When Going Back to School Meets Real Life
For many adults, the idea of going back to college can feel disconnected from reality. Life is already full — careers to manage, families to support, responsibilities that don’t pause for semesters or deadlines. Traditional college often asks adults to fit their lives around school.
SOAR™ by Cornerstone University was designed to flip that model — offering accredited Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees in business that integrate directly into the lives students are living right now.
For working adults like Rachel and Eric, SOAR™ isn’t just about earning a degree. It’s about learning that aligns with real-world challenges, current responsibilities, and the season of life they’re walking through.
Learning for the Season You’re In
Every SOAR™ student begins their journey with a unique story. Some are advancing their careers. Others are returning to college after stepping away years ago. Many are balancing work, family, and leadership responsibilities all at once.
What unites them is a desire for education that is relevant, flexible, and immediately applicable — learning that doesn’t sit on a shelf but shows up in real conversations, decisions, and moments.
That reality is reflected in the experiences Rachel and Eric recently shared with their classmates.
When Coursework Meets Career Growth
Rachel describes how her SOAR™ coursework aligned precisely with a pivotal moment in her career:
“I was interviewing for a new role at Gordon Food Service (GFS) while taking my Business Communications class. What I learned helped shape my mindset to be business-forward and strengthened my critical thinking, helping me to score the new position. The current SOAR season (SOAR lingo for class) I am in, covers self and stress management. The points on grit, resilience, and stress management are directing my thought patterns while I face the challenges of this new role. My point is, I am exactly where I need to be — and God is paving the road ahead of me and walking with me on this SOAR™ journey.”
For Rachel, SOAR™ wasn’t about completing assignments for a grade. It was about gaining practical tools and perspective at the exact moment she needed them — confidence, clarity, and resilience as she stepped into new leadership responsibilities.
Encouragement in the Middle of Life’s Hardest Moments
Eric shares a similar experience — one where learning offered encouragement during an especially difficult season:
“Rachel, I echo your comments about being exactly where we need to be. I am currently studying Contemporary Issues in Science, and one of the podcasts discusses stress and how we can rely on the Lord for support. Right now, I am experiencing the most stressful situation I have ever been through, and having that podcast with that information as part of my day helps me keep going. God is good.”
For Eric, SOAR™ wasn’t just academic knowledge. It was timely encouragement, woven into his daily life through short, accessible learning experiences designed to meet students where they are.
Education Designed for Real Life
Rachel and Eric’s stories highlight what makes SOAR™ different.
SOAR™ students earn their Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in business through a smartphone-based learning platform that allows them to move forward one course at a time, in short, flexible learning episodes. Courses are built to integrate into daily routines — during commutes, breaks, or moments of quiet reflection — without asking students to step away from their responsibilities.
Combined with SOAR™’s faith-integrated approach, students gain not only professional skills but also resilience, perspective, and confidence that extend beyond the classroom.
Your Time Is Now
No matter what season you’re in — stepping into a new role, balancing work and family, or facing challenges you never expected — your degree journey doesn’t have to wait.
When college meets real life, learning becomes more than a credential. It becomes a source of momentum, encouragement, and growth.
Your path is here. Your time is now.
And with SOAR™, you’ll find the tools, flexibility, and community to carry you forward.
👉 Ready to step into your next season? Start your SOAR™ journey today at Cornerstone.edu/SOAR.
About Cornerstone University
Cornerstone University is a leading private institution committed to making Christian higher education accessible and affordable for every stage of life. With multiple learning platforms — from traditional on-campus degrees to fully online programs, SOAR™ for working adults, and seminary training — Cornerstone prepares students to boldly live out their God-given purpose in every sphere of influence. Learn more at Cornerstone.edu.
About SOAR™ by Cornerstone University
SOAR™ is the nation’s first smartphone-based, self-paced, accredited degree program — offering undergraduate and graduate programs at less than half the national average cost. Developed by Cornerstone University, SOAR™ combines academic excellence with radical affordability and accessibility to serve working adults and nontraditional learners. With a focus on leadership, integrity, and real-world impact, SOAR™ equips students to earn a respected degree on the go — anytime, anywhere. Learn more at Cornerstone.edu/SOAR.
