State Early Commitment Programs: A Contract for College Success?

Access to a quality, affordable college education remains a cornerstone of American economic and social development. Individuals from all backgrounds need the knowledge and skills afforded by higher education to compete in an increasingly integrated–and competitive–global economy. Greater educational attainment correlates with many positive personal and societal benefits, including a higher standard of living, enhanced social mobility and less reliance on public programs.

With this in mind, a wide disparity continues to exist between low- and higher-income students with respect to college attendance and completion. The likelihood of adequate preparation for, enrollment in and completion of postsecondary education strongly correlates with students’ household income status. Yearly tuition increases may only aggravate and expand this socioeconomic challenge.

by
Thomas L. Harnisch

Full Story: http://congressweb.com/aascu/docfiles/State_Early_Commitment_Programs.pdf?mc_cid=626a90b0ff&mc_eid=dfa0607b67