Three questions for CEO of Academic Partnerships on learner ROI

Academic Partnerships: A Closer Look at Student Outcomes and Sustainable Development Goals

Of all the online program management companies, Academic Partnerships (AP) stands out for its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In a recent interview with AP’s CEO, Fernando Bleichmar, we gained insights into the company’s mission and its impact on student outcomes.

The Ipsos Report: A Key Catalyst for Conversation

AP’s partnership with over 55 universities, primarily regional public institutions, has attracted attention. The Ipsos report, commissioned by AP, sheds light on the outcomes of students enrolled in AP-supported online programs. This report sparked our interest in understanding AP’s approach to education and its alignment with the SDGs.

University Partners and Student Demographics

AP’s collaboration with regional public universities, comprising approximately 85 percent of their partners, demonstrates a commitment to accessibility and affordability. Furthermore, over 90 percent of students enrolled in AP-supported programs are working adults, including nurses and teachers. This demographic highlights AP’s contribution to lifelong learning and professional development.

Tuition and Affordability

The weighted average tuition across AP-supported programs is approximately $16,000. This figure underscores AP’s dedication to providing affordable education opportunities. By partnering with universities that prioritize affordability and offer programs in critical fields such as nursing, teaching, and business, AP aims to address the affordability, debt, and value crisis in higher education.

Q&A with Fernando Bleichmar: Insights into AP’s Impact on Student Outcomes

Our conversation with Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of AP, delved into the Ipsos research and explored AP’s role in promoting affordability and high-quality education.

Q: Academic Partnerships recently released a survey it commissioned from Ipsos that showed a high return on investment for graduates from AP-supported online programs. Why did you do the study and what was your overall takeaway from the results?

A: AP is a mission-driven company, and we’re constantly asking ourselves—are we meeting our mission? Are we enabling our university partners to provide more students access to affordable education so they can improve their careers and economic outlook? That’s why we commissioned this study with Ipsos.

We were very encouraged with the results. ROI is the measurement working adults use to define the value and success of education—more directly, they are asking, “Is the cost and effort of getting a degree worth it when comparing how my salary and opportunities will improve?” This survey showed that recent graduates of AP-supported programs averaged salary increases after graduation of nearly $14,000, which results in a tuition payback period of just 1.2 years given that the average cost is $16,600 for the entire program. That means the salary increase alone can pay for the program in 1.2 years, and the survey shows those increases continue. That is very powerful! This data was energizing for everyone at AP, and it’s a real testament to the quality of our partner universities.

We at AP intentionally work with universities that focus on affordability and have degree programs in workforce critical areas like nursing, teaching, and business. These types of programs tend to have a high return on investment for graduates and for the communities they live and work in. We want to help even more regional publics and small colleges expand these types of low-tuition, high-value programs to more students, especially working adults.

We think it’s an important part of helping solve for the affordability, debt, and value crisis in higher education.

Q: The idea of going deep into debt to get an advanced degree often deters students from even considering applying to a program. What information did AP receive from this study that can be helpful in how we think about affordability while maintaining a high-quality education?

A: There is absolutely

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
• SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 4.3: Percentage of graduates from AP-supported programs who report a positive return on investment (ROI) and salary increases after graduation.
• Indicator for SDG 8.5: Average salary increase for recent graduates of AP-supported programs.
• Indicator for SDG 10.2: Percentage of graduates who perceive their degree as worth the investment.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Explanation:

1. The article discusses Academic Partnerships’ focus on providing affordable education to working adults, which aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) as it aims to ensure equal access to affordable and quality education.

2. The specific targets identified are SDG 4.3, SDG 8.5, and SDG 10.2, which focus on equal access to education, decent work, and reduced inequalities.

3. The indicators mentioned in the article include the percentage of graduates reporting a positive ROI and salary increases, average salary increase for recent graduates, and the percentage of graduates perceiving their degree as worth the investment.

4. The table presents the identified SDGs, targets, and indicators for easy reference and analysis.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: insidehighered.com

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