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Our Purpose

College Unbound (CU), focuses on adult learners who have faced significant barriers to attending college. CU coordinates courses, field studies, and in-depth project work to help students develop field-specific knowledge and skills that encourage deep learning. CU fills a unique niche in postsecondary education for returning adult learners with a Bachelor’s Degree program designed around an innovative, personalized, interest/project-based curriculum model.

Taina Rosario

"Attending College Unbound has given me the opportunity to pursue and complete my degree while advancing my personal vision of community health through project-based learning. My goal is to develop and empower young ambassadors for health in our inner cities that will create ripples of change in their communities and the state."

Lily Torres

"I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to earn my Bachelor’s degree from College Unbound. This degree will now push me further to achieving my dream of one day becoming a lawyer."

Luz M. Gonzalez

"I am a New York City native and Human Resources enthusiast, who loves the arts. I love to utilize my love of children, shared experiences, and organizational management to spread joy and enhance work experiences."

William Shavers

"I chose the program at CU because I have a passion for learning with like-minded students. After graduation I want to attain my Master’s & grow as a Housing Advocate. I love the community I live in & want to help move it forward!"

Charlene Howie

"My college journey began in 2004. I wanted my Bachelor's & a college right for me, one that would fit my schedule being a mom with 3 daughters while working & maintaining a personal life. Now, I am graduating, a moment I have always wanted!"

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News & Announcements

The Rize Prize: Fostering Innovation to Support Student Parents

When student parents rise, we all rise. In early 2020, Imaginable Futures, Lumina Foundation and leading higher education organizations launched the Rise Prize to support innovative solutions that accelerate student parent success. This new report explores eight key takeaways from Rise Prize solutions, insights about the different types of solutions that currently exist, and opportunities that remain to support and lift up Risers.

College Unbound Hosts In-Person, Socially Distanced Graduation One Student at a Time

This Saturday, August 29th, College Unbound, RI’s only college designed specifically for adults, will host its 3rd Graduation Ceremony since receiving approval from The Rhode Island Board of Education. The socially distanced ceremony will honor one student at a time over the course of the day, with short individual ceremonies for each student and their families. Many of CU’s graduates this year are front line workers, and CU is thrilled to be able to credit the work and learning that they have experienced during COVID.

We are pleased to announce this year’s William Holland Scholarship Award Winner

The William Holland Scholarship is awarded each year to an individual who has demonstrated special leadership in their projects or in comparable activities in their communities.

College Unbound chosen as Rise Prize Choice award winner

We are thrilled to have won the Rise Prize Risers Choice award for $100,000! Accelerating postsecondary success for parenting students helps not just them, but also supports the economic mobility and well-being of their families. When student parents rise, we all rise. Thank you Imaginable Futures and Lumina Foundation!

Teacher Pathway Program

Equity Institute, Rhode Island School for Progressive Education and College Unbound are launching a teacher pathway program for Teacher Assistants without 4-year degrees. Join us for an Info. Session on Tuesday, July 21st at 6:30pm to learn more.

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Fast Facts

97% of CU graduates report that they are more marketable as a result of earning their degree.
87% of CU graduates continued their projects after graduation.
75% of students who started in 2016 have completed their BA in less than 4 years.