University expands smartphone-delivered degree offerings

Education

Feb 11

Written By Staff

Photo courtesy of Cornerstone University

Cornerstone University’s SOAR™ program has expanded, now offering three fully accredited, mobile-delivered degrees: a master’s degree in organizational leadership, a bachelor’s degree in strategic business management, and an associate degree in strategic business management. All three of these degrees can be earned entirely through the SOAR™ app on mobile devices.

SOAR™, which launched in March of 2025 with an initial bachelor’s degree offering, is designed to remove traditional barriers to higher education by offering self-paced, highly engaging micro-learning through video, podcasts, audiobooks and other interactive content. One of its main goals is to help working adults earn real credentials while balancing family, career and life.

More than 200 students are enrolled in the SOAR™ program. That number is expected to grow with the launch of these new programs.

“I have a busy schedule – between work and family I had to have a program that was flexible, and the SOAR program is that program. It’s built for adult learners and perfect for a busy schedule,” said Michael Horst, an employee at Gordon Food Service.

The SOAR™ platform delivers affordable, flexible degrees at roughly half the cost of the national average for private colleges, with most students paying little to no out-of-pocket expenses thanks to federal aid and employer tuition support.

“SOAR™ is a new model for higher education that meets learners exactly where they are,” said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, President, Cornerstone University. “Expanding SOAR™ to include these new degrees reflects our commitment to radically accessible education that helps individuals grow their skills, achieve career advancement, and strengthen organizations. This is about empowering people to learn in ways that work with their lives, not against them.”

The SOAR™ platform was developed in response to the needs of adult learners – particularly those who paused or postponed earning a degree due to time, cost, or inflexible schedules. Recent estimates indicate more than 40 million adults in the US have completed some college credits but have no credential. It also directly supports employers who are grappling with workforce transitions and leadership gaps, enabling companies to upskill employees without removing them from the workplace.

SOAR™ participants can move through the curriculum at their own pace, completing a minimum of three to eight courses per four-month term from their smartphone, with no rigid weekly deadlines. The mobile-first environment is built around learners’ real lives, allowing study during breaks, commutes, or between shifts – making it uniquely suited for busy adults. Cornerstone expects the first graduates of the SOAR program later this year with students fully participating in commencement ceremonies along with the rest of the Cornerstone graduates.

The program has been adopted by dozens of organizations, including Gordon Food Service, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Butterball Farms, Chick-fil-A, the Grand Rapids Chamber, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, and The My Auto Group.

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