This dissertation includes three chapters focusing on policies directly related to improving college access and success. The first chapter focuses on lifetime eligibility of federal and state financial aid policies. The Pell Grant plays a critical role in helping students across the US to afford undergraduate education. In spite of its importance…

California cannot produce the educated population our workforce and high-tech industries demand without significantly increasing the number of community college students transferring to universities. A strong transfer system is crucial not just for employers who need educated workers, but also for students seeking a clear and affordable path to…

This report serves as a progress report on the implementation of the Commission's longitudinal student data system. Recent data submission by the University of California and the California State University, along with the community college data already in-house, will make it possible for the Commission to conduct studies on time-to-degree,…