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State Policy Priorities

NCAN's State Policy Priorities

States have a role to play in creating a more equitable postsecondary system.

The National College Attainment Network's (NCAN) state policy agenda is a set of core strategies to promote equitable access, affordability, and attainment in postsecondary education. These policy proposals are informed by our members across the country, many of whom work directly with students on a regular basis.

States can play a significant role in creating affordable higher education opportunities for all students. For example, state grant aid should be prioritized to students with the most limited financial resources.

Moreover, states should ensure that students can complete their education in a timely manner and work to remedy the existing pitfalls that prevent far too many students from crossing the graduation stage.

Policies to Create Opportunity for All Students

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Need-Based Student Aid

Higher education remains unaffordable for many students across the country, and are shouldering a greater proportion of the financial burden when it comes to covering the cost of attendance. By investing in need-based aid, states can support students who wish to pursue a postsecondary education but might not have the means to do so.

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Higher Education Funding

Tuition at public colleges depends on what states allocate for higher education, with students paying more when state investment falls or fails to keep pace with inflation. The unpredictability of state budget processes can also make it difficult for students to budget for the cost of college and risks negatively impacting college persistence.

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Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment has been gaining steam as a policy and practice, driven by a desire to improve persistence rates and affordability. Research suggests that dual enrollment is linked to increases in GPA, total earned college credits, college enrollment, and degree attainment, while decreasing time to graduation and semesters enrolled.  

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Direct Admissions

Direct admissions policies are rapidly expanding nationwide, with the aim of streamlining the application process and encouraging those who hadn’t previously considered a college degree to apply. An estimated 400,000 first-gen and low- & middle-income students across 28 states received direct admissions offers for the 2024-25 school year.

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Universal FAFSA

Data show FAFSA completion increases the likelihood of enrollment and persistence in higher ed. States should require FAFSA completion for high school graduation, with a robust opt-out option for students with special circumstances. Counselors, advisers, and students should be provided with the supports needed to meet the requirement.

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Undocumented Students

Students brought to the US as children deserve the chance to complete their education, but they face unique barriers to college access and affordability. To best support these students, for example, states should allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition and provide need-based aid for those who are income-eligible.

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Additional Resources

Looking for tools to help your organization take its advocacy work to the next level? NCAN has plenty to offer, including: