For states to meet their growing economic and workforce needs, they need to help more people earn a postsecondary degree or credential. However, many students—including students from low-income backgrounds, students of color, and students assessed as needing developmental (remedial) courses—do not receive the services and support they need to complete college. Targeted investments in policies and practices with evidence of supporting student success could help more of them succeed.
The College Completion Strategy Guide offers guidance on evidence-based strategies to advance equitable outcomes for all college students. These resources:
- Are written by experts in higher education
- Feature high-quality, relevant evidence that meets high standards
- Highlight the needs of students historically underserved by postsecondary education, such as students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and students facing other nonacademic barriers to postsecondary success (Learn about the guide’s principles for equity)
This strategy guide is designed for:
- State and system policymakers seeking evidence to support policy decisions and resource allocations
- Leaders of postsecondary institutions, including community colleges and broad-access four-year institutions (those with open or minimally selective admissions policies), who are looking to adopt successful and promising reforms
- Other stakeholders, such as federal policymakers and researchers, hoping to identify emerging opportunities to advance college completion
The College Completion Strategy Guide was developed as part of the College Completion Fund Project, a collaboration among MDRC, the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association, The Education Trust, and The Institute for College Access and Success. The College Completion Fund Project is dedicated to developing resources and providing real-time technical assistance to policymakers and postsecondary institutions invested in increasing college completion.
Interested in learning more about the College Completion Strategy Guide or the College Completion Fund Project? Email us at completionfundproject@mdrc.org.
