Our Work
We conduct timely and informative research and policy analysis in higher education using a student-centric equity lens. Our research focuses on four key priority areas aiming to uncover the causes and consequences of systemic socio-economic and racial disparities in educational attainment and beyond and to inform the development of actionable solutions.
Our Priorities
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We are committed to expanding access to high-quality, affordable public higher education for all students. Our work focuses on strengthening state financial aid policies and pathways to ensure that low-income, first-generation, and historically marginalized students can pursue and complete an education without overwhelming financial barriers or burdensome debt. Through research, advocacy, and policy reform, we work to dismantle systemic inequities and build a higher education system that supports success for all learners.
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Enrollment is only the first step toward opportunity. We advance state policies and practices that improve student persistence and completion, particularly at community colleges and state universities where the barriers to success are greatest. By identifying and promoting evidence-based strategies—such as comprehensive state financial aid programs and structured student supports—we aim to increase graduation rates and ensure students are empowered to reach their educational goals.
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Higher education must deliver tangible economic and social value for students and communities. We champion reforms that align academic programs with workforce needs, enhance the quality and relevance of credentials, and ensure that students see a strong return on their investment. By strengthening pathways from education to employment, we help restore and sustain public trust in the promise of a college degree.
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Robust data systems and public accountability are critical to driving meaningful change. We support the development and use of transparent, equity-centered metrics to evaluate institutional performance and student outcomes. By making data accessible, actionable, and central to decision-making, we help ensure that policies and investments lead to more equitable and effective outcomes across the higher education system.
Our Work
Access and Completion in Education Center (ACE)
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Our work is dedicated to shaping state-level practices and policies that expand opportunity, improve student outcomes, and strengthen the long-term value of a degree.
By examining existing and potential policies through an equity lens, and by leveraging peer-to-peer insights from various states, the ACE Center provides stakeholders with the critical information needed to design fair, effective, and student-centered higher education systems.
Data Stories
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We are dedicated to harnessing the power of data science to create a more inclusive and equitable higher education landscape.
We believe in the transformative potential of data to drive positive change in higher education.
We aim to provide a space where innovative ideas and cutting-edge technologies converge to address the most pressing challenges in higher education in an accessible way.
Featured Events and Collaborations
