Launched in August 2025, the program provides associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in strategic business management, as well as a master’s degree in organizational leadership. It is designed as a self-paced option for students who need more flexible study schedules.

University president Gerson Moreno-Riano told Fox Business that around 250 students enrolled in the program after its launch in August 2025.

He added that the program has recorded a 91% month-to-month persistence rate, and some transfer students with prior credits are expected to become its first graduates this year.

The launch comes as college costs in the U.S. continue to rise sharply. Tuition and fees have increased 41.7% faster than inflation this century, with average costs climbing 93.2% since the 2005–2006 academic year, according to Forbes, citing an Education Data Initiative report.

The latest data from College Board shows students paid an average annual cost of about $30,990.

Students walk in campus of Cornerstone University, U.S. Photo courtesy of the university

"We see this as an opportunity to address a gap in our country now when it comes to education, and frankly, we're convinced that the current American higher ed infrastructure cannot address this challenge," Moreno-Riano said. "It was built for what I call traditional brick and mortar students."

He said the bachelor’s degree costs $24,000 from start to finish, while the master’s degree costs $12,000. The university also offers scholarships and grants.

Students in the program study through an app where lessons are divided into bite-sized sections, supported by mini-lectures, podcasts, book reviews and interviews.

They receive grades and feedback as they progress through the coursework.

Moreno-Riano said some of the program’s first graduates told him they listened to lessons while commuting, traveling or doing household chores.

"It allows them to, in essence, continue the learning experience amidst a complex schedule because we unbundle it, unpackage it, redevelop it and maintain the engagement criteria so that students stay studying and focused."