Autumn is always a busy time for those in the college access and success field, and we at the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) have certainly been hard at work. Here are five NCAN updates you might have missed this fall.
Our 2026 Leadership Summit offers a unique opportunity to engage in thought leadership with NCAN members from across the country, learn from experts about timely policy topics shaping postsecondary education, and make your voice heard about the issues
impacting your students and communities. Register now to join us in Washington, DC, on April 7-8 as we deepen relationships among NCAN members, strengthen your policy knowledge and advocacy skillset, and drive federal policy change.
Read more.
Direct admission policies simplify college admissions by offering students admission letters before they apply, based on their GPA, test scores, and coursework. Direct admission policies help students, including first-generation and low-income students,
recognize their college potential and prevent them from undermatching. NCAN recommends that states waive application fees, streamline additional application processes, follow student data privacy laws, and involve student leaders in the process.
Read more.
Partnering with community-based nonprofit college access and success organizations (CBOs for short) allows colleges and universities to easily reach more historically underrepresented prospective students who will also be more likely to enroll and complete
a degree or credential. CBOs are a trusted resource for students and families new to the college search and enrollment process, including first-generation students, students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, rural students, students
who are parents, and veterans. NCAN highlights partnerships with member CBOs such as Onward We Learn, College Beyond, Northern California College Promise Coalition, and Achieve Atlanta. Read more.
Despite widespread recognition that postsecondary education is an important ladder to individual opportunity and workforce development, college remains financially out of reach for students across the country. A recent analysis from NCAN finds that students
at public colleges and universities – once touted as low-cost options – still face significant unmet need. “This year’s findings underscore the importance of federal student aid, and specifically, direct-to-student funding, in helping students access
and pay for higher education,” said NCAN’s CEO, Kim Cook. “We know what works: investing in need-based aid helps close these gaps and puts degrees within reach for students.” Read more.
As we approach a pivotal chapter in NCAN's growth, we’re excited to share that we’ve officially launched a three-year strategic refresh process to define our direction for 2026–2029. The world of college access and success continues to evolve - policy
shifts, student needs, and institutional landscapes are changing rapidly. To remain aligned with our mission and ensure that NCAN continues to lead with relevance and impact, it’s time to take a fresh look at our past, present, and future. This refresh
isn’t just about updating a plan - it’s about listening, reflecting, and co-creating the roadmap that will guide how we serve our members, strengthen our network, and promote equitable college attainment in the years ahead. Read more.
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