Bain Capital Backs American College of Education to Expand Affordable Online Learning
Indianapolis, Thursday, 8 January 2026.
Bain Capital Double Impact’s strategic investment empowers the American College of Education to scale affordable online degrees, supporting an ambitious plan to potentially double the institution’s size within five years.
Strategic Investment for Scalable Impact
On January 8, 2026, the American College of Education (ACE) confirmed a strategic partnership with Bain Capital Double Impact, the impact investing unit of the Boston-based private investment firm [1]. The Indianapolis-headquartered college, which specializes in serving adult learners, intends to utilize this capital infusion to accelerate program innovation and expand access to professional development opportunities [1]. Macquarie Group Limited served as the financial advisor to ACE for this transaction, facilitating a deal that aligns with Bain’s strategy of investing in education and workforce development [1].
Aggressive Growth Trajectory
Central to this partnership is an ambitious operational target: ACE has outlined plans to potentially double its size over the next five years [2]. This projection builds upon a period of massive historical expansion for the institution. Since its founding, ACE has grown its enrollment from an initial cohort of 24 students to more than 15,000 as of 2025 [2]. This represents a total historical enrollment increase of 62400 percent. The college currently boasts a network of over 52,000 alumni [1].
Market Position and Offerings
ACE operates as an accredited, fully online private college, offering more than 60 programs tailored to adult students in sectors such as education, business, healthcare, and nursing [1][2]. The institution celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025, having been originally founded to deliver online learning solutions [2]. Bain Capital Double Impact, which partners with companies across health and wellness, sustainability, and education, views ACE as a vehicle to address workforce needs through flexible and affordable academic programs [1].