According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, student loan debt approached $1.5 trillion in 2018. It's rising faster than auto loans and consumer debt combined.

Higher education institutions are struggling with rising tuition costs, government-imposed budget cuts and declining student completion and retention rates. University administrators are tasked with finding ways to effectively manage their organizations without sacrificing the quality of student education and experience.

As a result of these challenges, more university administrators are looking towards cloud-based solutions to modernize their student information systems and improve student outcomes by connecting both traditional and non-traditional degree programs onto a single platform. The students of today expect institutions to support their level of digital experience which includes a personalized student experience and variety of educational degree programs that align with student goals.

"Central State University has always prioritized equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills and dispositions for advanced students and careers through efficient and effective institutional operations," said Tonjia Coverdale. Ph.D., Vice President of Information Technology and CIO at Central State University, in a recent press release. "Oracle Student Cloud will help us offer our students an expanded array of educational programs including immersive, online programs to foster academic success for our students while optimizing university operations."

Central State University recognized that adopting cloud technology could help make education more accessible to non-traditional students at their university. Developing virtual online programs and cloud based student information systems were the primary drivers for Central State University to select Oracle Student Cloud. In evaluating this move to the cloud, Central State saw value in modernizing their student experience to increase enrollment and retention and, ultimately, allow students to graduate with added flexibility.