that. They want to succeed and contribute to the district meaningfully because they’re profoundly grateful that we are willing to support their career goals.”

Partnering with community colleges allows us to build bridges between their program offerings and ours, resulting in accessible and affordable opportunities for students seeking higher levels of education.

Rick Kemp, Dean of Instruction and Partnerships at Rio Salado College, said, “ACE has proven to be a valuable and responsive partner in providing both flexible and affordable content-specific graduate credit options for high school dual enrollment teachers. The graduate credit content area instruction and prior learning assessment options provided by ACE meet a critical need in providing viable pathways for dual enrollment teachers toward meeting their credentialing requirements.”

Pathways That Support Evolving Healthcare Needs

Educators are not alone in the threat of national shortages, as the global pandemic significantly impacted nursing and healthcare personnel numbers. As our program offerings expanded into these areas, we rolled up our sleeves and created accessible education pathways through partnerships with hospitals, nursing and healthcare organizations, businesses, community colleges and more.

Dr. Margi Schultz, Nursing Faculty Administrator for Maricopa Community Colleges, shared, “Working with the ACE team to create a seamless, efficient pathway for a concurrent enrollment program for the RN to BSN (Maricopa Nursing) to MSN with ACE was a wonderful collaborative experience. The ACE team is responsive and student-focused. We have had an amazing response from our students and look forward to our continued partnership.”

The ACE Partnership Model

ACE offers customized solutions through the power of partnership. Our model doesn’t take a uniform approach with presumable one-size-fits-all benefit options. Instead, we identify needs and collaborate on effective solutions.

Oftentimes, our partners fall into a few high-level buckets: K-12, higher education or healthcare and nursing. We pinpoint how ACE programs can build human capital pipelines that address staffing gaps with advanced degrees and/or certifications.

Within this process, we collaborate with partners on potential benefits to their employees (and students in higher education partnerships). Benefits could include tuition reduction, seamless transfer pathways from a program the partner offers to one of our programs, transcription of coursework the partner offers into academic credit and more. Our higher education partnerships are sometimes eligible for concurrent enrollment, where their students can simultaneously complete schoolwork at their college and ACE to expedite completion.

From before ACE began 20 years ago to today and beyond, we hold close to the legacy our founders laid upon us to make education accessible to as many students as possible. We are proud of the tremendous impact of our partnerships, and we are committed to continuing to make a difference as a solution-based, collaborative partner.

Learn more about partnership opportunities at ������Ƶ.

Many metrics quantitatively define success in higher education, from retention to student satisfaction. Particularly, graduation or completion rates, when combined with high-quality and rigorous learning experiences, are key to determining a college’s value.

A graduation rate is among the most important statistics in higher education because of its powerful ability to gauge whether colleges are accomplishing their greatest mission – to see all enrolled students become alumni.

Unfortunately, today’s graduation rates at many colleges and universities are less than celebratory, but ������Ƶ’s (ACE) unmatched student experience positions us as a positive outlier. We highly value graduation rates because we prioritize creating positive value for our students, most of whom are adults working full-time or teachers and nurses who need affordable options to quickly advance their careers.

ACE also prioritizes offering a world-class education and has proven that we provide college students with a positive return on investment. Our graduates pass state licensure exams at or above state averages and report improved professional skills (98%) and effective job preparation (96%). Plus, 96% of our graduates’ employers are satisfied with their performance. When institutions merge accessibility with return on investment and quality, we see higher graduation rates and a greater impact on society.

Let’s dive into graduation rates and how ACE has kept ours high.

An Overview of Online College Graduation Rates

Online college graduation rates sometimes have an because they lack uniformity with collection methods. Some institutions include part-time students, while others include hybrid students taking online and in-person courses. There are also different types of institutions – private nonprofit institutions, for-profit colleges, community colleges and more. In response, the Biden administration and the United States Department of Education requirements for online colleges that would take effect in 2027. It remains to be seen whether these efforts will still go forward.

While recent data indicate , online colleges seem to be coming up short. One recent study of exclusively online programming – among the only research of its kind – revealed that students enrolled in fully online programs were .

How Online Colleges Compare to Traditional Colleges

Online and traditional colleges have many commonalities. However, it’s more challenging regarding graduation rates and similar metrics. Traditional colleges encompass cohorts of full-time, part-time, in-person, online and hybrid students. Online college cohorts involve fewer variables that can influence data.

ACE’s Graduation Rates: A Closer Look

ACE boasts an 85% graduation rate for all degree programs combined, significantly exceeding the and the struggling graduation rates at other fully online institutions.

As a fully online college, we calculate graduation rates annually based on a student’s initial enrollment in a cohort, their anticipated completion date and the most current start cohort for reporting. While this formula generates a numeric value, it’s about more than metrics at ACE.

Several elements of the ACE student experience contribute to students completing our programs.

• Financial transparency: Not only are our total costs listed on our website, but our Enrollment Counselors take intentional steps to ensure students are aware upfront. They are not surprised with frivolous fees that aren’t related to academics. Additionally, we forego Title IV funding to offer a world-class education at an affordable cost.
• Flexible learning without sacrificing rigor: Our flexible course design allows students to study asynchronously, which means they can accomplish their career goals amid professional and personal commitments. This does not mean students aren’t expected to meet deadlines and participate in the rigor of earning a degree, as in traditional learning.
• Consistent course delivery: ACE courses are designed following a similar format, so students aren’t spending the first two weeks of a new course adjusting to a different instructor’s style. Students know what to expect after their first course, and from then on, they can focus solely on course material.
• Practitioner faculty: Our faculty are professionals actively working in their respective fields. They freely share their firsthand advice and experience with their students, giving our students access to the most up-to-date best practices they know they can apply to their jobs right away.
• Relevant coursework: Our students are busy professionals seeking practical skills and strategies to advance their careers. Our curriculum is built in-house by our faculty, who partner with curriculum designers. We also regularly consult employers for feedback on how we can better align learning outcomes with the skills they want to see from their employees.
• Uncomplicated processes: ACE believes that learning should take effort, but everything else about being a student should be simple. We uncomplicate the process by simplifying the operational and logistical things that can be hassling or confusing, such as automatically enrolling students in their next course.
• Robust student success systems: Student support systems are not a requirement but evidence of a student-first mentality. Once enrolled, ACE students are assigned to a Student Success Coach who supports them through graduation. Our team of coaches significantly contributes to our 85% retention rate and student success.
• Responsiveness to student satisfaction surveys: ACE’s 96% student satisfaction rate encompasses just that, students. We take their feedback seriously by evaluating their concerns and implementing action plans. Satisfied students complete their programs and often return for another or refer their friends and colleagues.

How to Choose the Right College

When choosing a college, graduation rate is often a metric that speaks volumes. The key is to dig deeper and discover why that college has a strong or weak rate. Consider their student support systems and approaches to academic success. Peruse alumni testimonials or complete a virtual open house where you can envision what the experience will look like and if it’s an environment that will equip you for successful completion.

FAQs

What is the average graduation rate for colleges?

The six-year completion rate – collected through longitudinal research that runs for six to eight years to allow time for students to complete their programs – for the fall 2017 cohort was 62.2%.

Why do graduation rates differ for online colleges?

Online colleges often have fewer variables that can skew data, like student statuses or course delivery options. Additionally, online colleges can allocate funds toward stronger student support and academic success systems that are not needed for parking, electricity, athletics and more.

What makes ACE’s graduation rates higher?

ACE’s student-first college and program design has contributed to our graduation rate. Our uncomplicated logistical processes, robust student support, low costs and commitment to constant improvement have helped us achieve student satisfaction while our practical coursework, flexible course design and practitioner faculty delivers on the high-quality college degree and academic experience our students deserve.

*Source: Internal research completed in June 2024

The stakes are high, as a degree from the right institution can facilitate career advancement. Regardless, many students are left paying off student debt for decades after graduation. At ������Ƶ (ACE), we believe that our adult students deserve a world-class education that is largely debt-free.

Our unique and successful approach does not always catch the attention of the ever-popular college ranking sites that many students rely on to determine credibility. I believe that our unconventional model has sometimes thwarted these sites from properly assessing our value.

If you’re looking for an institution to advance your career through the power of education, I urge you to think critically and conduct extensive research as you decide where to go.

ACE: Unique Values That College Rankings Overlook

ACE is a regionally accredited, fully online college with a groundbreaking approach to providing working professionals with accessible degree programs and certifications. We eliminate barriers like cost, complicated admissions processes, confusing course designs and more to allow thousands of students to focus on (and pay for) one thing – their hard-earned education.

A Solution, Not a Contributor to Student Debt

Nearly 43 million individuals have incurred federal student loan debt, exceeding . Since our founding 20 years ago, ACE intentionally has not accepted Title IV funds, even though we’re eligible. This enables us to offer our programs at industry-low costs – master’s degrees under $10,000¹ and doctoral degrees under $24,000¹ – that allow 86% of our students to graduate without debt.²

Additionally, we prioritize returns on student investment and share our proven approach transparently. Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics, calculated that for every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in future earnings. Similarly, our student survey results revealed that ACE graduates see an average pay increase of over $21,000. Our model works, and we confidently refuse to contribute to the federal loan debt crisis.

Key Drivers of the “ACE Way”

Affordability is undoubtedly important when considering where to complete a degree. Still, there are many other implications to think through that make a higher education institution valuable and unique – especially if you’re leaning solely on college ranking sites to determine inherent credibility or quality.

ACE offers a practical and relevant learning experience by employing a practitioner faculty model. Our faculty collaborate with seasoned curriculum designers to build what you learn, and the faculty are all experts with extensive experience, education and research in their respective fields. For example, students who are teachers may be taught by a superintendent of a school district.

We also put our students first. Your voice needs to be a priority when choosing where to study. ACE regularly and consistently conducts research and solicits feedback from students, alumni, faculty and employers to identify what students need and areas where we can better serve them. A few insights from our 2024 findings concluded that:

• 85% of our students graduate
• 95% of employers of our graduates are satisfied with their performance
• 92% of ACE students say they’re satisfied with their program experience
• 94% of ACE students feel their professional skills are stronger

Data Proves It, ACE Is a Leader

Comparison is one of the most powerful tools you can use when choosing an institution. College ranking sites may seem like the best place to do that, but is it really a true comparison when non-traditional colleges are missing from the list? For example, when measuring ACE next to our competitors, we prove we are leaders in higher education.

ACE vs. Higher Education vs. College Rankings

College rankings determine an institution’s value based on restrictive formulas that are everything but all-encompassing. While it’s virtually impossible to have a perfect approach to ranking, our unique model seldom fits within their measuring apparatuses and, thus, often doesn’t properly assess an institution like ACE.

For example, some ranking systems operate by surveying academic leaders, but they’re unlikely to be familiar with our model. Other systems rely on student surveys, but if students are ranking traditional higher education institutions, they miss the opportunity to consider alternative options – like those offered at ACE.

College ranking sites do a disservice to students when they fail to transparently unveil more options to students seeking a degree. This is especially disruptive when institutions like ACE offer a world-class education experience designed to suit today’s working professionals through our affordable, flexible and high-quality approach. Students deserve better, and college ranking systems have a great opportunity to expand their calculations to ensure a fair assessment. I encourage students to dig deeper in their research to discover their best fit and achieve their career goals.

¹All values shown are an estimated value of the cost of tuition and fees. Actual amounts may vary depending on the number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, the receipt of scholarship or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law.

²Source: Internal research completed in June 2024

³Source: Internal calculations completed in 2024

Emphasizing innovation and maintaining a student-first mentality are among several intentional efforts that led to our 20th anniversary, where we have grown exponentially with no loss of momentum in sight. Marked by countless milestones, ACE’s success stems from its unique ability to stand out from the global, crowded sea of institutions by breaking through the proverbial college mold and doing higher education differently.

An Origin of Serving Students

Founded by educators seeking pre-K-12 reform, ACE originated with a mission to serve those who serve. Two years after our accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), we celebrated our first graduates, equipped for career advancement and making a difference in their communities. From this inaugural cohort of 24 students, ACE now boasts more than 12,000 students and 44,000 alumni.

ACE’s commitment to serving students reached significant heights in our first decade of operation. We officially became a fully online institution in 2009, an intentional decision that would allow global access to quality degree programs. Additionally, we started building what would become an extensive, diverse program portfolio to support more student career goals.

In ACE’s second decade of operation, we reaffirmed our HLC accreditation twice (in 2014 and again in 2024). We also obtained accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

During this time, ACE became a Certified B Corporation, solidifying our dedication to social responsibility and positively contributing to society. Our operational approach prioritizes social and environmental impact, and we also empower individual members of our community to give back within their diverse communities across the country. Since our first certification, ACE has been re-certified twice – in 2019 and 2022.

Building the ACE Model

ACE’s unique approach to higher education largely rests in our ability to offer a world-class education at an affordable cost. Accessibility is in our DNA, and it started with an intentional decision not to accept Title IV student loans, even though we’re eligible. This allows ACE to keep operational and tuition costs low to focus on student returns on investment – an uncommon priority throughout traditional higher education as infrastructural costs and fees take precedence.

The ACE model is based on real-world costs so students can progress in their careers without the shadow of student debt. It’s proven successful, as 86% of students graduate without debt¹ and tuition hasn’t increased since 2016. Additionally, recent research shows that our graduates get a return of $19.20 in higher future earnings for every dollar invested in their education at ACE.

Our commitment to accessibility doesn’t end there, as ACE has fully embraced the power of partnerships over the years. From our originating collaboration with a large school district, we have developed an ingrained, one-of-a-kind ability to support human capital pipelines through customized employment solutions nationwide. Including thousands of school district partnerships in the United States, ACE partnerships help attract, retain, upskill and reskill staff in ways that reflect current employment needs.

Partnerships further close higher education affordability gaps through tuition reduction benefits and seamless credit for prior learning (CPL) transfer pathways. ACE’s CPL approach and transfer-friendliness can decrease student tuition dollars by thousands and accelerate program completion time.

Growing a Diverse Program Portfolio

An evolving workforce requires higher education institutions to stay adept at equipping graduates to meet and exceed employer expectations. ACE has focused on this from the start, which has led to today’s 95% employer satisfaction rate. We capitalized on our success with education programs and launched programs in nursing, healthcare, business and leadership – all in our first decade of operation.

This growth is projected to continue as we closely monitor workforce trends to equip current and future leaders and employees with relevant, data-driven curricula taught by industry experts.

Since our humble beginning, ACE now offers more than 60 programs for students to pursue doctoral, master’s or bachelor’s degrees, along with graduate-level certificate programs. Our programs result in more than a piece of paper, but graduates who are empowered and equipped with skills, knowledge, research and data-driven practices that elevate their careers and enhance their futures.

Progressing With Modern Student Needs

Student needs have grown alongside ACE, and an integral part of both student and institutional success is a forward-thinking mentality. ACE uses student satisfaction surveys and data-driven insights to inform protocols that positively impact future growth. In fact, 92% of our students are satisfied with their experience at ACE. We take their feedback seriously and use it as a powerful tool to understand specific needs and prioritize actively meeting those needs.

It was ingrained in ACE’s identity to meet students where they are, and we are committed to keeping it this way. As an institution serving adult learners, we know that there are life implications to consider when enrolling in a degree or certification program – marriage, children, homeownership, health management, financial commitments and more. The list of life’s demands only continues.

It’s our priority to keep attuned to student needs beyond classroom expectations and outcomes so we can support students genuinely and holistically as they work toward their career goals.

The Best is Yet to Come

ACE is committed to reaching students far and wide to offer career advancement opportunities through higher education. Twenty years of serving students undoubtedly involves commitment, passion and hard work. Every employee at ACE plays an integral role in seeing every student successfully achieve their career goals as an ACE graduate.

Building a unique model, collaborating with partners, creating robust program portfolios and meeting student needs has led ACE’s incredible growth from 2005 to 2025. We’re proud to have redefined higher education and will continue to do higher education differently.

Experience how ACE is different by finding the right program for you to continue your educational journey. Explore our fully online degrees and certificates.

¹Source: Internal Research June 2024

Benefits and Current Applications

The positive impacts of AI are already in action for students, faculty, researchers, policymakers, and higher education professionals and leaders. Arguably, the greatest benefit for students is personalized learning. Adaptive learning platforms, like and , can adapt educational content and experiences to meet student needs by providing customized learning resources, experiences and recommendations. This allows students to learn at their own pace and style, which can lead to improved engagement and academic outcomes.

AI for Enhanced Learning Experiences

Adaptive learning platforms can leverage analytics by assessing student data to predict academic performance and identify anyone at risk of falling behind. This enables institutions to get involved proactively and provide the necessary support to help students succeed.

Another incredible benefit with immense potential is AI-powered teaching and learning assistants, which can offer personalized educational support to students and faculty outside the classroom. These systems, like , can answer questions, provide explanations and give feedback on assignments, helping students learn complex concepts at their own pace.

Additionally, by integrating AI into their practices, faculty can enhance efficiency, provide personalized student support and create a more interactive and engaging learning environment. For example, generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT can help faculty develop accessible course materials, including lecture notes, quizzes, assignments and multimedia content.

These tools can also facilitate interactive activities, such as discussions, debates and role-playing exercises, making learning more engaging and dynamic. As an added benefit, tools like Khanmigo and can save time by providing instant feedback and support, which enables more efficient use of study and instructional time.

AI for Professional Efficiency and Effectiveness

AI also offers numerous benefits to higher education professionals, helping them to streamline their work and improve efficiency. For example, tools like and can set reminders, manage calendars and automate routine tasks, allowing administrators to focus on high-priority issues.

On a personal level, three of my favorite AI tools are Grammarly,  Humantelligence and Microsoft Copilot.

• is a writing assistant that provides real-time grammar, spelling, style, tone and punctuation feedback. It can help students and all users produce clear and concise writing, which is essential for academic and professional success.
• is a human resources tool that fosters a more engaging and collaborative work environment. It uses generative AI to provide personalized suggestions for improving email communication, meeting effectiveness and overall team interactions.
• is an assistant that helps users automate tasks and enhance productivity by providing real-time insights and suggestions. I use Microsoft Copilot daily to assist me in drafting emails, creating presentations and summarizing meetings.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While the thoughtful integration of AI in higher education has many benefits, there are also significant ethical considerations and challenges. It is important that students and higher education professionals approach AI with a balanced perspective and a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism.

Data Privacy and Content Accuracy

Arguably, the most significant ethical concerns pertain to data privacy and security. AI systems in education may require access to student data to function effectively, which raises key concerns about how this data is collected, stored and used. Institutions must ensure that their student data is secure, and colleges and universities should develop policies and ethical guidelines for the appropriate use of AI.

Another challenge pertains to instances where an AI tool generates misleading or inaccurate information. These instances are referred to as hallucinations. An example of a hallucination may include the creation of a bibliography with books and names that don’t exist. It is critical to incorporate human oversight in the AI tool’s decision-making process to mitigate the risk of AI hallucinations.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

Academic integrity is also a prevalent concern due to the potential for plagiarism. Most institutions generally find it acceptable for students to use AI tools for tasks such as brainstorming, generating ideas, finding background information on a topic, clarifying research questions, drafting an outline and checking grammar and style.

However, there is a fine line between acceptable use of AI and relying on it entirely to complete assignments. Institutions should educate all members of their communities about the importance of academic integrity and the ethical use of AI. Additionally, colleges and universities should develop clear policies about using it in academic work, including what is allowed.

In addition to my role as Assistant Provost of Doctoral Research and Student Success at ������Ƶ (ACE), I serve on an external that is dedicated to improving higher education through the responsible use of AI. As part of this council, I am focused on addressing these challenges while developing best practices for the effective and ethical integration of it in higher education.

The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education

The future of AI in higher education is filled with promise, as several emerging trends and technologies will likely further enhance student success, elevate teaching and learning, streamline operations, and close equity gaps. Whether you are a student, parent, faculty, staff or administrator, the current and future role that AI will play in higher education is sure to impact you.

Virtual and Augmented Reality Experiences

One of the most exciting opportunities for AI is its potential to enhance virtual and augmented reality experiences, creating immersive learning environments that can simulate real-world scenarios and provide hands-on learning experiences.

One example is , which uses AI to create virtual science labs where students can perform experiments and learn complex concepts without being in a physical lab. Another compelling tool is , which is a virtual reality platform that enables faculty to create interactive lessons and virtual field trips. It also uses AI to analyze student interactions to provide insights for improving teaching strategies.

AI and Accessibility

Perhaps the most important current and future trend is the ability of AI to enhance accessibility for students with disabilities. For example, tools such as and offer real-time captioning and transcription services that can convert spoken language into text, making discussions and lectures accessible to students with hearing impairments.

Other tools like and convert written text into spoken words, aiding students with reading disabilities or visual impairments. By leveraging these AI tools, colleges and universities can create more supportive and inclusive learning environments for all students.

In the coming years, AI will undoubtedly provide further advancements and transform higher education by making it more personalized, efficient and accessible. By implementing AI-based tools thoughtfully and strategically, institutions can meet evolving workforce and community needs. In alignment with its mission, ACE is committed to empowering its community members with practical AI skills, shaping the future workforce and driving transformative impact across diverse, evolving communities.

Make a difference in higher education with the M.Ed. in Higher Education program at ������Ƶ.

The world looks a lot different now than it did in 2005, the year ACE was founded. But the motivation that drove our founders is largely the same as our motivation today – create a way for working adults to access truly affordable education that can move their careers forward. 

Back in 2005, our founders asked themselves, “How can we provide teachers with master’s degrees for less than $5,000?” It seemed like an impossible proposition. And yet, through intentional program design, a practical and tailored curriculum, and a school district partnership, we were able to make it happen. 

Our first cohort was just 24 students, all of them teachers looking to advance their careers. And when they started to get leadership positions, word of ACE’s master’s degree spread. We went from 24 students to 500, all looking for the same education and opportunities that ACE could provide. 

This was the first time we proved that higher education could be done differently from traditional colleges and universities. And since then, we have proved this over and over again. 

• While other institutions bank on the money student loans provide through Title IV funding, we deliberately choose not to participate in the program.��

• While other institutions raise tuition, we haven’t done so since 2016, allowing 86% of our students to graduate without debt.��

• While other institutions offer online coursework that are adaptations of their in-person programs, our courses are native to the online environment, designed digitally from the ground up to take advantage of all the tools online education has to offer.��

ACE in 2025 looks a lot different than ACE in 2005. We now serve upwards of 11,000 active students, 44,000 alumni and provide over 60 programs at every academic level to professionals in a wide range of fields. But our core is still the same. We still design programs intentionally, with practical and relevant curriculum, and we still partner with school districts, businesses and organizations to create affordable continuing education opportunities. 

Most importantly, we are still working every day to provide a way for working adults to access truly affordable education that can move their careers forward. It’s perhaps even more important now than it was in 2005, considering United States student loan debt sits at a . ACE has always sought to be a solution to this problem by proving that higher education can and should be done differently, and we will continue to do so, lighting the way forward for not just our students but all students who deserve the opportunity that higher education provides. 

Experience how ACE is different by finding the right program for you to continue your educational journey. Explore our fully online degrees and certificates.

The $18 Billion Challenge: A Call for Change

The K-12 professional development market is a staggering . Yet, despite this massive investment, districts continue to grapple with teacher shortages, burnout and a disconnect between professional learning and classroom impact. Research paints a concerning picture:

• ���Ա����� are highly satisfied with current PD offerings.
• ���𲹰������� leave the profession within their first five years.
• Traditional PD  on student achievement.

It’s clear: There needs to be a paradigm shift in how we approach educator growth.

Outcomes-Driven, Research-Backed Professional Development

Imagine a world where every educator feels valued, supported and excited about their professional growth. A world where teacher retention isn’t just a goal, but a reality. This vision is within reach and the key lies in reimagining PD as something that can be tailored toward your goal outcomes. It’s possible at ������Ƶ (ACE).

How ACE Helps You Reach Your Desired Outcomes

1. Personalized learning:  that personalized learning opportunities is a big factor in raising teacher satisfaction and improving teacher effectiveness. ACE creates tailored pathways, meeting educators exactly where they are in their careers and helping districts move toward specific goals. To make the learning as accessible as possible, coursework is designed to be flexible and online so it can fit into busy schedules.

2. Credit-bearing programs: Teachers want PD that’s meaningful. A report from the  found that credit-bearing PD increased teacher retention and efficacy. From graduate courses and certificates that can count towards advanced degrees to micro-credentials that stack toward larger qualifications, ACE gives teachers an opportunity to leverage their PD toward something bigger if they so choose.

3. Alignment with district goals:  that for districts to systemically improve their student outcomes, district goals must align with their PD. When ACE partners with a school district to offer PD, the partnership is a collaboration, where both sides ensure the proposed solutions align with district objectives and meet the unique needs of their community.

Case Study: Improving College Readiness

Let’s dive deeper into how the ACE professional development helps schools achieve their goal outcomes.

Imagine a high school English teacher, Sarah, who wants to enhance her expertise in integrated science and make a bigger impact on her students. Sarah’s school predominately serves low-income populations. Her school also has a goal of boosting their students’ college readiness.

For Sarah and her school, ACE’s Certificate in Content Area Instruction is a great solution on a variety of levels. First, research has shown that the type of content-specific PD this certificate offers can significantly improve student achievement, able to increase it by .

Next, the certificate will satisfy the development that Sarah is looking for:

• Sarah will be able to personalize her learning by choosing courses specifically focused on the key elements necessary to upskill and enhance her teaching, applicable to her school and students’ needs.
• Because the certificate is credit-bearing, Sarah will also accumulate 18 graduate-level credits. This not only could advance her on the salary scale, but these credits also count towards a future master’s degree if she decides she wants to deepen her expertise.
• Overall, Sarah will walk away with more skills and strategies for how to better teacher integrated science to her students, helping her make a bigger impact in her student’s education.

Finally, the certificate will contribute toward her school’s goal of boosting college readiness:

• With her 18 credit hours, Sarah could be eligible to teach dual enrollment courses, which would allow her students to earn college credits while still in high school. Her enhanced knowledge of the subject matter will also help her develop more challenging, college-level content for her students.
• Many states have specific regulations about the number of credit hours required for dual enrollment programs. The 18-credit hour structure of ACE’s certificate aligns well with common state requirements.
• State regulations often emphasize making dual enrollment opportunities available to all students, including those from underrepresented groups. Schools with high percentages of low-income students can use Title I funds to support dual enrollment programs.

The ACE Effect: Achieving Your Organizational Goals

When districts partner with ACE to create solutions targeted toward their desired outcomes, they experience what we like to call the ACE effect. For Sarah and her school, the ACE effect they experienced by having Sarah complete the ACE’s Certificate in Content Area Instruction involved:

• Teacher growth: Sarah gained deep, subject-specific knowledge, reinvigorating her passion for teaching and improving her instructional strategies.
• Student benefits: Sarah’s students, including those from low-income backgrounds, engaged with more challenging, college-level material, better preparing them for higher education.
• District advantages: Sarah’s school can now offer dual enrollment courses, attracting high-achieving students, potentially improving district rankings and providing valuable opportunities to underserved populations.

Cost-effectiveness: With certificate tuition being $4,230, the district invested far less than traditional professional development programs while gaining a more qualified teacher and expanded course offerings. If the district was able to make use of Title I funds, the cost could have been even lower.

The ROI of an ACE Partnership

When districts invest in educators through ACE, they’re investing in research-backed results:

1. Improved teacher effectiveness: Credit-bearing PD  with enhanced classroom practices and student performance.
2. Better student outcomes: High-quality teacher PD can boost student achievement by .
3. Increased retention: Teachers who receive ongoing, high-quality PD are  more likely to stay in the profession.

Strategic alignment: Aligned PD initiatives  to more coherent and effective school improvement efforts.

• Culture of continuous improvement: Schools with strong professional learning communities see  in student achievement over time.

This goes beyond traditional professional development. It’s about creating a culture of continuous improvement where educators are excited about their growth and its impact on students. By staying at the forefront of educational research and innovation, ACE helps educators implement best practices in their classrooms every day.

Transform Your District’s Future With Transformative PD

It’s time for K-12 leaders to critically evaluate their PD strategies. Are your current approaches truly meeting the needs of your educators and district? Are they creating an environment where teachers feel valued and excited about their growth?

The future of education is in our hands. Let’s build it together, one empowered educator at a time. Because when we invest in our teachers through personalized, credit-bearing and strategically aligned pathways, we invest in our students, our communities and our future.

Ready to experience the evidence-based impact of ACE’s education solutions in your district? Let’s start the conversation about transforming your professional development approach by emailing edsolutions@ace.edu.

I have spent much of my career studying, writing about and leading transformational efforts within school districts. With nearly two decades of successful superintendent leadership behind me, I recognize that mastering adaptive success is a key element to any transformational work.

Effective and tailored teacher professional development is one of the ways schools can become more adaptively successful. Let’s dive into what that looks like and how partnerships with forward-thinking higher education institutions can help drive the future of credentialing in an educational landscape that prioritizes adaptive success.

Overview: Technical Success vs. Adaptive Success

Technical success refers to the mastery of routine tasks and the ability to solve problems with established solutions. While these tasks can be considered “complicated” and require some former expertise to execute, there’s usually just one right answer, one way to solve the problem.

In the context of educational leadership, this might involve tasks such as developing a master schedule, adhering to discipline policies or ensuring compliance with state regulations. Technical success is crucial, as it forms the backbone of efficient school management and operations. Without technical success, you’ll be unable to find the time to address the other aspects of our work that are equally, if not more, important.

Technical tasks in education might include:

• Creating a master schedule that aligns with state requirements and student needs.
• Implementing a standardized discipline policy consistently across the district.
• Ensuring compliance with safety protocols and state education mandates.

While technical success ensures the smooth functioning of schools, adaptive success is where true transformation occurs. Adaptive challenges are complex, often ambiguous, and cannot be solved with a single, straightforward solution.

Note that the word “complex” stands in juxtaposition to the “complicated” of technical tasks. Complex challenges are inherently unknowable and there is never one right way to solve them. They require creative thinking, flexibility and the ability to tailor solutions to specific contexts. Adaptive success involves addressing issues that evolve over time, much like the whack-a-mole game where new problems continuously emerge.

Adaptive challenges in education might include:

• Addressing the diverse learning needs of students in an inclusive and equitable manner.
• Navigating the impact of technology on teaching and learning practices.
• Responding to the evolving expectations of parents, communities and policymakers.

Adaptive success lies in the ability to pivot, think creatively and develop tailored solutions that address the unique needs of each situation.

Leadership Development for Adaptive Success

For educational leaders, embracing adaptive success is both a personal and organizational imperative. Developing adaptive leadership skills requires a commitment to lifelong learning, flexibility and a willingness to engage with complex challenges in innovative ways.

Here are some strategies for building adaptive leadership:

1. Foster a growth mindset: Encourage leaders to view challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. This mindset shift is crucial for adaptive success.
2. Invest in professional development: Provide leaders with access to professional development opportunities that focus on adaptive leadership skills.
3. Encourage collaboration and innovation: Create a culture that values collaboration and encourages innovative solutions. Leaders should be empowered to experiment with new approaches and learn from their experiences.
4. Build resilience: Equip leaders with the tools to build resilience in the face of challenges. This includes developing emotional intelligence, stress management techniques and a supportive professional network.
5. Leverage data and feedback: Use data-driven insights and feedback to continuously refine strategies and approaches. This iterative process helps leaders adapt to changing circumstances effectively.

By embracing these strategies, educational leaders can navigate the complexities of today’s educational landscape and drive meaningful change within their districts.

Tailored Professional Development for Adaptive Success

Just as leaders must equip themselves to embrace adaptive success, schools must help their educators stay informed and equipped to implement new practices, priorities and trends in their learning environments. The best way to do this is through professional development tailored to the needs of each individual school or district.

Higher education institutions often partner with school districts to make teachers aware of their educational offerings within the field. These offerings, however, are often generalized and aren’t guaranteed to focus on the areas in which a district wants to adapt. To help them address their specific adaptive challenges, school districts need organizations that able to provide teacher professional development designed to fulfill their specific needs.

������Ƶ (ACE) stands as an example of the future of higher education and online learning in that it partners with school districts to provide this exact service.��Their approach to professional learning is highly customizable, aligning with the goals, needs and initiatives of each district. Through tailored professional learning bundles, districts can curate courses from an extensive program offering to create personalized learning experiences for both their educators and their leaders. These micro-learning opportunities not only enhance immediate skill sets but also serve as stepping stones towards advanced degrees, fostering continuous professional growth.

For example, a school district that wants to make their high school students more college ready could direct their educators to ACE’s Certificate in Content Area Instruction, which helps them strengthen their pedagogical skills and content knowledge in specific subjects like cognitive science, English, history and STEM fields. The certificate also provides the 18-credit hour requirement some states require to teach dual credit courses.

By partnering with ACE, districts can build their own tailored solutions to support the career development of their staff. This not only helps in retaining talented educators but also ensures a competitive talent pipeline that is ready to meet the future demands of education. The model is flexibly responsive for both the district and the educator who participates. ACE’s flexible, credit-bearing professional development programs are designed to be implemented at scale with high return on investment, making them an ideal choice for districts looking to invest in sustainable growth.

The future of education hinges on the ability to balance technical and adaptive success. Colleges like ACE, with its innovative and customizable programs, are uniquely positioned to support districts in this endeavor. By investing in tailored solutions and adaptive leadership development, districts can ensure they are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of their students, educators and communities.

Advance your career with the education programs at ������Ƶ.

New teachers often face a myriad of challenges as they navigate their first years in the profession, from managing student behavior to engaging learners and creating a positive classroom climate. Without proper support and training, these challenges can lead to high levels of stress, burnout and, ultimately, teacher attrition.

Recent research continues to emphasize the importance of effective professional development in  and . Investing in the professional growth of new teachers is not only beneficial for their well-being and success but also a smart financial decision for school districts. The cost of teacher turnover can be substantial,  ranging from $9,000 to $21,000 per teacher, depending on the district. By providing new teachers with comprehensive professional development, districts can reduce turnover rates, save money in the long run and ultimately improve student outcomes.

A solution for districts? Partnering with higher education institutions that can provide customized, credit-bearing professional learning programs tailored to your specific needs, such as turnkey educator preparation coursework.��������Ƶ (ACE) is one such institution. ACE collaborates closely with district leadership to design innovative courses and learning pathways that align with district goals and provide opportunities for educators to enhance their skills and career progression.

For example, ACE’s comprehensive New Teacher Essentials professional learning bundle is a six-course progression that equips new teachers with the core skills they need to be successful when first leading a classroom. It focuses on classroom management, building a positive learning environment and fostering student engagement. Upon completion, teachers not only walk away more prepared, but with 18 semester credit hours they can then apply toward an advanced degree or licensure requirements.

Here is a breakdown of the courses in the bundle and what educators learn from each one:

• Principles and Practices of Classroom Management: Learn how to implement evidence-based Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to help students develop social, emotional and behavioral self-management skills.
• Developing Student Self-Management Skills: Learn how to implement cognitive-behavioral approaches to prevent and respond to challenging student behaviors.
• Interventions for Students with Challenging Behaviors: Learn how to implement evidence-based behavioral interventions, focusing on Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI2) with an emphasis on strategic Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions.
• Creating Safe and Supportive Classrooms: Learn through hands-on experience how to implement preventive and positive classroom management strategies. Gain theoretical and practical knowledge about the relationships between school-wide systems and student development, learning and achievement.
• Student Engagement: Learn how to establish high expectations for all students and effectively evaluate and implement theories of motivation and cognitive engagement in classroom learning.
• Community of Learners: Learn how to implement strategies for creating a collaborative and supportive classroom environment, emphasizing the application of learner-centered principles, cooperative and problem-based learning strategies, and the promotion of integrated curriculum and critical thinking.

ACE’s New Teacher Essentials bundle offers a research-based approach to professional learning that empowers new teachers to create a positive, safe and supportive learning environment for their students.

By providing new teachers with a comprehensive, credit-bearing professional learning program that addresses these critical areas, K-12 districts can support, retain and help their new educators find success, leading to improved student outcomes and a positive return on investment. This commitment to professional growth is what will help districts ultimately build a strong, capable and dedicated workforce that can drive student success for years to come.

Learn more about district partnerships at ������Ƶ.

The  a significant shortfall, with predictions of more than 100,000 nursing positions remaining unfilled annually over the next decade. The  the need for an additional 193,100 new nurses each year through 2029. A number of compounding factors are fueling the crisis, including an aging workforce, high burnout rates and a limited number of faculty to train new nurses:

• The median age for RNs in 2020 was 52, according to a , and more than one-fifth of nurses surveyed indicated retirement plans in the next five years.
• In 2020,  of nurses were experiencing symptoms of burnout.
• ���� from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing found a 3.8% enrollment decrease in master’s programs for the first time since 2001, while enrollment in PhD programs fell by 13% from 2013 to 2021. Not only are enrollments decreasing — thousands of qualified candidates are being turned away from higher education programs, primarily due to faculty and clinical education site shortages.

The impact? A strain on the health care system, compromised patient care and an overburdened workforce. The time for action is now, and higher education institutions are at the forefront of this call to arms.

Higher Education Needs Innovative Approaches to Nursing Education

Colleges and universities hold the key to mitigating this crisis. By expanding and enhancing associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral nursing programs, these institutions can produce a new wave of skilled nursing professionals. However, it’s not just about increasing numbers; it’s about evolving the curriculum to meet the challenges of modern health care, incorporating technological competencies, leadership and critical thinking skills.

Advancements in technology like telehealth and artificial intelligence are changing the healthcare education landscape. The pandemic was responsible for a  in telehealth visits, and health organizations continue to streamline and enhance these platforms. Healthcare organizations are also heavily investing in AI. It’s predicted that by 2030, the global healthcare AI market . Nursing programs must respond to these shifts by ensuring students walk away with credentials as well as the most up-to-date skills.

In addition to relevant, practical curriculums, higher education institutions need to structure their programs in a way that makes it realistically possible for a nurse to go back to school. That means reasonable tuition rates that won’t saddle students with lingering debt. It also means accommodating the fast-paced reality of nursing life through flexible coursework options like asynchronous learning.

������Ƶ (ACE) and similar institutions are already leading the charge by offering flexible online programs tailored to meet the needs of a diverse student body. From bachelor’s and master’s to doctoral programs focused on leadership and education, the aim is to provide nurses with adaptable continuing education opportunities that are tailored to a busy schedule.

ACE in particular has also intentionally structured the price of their RN to BSN, BSN to MSN and RN to MSN programs, allowing nurses to maximize employer tuition reimbursement benefits. Knowing that most employer tuition reimbursement programs only reimburse the cost of tuition, ACE program fees are baked into tuition costs to minimize out-of-pocket expenses for students

To ensure nurses have the skills they need to lead healthcare into the future, continuing education providers need to make curriculum relevant and their programs accessible. But reducing the barrier of entry into the profession is just one piece of the puzzle. Experienced nurses who want to advance their career need to be provided clear pathways to do so.

Strategic Partnerships That Help Retain Nurses

Partnerships between academic institutions and healthcare organizations are crucial. Academic institutions can provide nurses with more access to continuing education and practical training opportunities. Making it possible for nurses to continue to evolve their practice not only leads to better patient care, but it gives nurses a clear understanding of how they can move their careers forward. Providing advancement opportunities through continuing education are a crucial part of increasing employee retention.

To that end, health care systems must continue to invest in tuition reimbursement programs to encourage employee continuing education. These programs go a long way toward making further nursing education possible for nurses who want to move into leadership roles. Partnering with higher education institutions like ACE, who offer exclusive tuition discounts to partnered organizations on top of their already low nursing program tuition, helps nurses make the most of their tuition reimbursement benefits. When nurses feel empowered to be their best, they are more likely to stay.

Creating More Nurse Educators

Giving nurses opportunities to pursue continuing nursing education is great, but those efforts come up empty when there are no nurse educators to lead those programs.

Higher education institutions can pave the way by creating affordable programs that give nurses the opportunity to specialize in nursing education, such as the Nurse Educator focus of study that ACE offers as part of its BSN to MSN and RN to MSN programs. ACE also offers an Ed.S. and Ed.D. in Nursing Education. These programs give nurses an opportunity to advance their career by being a leader in an educational capacity, integral to the development of the next generation of nurses.

The Path Forward

The nursing workforce crisis is a formidable challenge, but it is not insurmountable. With a concerted effort from government, academia, accreditors, licensing boards and the healthcare industry, we can turn the tide. Investments in nursing education, from expanding program capacities to supporting faculty development and recruitment, are essential. So too is fostering a culture that values and supports nurses throughout their careers.

As we navigate this crisis, the role of higher education in shaping the future of nursing cannot be overstated. By innovating, expanding and collaborating, colleges and universities can help close the gap between the demand for nursing care and the supply of qualified professionals. Together, we can ensure a resilient healthcare system, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

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The Power of Stackable Courses

As previously mentioned, most professional development (PD) opportunities for educators are structured by schools and districts. Although these programs aim to address the collective needs of a learning community, they often lack personalization and don’t contribute to career advancement.

ACE provides an alternative by offering a range of courses and programs designed by educators and for educators who are proactive about their professional development. What sets these pathways apart is their stackable courses, industry-low costs and flexibility.

Courses offered at ACE are stackable. This means students can accumulate credits over time that contribute toward degrees. This is the kind of flexibility busy educators need, and they can also do so fully online and on their own time. For example, a teacher can earn a three-course micro-credential and later apply earned credits toward a master’s or even a doctoral degree. Plus, course quality enables students to routinely pass licensure exams consistently at or above state-average rates.

This approach allows for an internal locus of autonomy over PD that gives teachers control over what, how and when they learn. It aligns with the teacher’s own career aspirations, rather than just the immediate needs of their educational institution. To be clear, the institutional needs are not less than or more than, just different from.

Upskilling and Micro-credentials

While upskilling and earning micro-credentials both satisfy PD, they serve slightly different needs and appeal to diverse learning styles. Upskilling is often self-initiated and informal, possibly learned on the job or through various external resources. It’s best suited for individuals looking to round out their abilities.

Earning a micro-credential, on the other hand, offers formal recognition of specific skills, usually through a third-party organization that confirms the individual’s competency. They’re generally more structured and may even require an assessment. In the realm of education, upskilling might involve mastering new educational technologies or innovative teaching methods. Micro-credentials could range from special education strategies to digital badges for proficiency in online teaching.

The space between the two continues to shrink as we see an evolution and convergence of upskilling and earning micro-credentials. Both serve the needs of a changing work environment, driven by technological innovations and shifting job roles. Education professionals are sitting at this crossroads. More comprehensive upskilling programs are incorporating micro-credentials to offer verified skill sets, while micro-credential pathways are broadening to include more generalized skills.

By understanding the origins, characteristics and trends of both, we are now in a place where educators can make informed choices about their PD, leveraging the best of both worlds to create a robust, future-proof skill set. Colleges like ACE support such goals.

While there are many institutions venturing into this space, programs like those offered by ACE stand on the cutting edge, allowing educators to select from a variety of micro-credentials and degree programs that align with their career goals and the needs of their students. Plus, earning a micro-credential is contributing to future success through ACE’s stackable course model.

What’s Next?

Teachers are the lifeblood of our educational system, and we stand at a crossroads where they can now take a more active role in their PD. While school- and district-led programs serve the collective good, a more personalized, stackable approach is the key to individual career advancement and, by extension, the elevation of our educational standards.

Educators and school leaders should consider, and perhaps demand the integration of self-directed, stackable learning pathways into their PD arsenals. Programs like these provide a robust framework for such a paradigm shift. So, take the reins of your professional journey today. Explore micro-credentials and the benefits of stackable courses and carve your purposeful pathway to tomorrow!

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We can’t underestimate the consequences of a depleted teacher workforce. 

The scale and implications of this impending crisis can’t be overstated. Current estimates from the Learning Policy Institute¹ indicate an annual teacher shortage of over 300,000 by 2025 if current trends persist. This presents an alarming picture that transcends individual classrooms and schools, indicating a significant impact on the entire educational landscape and, by extension, our nation’s future. 

Imagine a classroom brimming with forty, fifty or even sixty students – a stark contrast to the once standard size of around twenty. This is one of the most palpable repercussions of a depleted teacher workforce: overcrowded classrooms. With each desk filled and students spilling over into makeshift seating arrangements, the classroom becomes an echo chamber of simultaneous questions, conversations and distractions. The teacher, an island in this sea of young minds, tries to maintain order all while attempting to deliver a lesson that meets each student’s individual learning needs. 

The role of a teacher in such an environment shifts from being a facilitator of personalized learning to a manager of large groups, aiming to maintain a robust educational environment. The quality of education inevitably suffers. Individualized attention, a cornerstone of effective teaching, becomes a rarity. Students who struggle to grasp concepts may be left behind, their difficulties unnoticed or unaddressed in the teacher’s challenge to keep the class moving forward. Advanced learners, too, may find their progress stunted and their thirst for deeper understanding unquenched due to lack of time and resources. The compromises made within the classroom walls echo into students’ academic outcomes and their readiness to compete in a globalized world where high-level skills and knowledge are increasingly important. 

This bleak picture is further darkened by the impact on teachers themselves. Managing oversized classrooms, struggling to maintain education quality and coping with the constant stress of trying to do more with less, teachers become vulnerable to burnout. Exhaustion, frustration and a sense of helplessness may drive some of the most passionate educators out of the profession, exacerbating the very shortage they were enlisted to combat. It’s a vicious cycle with teachers and students trapped in its whirl. 

As the education sector grapples with this impending crisis, the question becomes urgent and vital: How can we ensure a robust pipeline of qualified, committed teachers for the future? How do we prevent a crumbling educational landscape from becoming our reality? To navigate this challenge, we must look beyond temporary measures and devise sustainable, systemic strategies. The future of our students, teachers and indeed our nation’s socio-economic fabric depends on it. 

Current solutions are met with limitations.

Various attempts to resolve the teacher shortage crisis have largely focused on financial incentives, chiefly through salary increases. However, this approach is both unsustainable and, more importantly, fails to address the root cause of the issue. It’s like treating the symptoms without addressing the underlying disease. The teacher shortage crisis is fueled by complex socio-cultural dynamics: diminishing interest in the teaching profession and a decline in enrollments in teacher certification programs. Therefore, any solution needs to go beyond compensation to address these fundamental issues effectively by removing multiple barriers to entry and completion. 

Innovative partnerships pave a pathway forward. 

An effective way to address these issues lies in fostering innovative partnerships between public schools and university preparation programs. This strategy can help enhance the appeal of the teaching profession, bolster the pipeline of future educators and offer a sustainable solution to the teacher shortage crisis. 

1. Internship, Mentoring and Hands-on Learning: Providing real-world teaching experiences through creative certification programs can attract more education students. For instance, some universities are beginning to offer hands-on teaching experience in local classrooms to undergraduate students endeavoring to earn their degrees. 
2. Financial Accessibility: Addressing the financial barriers to teacher education is paramount. Traditional teacher preparation programs, which often include unpaid student-teaching internships, pose significant financial challenges for many aspiring educators. With tuition costs ever-increasing, this creates a monumental barrier for many. Scholarships, grants or innovative ‘earn-as-you-learn’ programs can help alleviate these burdens.
3. Hybrid Degree Programs: The development of hybrid degree programs that integrate the study of education with other disciplines can broaden the appeal of teaching. Such interdisciplinary programs enable students to explore their interests in various fields while gaining a solid foundation in education.
4. Advocacy for Policy Reforms: Partnerships between public schools and university preparation programs can extend joint advocacy for policy reforms that support teachers. Such reforms could include loan forgiveness for educators, enhanced working conditions and continuous professional development programs. A united front from public schools and university preparation programs can wield substantial influence on educational policy, helping to create a more sustainable and appealing teaching profession. 
5. Joint Research Initiatives: Collaborative research between public schools and university preparation programs can provide valuable insights into teacher recruitment, training and retention strategies. Such insights could then inform more effective practices and policies. For example, a joint research project between Michigan State University’s College of Education and several Michigan school districts . The insights from this research have shaped Michigan’s teacher recruitment and retention policies, resulting in more effective strategies to address the teacher shortage. 

While innovative partnerships can stand alone, there will be opportunities to combine these initiatives in a systemic and thoughtful way to reduce barriers for future students. A prime example is ������Ƶ (ACE), as they work to combine 1, 2 and 4 into one cohesive program. By accepting prior learning experience as credits toward a degree program, students can save money and finish their program faster. Thus, partnering with a local education association (LEA, or school district) allows non-traditional students to earn their degrees and make the most of professional development. This remarkable ingenuity will likely become the industry standard in the near future.   

Initiatives like this can expose students to teaching, make teacher education financially accessible, provide interdisciplinary education, advocate for teacher-friendly policies and promote collaborative research. In fact, they are critical to addressing the teacher shortage crisis. As we stand at this educational crossroads, the choice before us is clear. We can proactively innovate to avoid a similar fate, or we can choose inaction and face the potential decline of our educational system. The time to choose innovation and action is now. 

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