Campus, a for-profit community college, aims to make higher education more accessible through online programs. Recently, the institution secured $46 million in Series B funding from prominent Silicon Valley investors, including OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman and founders from various esteemed ventures. This significant investment underscores the growing interest in affordable, technology-driven education solutions designed to address the student debt crisis and enhance workforce readiness.
This latest funding round marks a substantial increase from previous investments, which were smaller and involved fewer high-profile backers. The growth in investment reflects Campus’s expanding operations and the effectiveness of its model in attracting major players in the tech and finance sectors.
Investors Back Accessible Education
The Series B investment, spearheaded by General Catalyst, brings Campus’s total funding to over $100 million.
“Campus has created a model that is rooted in the rigor and legacy of American higher education with the benefit of technology and innovation that students will require to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy,”
said Ken Chenault, General Catalyst’s chairman.
Comprehensive Online Programs Offered
Established by Tade Oyerinde in 2022, Campus provides live online courses leading to two-year associate degrees and certifications in various fields, such as business administration, technical support, cosmetology, and medical assisting. The college also offers an applied A.I. concentration degree, catering to the rising demand for A.I.-related jobs, which have increased by over 70 percent in the past five years.
Supporting Students and Professors Alike
Beyond student support, Campus aims to benefit educators as well. Oyerinde, founder of Campuswire, launched Campus to offer additional income opportunities for university professors. The institution employs over 100 lecturers, many affiliated with prestigious institutions like Princeton, Stanford, and Howard University.
“It’s really simple, In America we should have elite education for everyone—everyone should be able to learn from the top professors in the country, develop useful skills and then go on to use those skills to create a great life for themselves.”
After completing their courses, students are assisted in joining the workforce or transferring to four-year colleges, with alumni advancing to universities such as New York University, Penn State, and the University of California, San Diego.
Campus’s significant funding round highlights the growing need for affordable and flexible higher education options in the United States. By leveraging technology and attracting top-tier instructors, Campus addresses both financial constraints and the demand for relevant, market-ready skills. The investment from influential Silicon Valley leaders not only boosts Campus’s capacity to expand but also signals a broader shift towards innovative educational models designed to alleviate the student debt burden and better prepare individuals for the evolving job market.
