There are 36 million Americans who have earned some college credit, but not an actual degree. More colleges than ever are trying to help these students return to finish what they started. But so far, colleges are better at attracting these learners than helping them get across the finish line. Why is it so hard? What do these students want? What challenges do they face? And what strategies seem to be working?

I produced and hosted this EdSurge podcast series digging into the struggles of returning adult college students in this three-episode narrative podcast series. We followed the educational journeys of three college students from different backgrounds and different parts of the country. Along the way, we met some of their professors, academic coaches and other folks working to help them succeed.