The benefits of a postsecondary degree are profound, but not all students have equal access to education opportunities after high school. Congress should invest in programs and strategies proven to help more first-generation students, low-income students, and other students historically underrepresented in higher education, attain a degree or credential. 

Investing in student success provides economic value to communities, states, and our national as a whole. When students complete a degree or credential, they are better able to enter into high-demand, high-wage careers, and fill critical gaps in the workforce. Currently, only 64% of students who pursue a bachelor’s degree, complete it within six years. Those who do not often face competing work and caregiving responsibilities and receive less help paying the bills. They largely miss out on the economic boost that comes from getting a college degree, are less likely to land a job that pays a family-sustaining wage, and are at higher risk of defaulting on student loans.

Across the country, college access and success programs are disrupting that paradigm by providing tailored, evidence-based support to help students access and complete higher education, and enter into careers. A growing body of research demonstrates that these organizations – including NCAN members, Bottom Line, College Possible, OneGoal, and others – are dramatically increasing the college graduation rate among participants. However, a recent report from NCAN and America Forward found that these programs face several key barriers to expanding and scaling their innovative models, including, most notably, a lack of access to funding.

NCAN recommends that policymakers take the following steps to improve student success and economic opportunity across the country:

• Bolster federal investments in student success initiatives. We urge policymakers to deepen investment in the Postsecondary Student Success Grants (PSSG) program to grow and scale high-impact, innovative programs, alongside key federal funding streams like TRIO, GEAR UP, and AmeriCorps. These programs provide key financial support for programs across the country working to improve student outcomes.
• Provide greater access to federal student success funding for non-profit student success providers. Current eligibility requirements for the Postsecondary Student Success Grant limit the program’s potential by excluding nonprofit providers from applying as lead or standalone applicants, despite Congress’s initial directive to allow their participation. Congress should follow federal precedent set by the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program, which encourages nonprofit providers with proven records of results to be core participants. Expanding eligibility for the Postsecondary Student Success Grant would ensure that nonprofit student success organizations can fully leverage their reach, expertise, and innovative approaches to improve student outcomes and increase postsecondary attainment. 
• Strengthen the infrastructure for student success. NCAN members and other student success organizations have expressed deep interest in targeted support for program improvement and scaling, ranging from support for evaluation and research, dedicated communities of practice, financial and sustainability analysis, and data system and performance management assistance. Policymakers should invest in the infrastructure that makes stronger organizations, services, and ultimately outcomes possible.