Stride, Inc. and American Public University System Partner to Give Students Better Access to Affordable Higher Education

Rhea-AI Summary

Stride, Inc. partners with American Public University System to offer a 10% tuition grant to its graduates, reducing costs to $315 per credit hour for undergraduates. The partnership aims to make college education more accessible for recent K12-powered school graduates amidst the $1.7 trillion student debt crisis.

Insights

Economist

The collaboration between Stride, Inc. and the American Public University System (APUS) can be seen as a strategic effort to address the pressing issue of student debt, which is a significant economic concern in the United States. The 10% tuition grant offered to Stride graduates is a move to alleviate the financial burden on students and can potentially increase the enrollment rates for APUS. This partnership has the potential to influence the education sector by setting a precedent for affordable education models.

From an economic standpoint, the reduction in tuition fees to $315 per credit hour could stimulate demand for higher education, which in turn could lead to a more skilled workforce. In the long term, this can contribute to economic growth as higher education is correlated with increased earning potential and lower unemployment rates. However, it is crucial to monitor the quality of education provided, as it must align with the needs of the workforce to ensure that the investment in education translates into tangible economic benefits.

Financial Analyst

The announcement by Stride, Inc. regarding its partnership with APUS can have implications for Stride's financial performance, particularly if the partnership leads to increased enrollment and retention rates. Investors might view this partnership as an innovative approach to capturing a larger market share within the education sector by appealing to cost-conscious consumers. The financial benefits for Stride could manifest in the form of increased revenue from a broader student base and potential cross-selling opportunities.

However, it's important to assess the sustainability of the tuition grant and its impact on Stride's profit margins. While the initiative may lead to short-term financial gains, the company must ensure that the quality of education remains high to maintain the value of its offering and support long-term growth. Additionally, stakeholders should consider the competitive response from other educational institutions, which could influence Stride's market position.

Market Research Analyst

The partnership between Stride, Inc. and APUS reflects a growing trend in the education industry towards online and affordable post-secondary education options. The decision to offer a tuition grant is aligned with consumer preferences, particularly among recent high school graduates looking to minimize debt. By analyzing market data, one can infer that this initiative may lead to an uptick in Stride's attractiveness as an education provider.

It is essential to examine the potential market size for Stride's target demographic and the effectiveness of this partnership in reaching and retaining that audience. The market research should also consider the impact of online education's growing acceptance on traditional education institutions and how these changes might affect the industry's landscape. The success of such partnerships could encourage more educational institutions to explore similar collaborations, potentially reshaping the market dynamics of the education sector.

RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- With the nation’s current student debt amount hovering around $1.7 trillion, Stride, Inc. is announcing a new partnership to make it easier for recent graduates from K12-powered schools to pursue college, without the usual high expenses.

Stride, Inc. is partnering with the American Public University System (APUS), a higher education institution that provides affordable, high-quality, workforce-relevant, online education, to offer all Stride graduates a 10% tuition grant, bringing the cost to just $315 per credit hour for undergraduates.

Stride graduates, faculty, and staff can use the grants at American Public University (APU) to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees (APU is part of APUS, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education).

“We understand the value of pursuing your passion and its positive impact on your life, career, and community. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality higher education. That’s why we offer over 200 online undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree and certificate programs with monthly program starts,” said Jose Molleja, Vice President, Brand Expansion and Student Success at APU.

“There are significant financial barriers for many families who want their children to go on to college to pursue a degree or career certification after high school,” said Dr. Sherri Wilson, Director of Partnership Development at Stride, Inc. “We’re delighted to partner with American Public University to offer our graduates access to a wide range of post-secondary education with financial peace of mind as they move forward on their career path.”

For more information about the tuition grant program, Stride students and graduates are encouraged to visit https://apupartners.com/stride on APU’s website. Additionally, Stride students can find help towards their college or career plans by visiting the Stride Career Services Center or the College Prep Center. For information on Stride, Inc. the leading provider of online and blended education programs, please visit k12.com.

About American Public University System

American Public University System (APUS) delivers affordable, high-quality, workforce-relevant higher education. With a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive, 32-year history and over 137,000 alumni from more than 100 countries, APUS is recognized for its innovative approach to online learning. APUS is in the top 11% for students’ return on educational investment, compared to 4,500 colleges and universities nationwide, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (2022)¹.

APUS, which includes American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. APUS is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). For more information, visit www.apus.edu.

¹Ranking based on 20-year net present value (NPV) https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/roi2022/.

About Stride Inc.

At Stride, Inc. (NYSE: LRN), we are reimagining learning—where learning is lifelong, deeply personal, and prepares learners for tomorrow. The company has transformed millions of people’s teaching and learning experiences by providing innovative, high-quality, tech-enabled education solutions, curriculum, and programs directly to students, schools, the military, and enterprises in primary, secondary, and postsecondary settings. Stride is a premier provider of K-12 education for students, schools, and districts, including career learning services through middle and high school curriculum. For adult learners, Stride delivers professional skills training in healthcare and technology, as well as staffing and talent development for Fortune 500 companies. Stride has delivered millions of courses over the past decade and serves learners in all 50 states and more than 100 countries. More information can be found at stridelearning.com, K12.com, galvanize.com, techelevator.com, and medcerts.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240312742576/en/

Ken Schwartz

Stride Corporate Communications

kschwartz@k12.com

Frank Tutalo

American Public University System PR Director

ftutalo@apus.edu

Source: Stride, Inc.

FAQ

What is the partnership between Stride, Inc. and American Public University System about?

The partnership offers a 10% tuition grant to all Stride graduates at American Public University System, reducing costs to $315 per credit hour for undergraduates.

How does the partnership aim to help recent graduates from K12-powered schools?

The partnership aims to make college education more affordable and accessible for recent graduates by providing financial assistance for pursuing bachelor's and master's degrees.

What accreditation does American Public University System have?

APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a recognized institutional accreditation agency by the U.S. Department of Education.

Who is Jose Molleja and what is his role in the partnership?

Jose Molleja is the Vice President of Brand Expansion and Student Success at APU. He emphasizes the value of quality higher education and the positive impact it can have on individuals' lives, careers, and communities.

What is the significance of the tuition grant offered by Stride, Inc. and APUS?

The tuition grant aims to alleviate financial barriers for families seeking post-secondary education for their children, providing financial peace of mind as graduates pursue their career paths.