Cornerstone University now offers students the ability to earn accredited bachelor's and master's degrees entirely on their smartphones, making it possible to complete a college education at their own speed, wherever they are. According to Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone University, the SOAR program is the first of its kind in the country, allowing users to complete all coursework for business degrees through a mobile app.

The SOAR program, which began in August and now has about 250 students, is designed for busy adults, nontraditional students, and those who want a flexible, self-paced learning experience. Students can pursue an associate's or bachelor's degree in strategic business management, or a master's degree in organizational leadership, all on their phones. The program features mini-lectures, podcasts, book reviews, and interviews, with lessons broken into small, easily digestible pieces. According to Cornerstone University’s SOAR website, courses are developed by faculty with real-world experience and focus on leadership, teamwork, and ethical decision-making.

SOAR's subscription-based tuition is $2,400 per four-month term for bachelor's degrees and $3,750 for master's, less than half the national average for private online degrees. The total price for a bachelor's degree is $24,000, and $12,000 for a master’s, but more than half of current students pay no tuition due to scholarships and grants, Moreno-Riaño told FOX Business. Financial aid is available, and students can transfer up to 75 percent of required credits from previous studies, making the pathway even more accessible.

The SOAR platform also aims to support students with a high level of personal attention. Each student is matched with a professional success coach and receives timely feedback from faculty. There are no weekly deadlines, so students can progress at their own pace as long as they complete a minimum number of courses each term. Enrollment is open year-round, and students can start their studies within two weeks of acceptance.

Cornerstone’s SOAR program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the university is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as one of America’s Best Colleges. The school’s leaders see this innovation as a way to address gaps in traditional higher education that often do not serve working adults or those unable to attend in-person classes. As the university’s SOAR information page notes, all course materials are preloaded on the app, and the degree can be completed without buying textbooks or paying hidden fees.

The SOAR program plans to add new disciplines and advanced degrees soon, continuing its mission to make higher education more accessible for all.

Angie Ward