Debt-Free Degrees? How ACE Is Rewriting Higher Ed

In this episode of Capital Class, host Adam Giery sits down with Geordie Hyland, President and CEO of American College of Education (ACE), for a timely and thought-provoking conversation recorded live at ASU+GSV 2025. With higher education at a pivotal crossroads—confronting rising tuition, student debt, and questions of long-term value—Hyland shares how ACE is rewriting the playbook.

Under Hyland’s leadership, ACE has emerged as a standout institution: fully online, accredited, and fiercely committed to access, affordability, and quality. With 85% of students graduating debt-free and tuition for graduate degrees well below national averages, ACE is proving that high-impact education doesn't require a high price tag.

Throughout the episode, Hyland and Giery explore the state of the education workforce, the teacher pipeline crisis, and how ACE’s practitioner-led model equips educators for real-world challenges. Hyland also opens up about his unconventional path to ACE, driven by a passion for human capital development and a personal mission to make education more accessible.

This episode also highlights ACE’s impressive student outcomes, employer satisfaction, and innovative use of AI to streamline administrative tasks—freeing faculty to focus on what matters most: teaching and learning.

Key Moments

03:12 Addressing Teacher Career Progression

09:06 Career in EdTech and Education Reform

12:13 Affordable Education With High Quality

15:41 Recharging Through Challenging Hobbies

16:45 Sauna Tradition Recreated in Tampa

Connect with Geordie Hyland

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geordiehyland/

Website: https://ace.edu/