Rowan Online driving enrollment growth, expanding access

Rowan University’s online degree programs are growing rapidly, reflecting a major expansion in the institution’s ability to serve students wherever they are. Now one of the University’s strongest enrollment drivers, Rowan Online draws graduate and undergraduate students from 48 states. University leaders attribute the growth to flexible scheduling, stackable credentials, program marketability, accelerated course formats, and six enrollment start dates offered throughout the year.  

Since the institution redesigned the division two years ago, Rowan Online has significantly increased both the number of students it serves and the programs it offers, while expanding options for campus-based students taking online classes. The University now offers 65 fully online certificates and degree programs, from construction management and data analytics to nursing, psychology, and healthcare management. 

Online student enrollment rose by 30% between FY25 and FY26, with projected enrollment expected to exceed 4,500 unique students in FY27. During that same period, revenue rose from $22 million to $29 million with a continued aggressive target for FY27.  

In FY26 alone, online programs accounted for 73 percent of Rowan’s overall enrollment growth.

Michael J. Roark, chief transformation officer and chief executive officer for Rowan Online, said the momentum reflects both demand and the University’s commitment to expanding access and flexibility for students.

“We’re seeing exciting progress, not just in enrollment, but in how online learning is expanding access to higher education,” Roark said. “Every new program, every new course, opens the door a little wider for students who need or want flexibility to reach their goals—100% online.”

Online learning is also in high demand among traditional on-campus students, who value the flexibility and accessibility of taking classes from virtually anywhere. About two-thirds of Rowan’s traditional undergraduate students take at least one online course, and online sections now represent over a quarter of all campus-based credit hours. 

Collaboration with Rowan Online across academic units has been central to the division’s success, Roark noted. “Rowan Online has developed strong partnerships with many academic units, and that’s a big part of why we’re seeing such strong results,” Roark said.

Innovating the Rowan Online experience

In addition to boosting growth, Rowan Online works closely with faculty to ensure high-quality programming is maintained through new innovations and improved technology. Rowan Online works continuously with academic coordinators, subject matter experts and faculty to enhance the institution’s online offerings.  

• With a student-first focus, every course is examined on a rotating basis. About one-third have already been redesigned to improve student engagement, navigation, accessibility and learning outcomes. Optimization could include new video content, demonstrations and more interactive opportunities for students and faculty. 
• Working professionals, part-time, first-time and transfer students can earn stackable certificates as they complete core coursework, allowing them to gain recognized credentials before completing the full degree.
• Online students can now start most programs six times a year, rather than twice each semester. Courses can be completed within eight weeks, helping students complete degrees more quickly. 

Distinctive partnerships

Rowan Online’s Workforce Learning Solutions team is also expanding educational pathways through partnerships with employers and professional organizations across multiple sectors. In healthcare, partnerships with Virtua Health, Cooper Health, Inspira Health and Holy Name Medical Center are helping working nurses and other healthcare employees advance their careers through flexible pathways to bachelor’s and master’s degrees while supporting efforts to address regional and statewide nursing workforce shortages. 

Through union agreements, the Workforce Learning Solutions team is helping skilled trades workers build on their professional experience and apprenticeship training to access certificates and degree programs tailored to the marketplace and industry. 

In 2025, Rowan became home to North America's Building Trades Unions’ Building Trades Academy, creating pathways for union members to take in-person courses around the country to pursue professional development and build practical, in-demand skills.  

“Rowan Online is helping us fulfill one of the University’s most important goals: expanding access to a Rowan education,” said President Ali Houshmand. “By creating flexible pathways for students across New Jersey and throughout the country, we’re reaching students who might otherwise never have the opportunity to earn a Rowan degree.”