AKRON, Ohio-The Ohio College Comeback Compact, aimed at adults who started but did not complete college, faced challenges in its pilot year according to a report by Ithaka S+R. Despite over 9,000 eligible participants, only 156, less than 2%, took advantage of the program’s benefits which include forgiving up to $5,000 in institutional debt to facilitate re-enrollment. Participating institutions like Cleveland State University and Kent State University collaborate to support eligible adults, who are predominantly women with an average age of 33 and owe around $1,500. The program aims to boost educational attainment and workforce readiness while addressing barriers like financial debt and offers potential benefits to colleges and the economy.
