The U.S. Department of Education will now accept student requests for federal financial aid for College Unbound, college president Dennis Littky, Ph.D. has announced.

This approval means CU can now invite students to apply directly for federal aid through the school, including Pell grants, student loans, and work-study arrangements. This federal action is a critical step in the growth of College Unbound, signaling its strength and independence as a school of higher education.

"College Unbound is all about helping adult learners return to college and complete their degrees," Littky said in a release. "There are some 110,000 adults in Rhode Island who started college but never completed it. This funding approval will make it easier for these adults-many of whom are minorities and low-income individuals-to finish college and increase their opportunities for personal and career success."

"This is an important milestone in the life of College Unbound," said CU co-founder and Provost Adam Bush. "When we started this process nearly 10 years ago, it was always our hope and plan to establish a college that would address the needs of older students returning to school and overcoming past financial and other life challenges. This federal financial aid will make that possible for many," Bush said.

"It is critical that we create more affordable pathways for students of all ages to earn a college degree. With this decision, working adults in Rhode Island will have another option to complete their degree, enhance their earning potential, and fill in-demand jobs that will grow with Rhode Island's economy," said Senator Jack Reed.

"College Unbound is making a difference in our community by helping adults get back on the track to earning a college degree and landing a good-paying job," said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse in a statement. "It's fitting that College Unbound

students can now apply for federal financial aid and Pell Grants, which Senator Pell created with the mission of bringing higher education within reach for students of all backgrounds."

"Many students leave college early due to financial challenges and other obstacles in life," said Congressman Langevin. "I am thrilled the Department of Education is using its financial aid programs to provide adult learners with an opportunity to return to school and complete their degrees."

In its notification letter to College Unbound, the U.S. Department of Education stated that "the Secretary of Education has determined that College Unbound satisfies the definition of an eligible institution under the Higher Education Act of 1965..and will be listed in the next edition of the Directory of Postsecondary Institutions..."

"Senator Pell had it right when he said, "The strength of the United States is not the gold at Fort Knox or the weapons of mass destruction that we have, but the sum total of the education and character of our people," said Littky. "College Unbound is turning that conviction into possibility for a whole new category of students."

College Unbound is an innovative, degree-granting college for adults who have faced barriers to completing their bachelor's degree. For more information visit www.collegeunbound.org.