POLICY: RESEARCH
Higher education brings benefits to states, study shows
A new study shows that state investment in higher education has dramatic and measurable impacts. The 50-state study, conducted by the Institute for Higher Education Policy and funded by Lumina Foundation, reports that societal benefits include lower unemployment rates, decreased reliance on public assistance, higher voting rates and increased volunteering. Read The Investment Payoff: A 50-State Analysis of the Public and Private Benefits of Higher Education (PDF).
SUCCESS: STUDENT SUPPORT
More freshmen expect work, loans to complete college
A record-high percentage of students expect to work while in college, according to an annual survey conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California at Los Angeles. Students from lower- and middle-income families are more likely than their peers from higher-income families to anticipate working while in school. Also, more entering students expect to rely on loans. Read survey highlights.
ADULT LEARNERS: INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
New report urges opportunity system for adults
Up to 50 million adults have low basic skills, yet current adult educational programs reach only 3 million adults, according to a new report. The report, To Ensure America's Future: Building a National Opportunity System for Adults (PDF), published by the Council for Advancement of Adult
Literacy, with partial support from Lumina Foundation, calls for strengthening links between adult education and community colleges. More...
ACCESS: PREPARATION
Advanced Placement report: More student success
A College Board research report on Advanced Placement shows that nationwide, 13 percent of
the class of 2004 scored 3 or higher on one or more AP Exams, up from 10 percent for the class of 2000. African-American and Native American students remain significantly underrepresented among AP exam-takers, but the Hispanic gap closed last year -- 13 percent of 2004 AP exam-takers were Hispanic. Learn more and view state reports.
