A two-year college program on a high desert ranch that combines traditional liberal arts with strenuous physical work aims to develop humility, service, leadership, and a wide range of practical skills. Most graduates have gone on to graduate study and leadership positions in society. (MSE)

This article provides background on several types of nontraditional higher education programs, particularly the external degree programs. The program effectiveness and related costs strategy developed by Empire State College and adapted to several other institutions are reviewed. (JMF)