Grow Your Future with Competency-Based Education
Higher education is changing—and at South College, few innovations have reshaped the institution more dramatically than Competency-Based Education (CBE).
Meeting Students Where They Are: Inside South College’s Explosive Growth in Competency-Based Education
What began as a small offering with just a handful of programs has grown into a thriving, standalone campus serving thousands of students nationwide. In this episode of Live From South College, host Kathleen Stockham sits down with Dr. Deanna Slusher, Executive Director of Admissions for CBE, to explore what’s driving this growth, who CBE students really are, and why this model is redefining access to advanced education.
From Two Programs to a National CBE Campus
CBE didn’t arrive quietly. It arrived fast—and with force.
South College launched its first CBE programs with just two doctoral offerings: the Doctor of Education (EdD) and the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Demand was immediate. Within a few short years, CBE expanded into a full standalone online campus, shifting from quarterly to monthly starts, allowing students to begin their programs every 30 days.
Today, CBE includes:
- Master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral programs
- Students enrolling year-round
- Continuous growth month over month
As Dr. Slusher describes it best: explosive.
The Question Everyone Asks: How Does CBE Pricing Work?
The most common question prospective students ask isn’t about rigor or credibility—it’s about how the subscription model works.
CBE operates on a six-month subscription term:
- Students pay a flat tuition rate for each six-month period
- They can complete as many competencies or courses as they are able
- Progress is based on mastery—not seat time
Highly motivated students may accelerate dramatically, while others move at a slower pace due to work, family, or life commitments. Either way, the cost remains the same.
This structure puts control back in the hands of the student—making education flexible, transparent, and outcomes-focused.
Designed for the Self-Motivated Adult Learner
CBE is not one-size-fits-all—and it’s not designed for passive learning.
This model works best for students who are:
- Self-directed and goal-oriented
- Balancing full-time careers and family responsibilities
- Returning to school for career advancement or change
Students don’t attend scheduled classes. Instead, they work asynchronously with faculty mentors, completing formative and summative assessments when they’re ready. Progress is measured by demonstrated mastery, not deadlines.
For working adults, this flexibility isn’t just convenient—it’s transformative.
Popular Programs—and What’s Gaining Momentum
While every CBE program has shown strong demand, a few stand out:
Most established and popular:
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Rapidly growing programs:
- Doctor of Ministry
- Doctor of Theological Practice
- Educational Specialist
New and emerging pathways:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) for physician assistants
These programs are especially appealing to professionals seeking executive leadership roles, research opportunities, or advanced practice credentials.
Who Are CBE Students, Really?
One of the most compelling aspects of CBE is the diversity of its student population.
CBE students include:
- Nurses, educators, and healthcare leaders
- Business owners, CEOs, and entrepreneurs
- Career changers and retirees
- Parents, caregivers, and working professionals
What they share isn’t age or background—it’s purpose.
These are individuals who know what they want, value efficiency, and need an education model that fits into real life.
Admissions as Advocacy, Not Transactions
CBE admissions isn’t about pushing paperwork—it’s about building confidence.
Dr. Slusher describes admissions as the beginning of a student lifecycle, where prospective students are:
- Met one-on-one by admissions professionals
- Guided through program fit, requirements, and expectations
- Connected to financial aid, advising, and mentoring early
Support doesn’t stop once a student enrolls. Admissions teams stay engaged through the first month of coursework, while faculty mentors provide consistent guidance throughout the program.
This layered support system is a critical factor in student success—especially at the doctoral level.
Preparing Students for Rigor—and Success
Doctoral and master’s programs are demanding by design. CBE doesn’t remove rigor—it removes unnecessary barriers.
Students are prepared through:
- Transparent expectations from day one
- Ongoing mentor engagement
- Regular check-ins across departments
- Clear pathways for support
The goal isn’t just enrollment—it’s completion.
Growth Behind the Scenes
The scale of CBE’s growth is reflected internally as well.
In just two years:
- Admissions staffing grew from one admissions officer to more than 20
- Leadership expanded to include directors and associate directors
- Financial aid and student services scaled alongside enrollment
This rapid expansion underscores both demand and institutional commitment to the model.
South College, Everywhere You Are
The episode closes with a reminder that South College isn’t just growing online—it’s showing up in communities.
From partnerships with professional sports teams to national brand visibility, South College continues to meet students where they are—academically and geographically.
Final Takeaway
CBE isn’t a shortcut. It’s a smarter path.
By focusing on mastery, flexibility, and student support, South College’s Competency-Based Education programs are opening doors for learners who may have once believed advanced education wasn’t possible.
For students with ambition, discipline, and a vision for what’s next, CBE offers something rare in higher education: control.
And that’s why it continues to grow.
About CBE
Self-Paced
The flexibility to learn and submit assignments at your own pace and to study anywhere you are on your own time.
1:1 Mentoring
A 1:1 partnership with our supportive community of faculty, advisors, staff, and you in an effort to create a collaborative environment in your pursuit of academic excellence.
A Unique Subscription-Based Approach to Higher Learning
A subscription-based tuition structure which allows for a 6-month “All You Can Master” approach. This flexible tuition allows for students to go as fast or as slow as your lifestyle dictates.
Use Your Expertise
Move quickly through the areas you know and spend more time on the ones you need deeper study.
Work towards “Mastery”
Each course requires successful completion of specific formative/summative tasks per competency that must meet or exceed Mastery level in order to progress to the next course. (Doctoral degree programs require a dissertation and successful defense of the dissertation earning a “Pass.”)