Welcome to NACAC's Research web page, where you can find NACAC sponsored research and surveys as well as other studies and materials relating to the world of college admission and college bound students.
NACAC is at the forefront of college admission-related research with its annual State of College Admission report, a compilation of the NACAC Admission and Counseling Trends surveys. The association also conducts an annual Space Availability Survey, for students in need of last-minute college options, and explores other avenues of research, by commissioning white papers and providing resources for further admission-related information.
Research Topics
July 2008
America’s Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2008
The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistic’s annual report profiles the status of the nation's children and youth. In addition to information about educational experiences and achievement, the report also contains statistics on a variety of other issues, including demographic background, family and social environment, economic circumstances, behavior, and health.
Transition Matters: Community College to Bachelor’s Degree
A report from the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance identifies barriers that community college students often face, including academic, social, informational, complexity, and financial. The report describes practices that reduce these barriers and thereby contribute to enrollment, persistence and transfer behaviors.
Financial Aid at California Community Colleges: Pell Grants and Fee Waivers in 2003-04
A research brief from MPR Associates estimates that as many as 140,000 California community college students may be missing out on up to $220 million in federal financial aid. The analysis shows that about 40,000 students who would likely have qualified for a Pell Grant did not apply.
Back to School: 2008-09
The Back to School edition of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Facts for Features series presents a multitude of interesting statistics related to the return to school. Topics include everything from the number of schools and colleges and student enrollment to the cost of education and expenditures on back-to-school shopping.
Back to the Basics: In Defense of Achievement (and Achievement Tests) in College Admissions
A report from the Center for Studies in Higher Education at the University of California, Berkeley argues that the main SAT adds little predictive value to admissions decisions while it also limits postsecondary opportunities for low-income and minority students. Based on the results of several studies, the authors make a case for using grades in college preparatory courses and subject test scores to evaluate applicants because they better predict college performance and are more equitable.
Trends Among High School Seniors, 1972–2004
A report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) presents information on five cohorts of high school seniors and examines differences by sex, race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Overall, the report found that college aspirations increased dramatically and that seniors had taken more rigorous courses over this time period.
Predicting Success, Preventing Failure: An Investigation of the California High School Exit Exam
The authors of a Public Policy Institute of California report were able to predict with considerable accuracy whether students would pass California's high school exit exam as early as 4th grade. They also find that among the seniors who failed the exam, only a small percentage re-took the exam and even fewer passed it the following year. Based on this information, recommendations are given to improve related policy.
Back to Basics: Improving College Readiness of Community College Students
A report from the nonpartisan California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) finds that a large percentage of California community college students do not overcome their basic skills deficiencies. The authors identify a number of structural barriers that contribute to low success rates and make recommendations to increase achievement of community college students.
Modeling Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): Campus Practices that Work for Latino Students
This report from Excelencia in Education summarizes the practices of twelve institutions—6 community colleges and 6 public universities in 3 states—that are among the top schools for enrolling and graduating Hispanic students. The report reviews strategies for success with Latino students in several areas, including community outreach, academic support, data use, faculty development, and transfer paths.
Postsecondary Feedback Systems
An Education Commission of the States database provides information on the 23 states that require public postsecondary institutions to send high schools information on students' entry into and readiness for postsecondary education. The database indicates the types of postsecondary institutions that must report data, who receives the report, whether feedback data are included in school and/or district report cards to the public and whether schools and/or districts are required to use postsecondary feedback data for school improvement purposes.
June 2008
Counseling
The June 2008 edition of Education Commission of the States' (ECS) Progress of Education Reform summarizes the results of five studies related to college counseling. The studies examine several issues, including the interplay of local and state policies in the availability of college counseling, information underserved students use to make decisions about attending college, and differences in information provided by counselors and vocational teachers.
2008 SAT Validity Studies
Two reports from the College Board present validity study results for the full cohort who have taken the SAT since the revised version was introduced in March 2005. The first study examined the relationship between SAT scores and first-year college GPA (FYGPA). The study found a correlation of .53 between SAT scores and FYGPA, compared to a correlation of .54 between high school GPA and FYGPA. When high school GPA and SAT scores were taken together, the correlation with FYGPA was .62. In addition there was little difference in predictive value when all three sections of the revised SAT were considered in comparison with just the math and critical reading sections. The second study examined differential validity among various subgroups of students. Results indicate that the SAT is more predictive of FYGPA for females compared to males and for whites compared to other racial/ethnic groups.
38th Annual Survey Report on State-Sponsored Student Financial Aid
The National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs’ 38th annual report shows that while total state aid (including loans) was up about 10 percent for 2006-07, the proportion of need-based grants relative to merit-based grants was unchanged from 2005-06.
On Ramp to College: A State Policymaker’s Guide to Dual Enrollment
A report from Jobs for the Future reviews trends in a growing number of states that see dual enrollment as a way to expand college opportunity, particularly for students who might not be considered college-bound. The report shows how dual enrollment can serve as an "on ramp" to postsecondary education, highlights examples of successful state-wide dual enrollment efforts, and provides a step-by-step plan for policymakers to create successful programs and assess current efforts.
Diplomas Count 2008
Education Week’s 2008 edition of “Diplomas Count” reports that about 71 percent of 2001 9th graders made it to graduation four years later, which indicates a small increase in graduation rates from 2004 to 2005. However, graduation rates for Hispanics, African-Americans and Native Americans were considerably lower than the overall average (58 percent, 55 percent and 51 percent, respectively). The report also includes an analysis of the status of P-16 councils that have recently been established in 38 states.
Helping Community College Students Cope with Financial Emergencies: Lessons from the Dreamkeepers and Angel Fund Emergency Financial Aid Programs
This report from MDRC offers lessons from two programs created by Lumina Foundation for Education that provide emergency grants or loans to help students at risk of dropping out. Eleven community colleges participated in Dreamkeepers, and 26 tribal colleges or universities participated in Angel Fund.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Facts, Not Fiction: Setting the Record Straight
A study from College Board, New York University and the National Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Research in Education challenges long-held beliefs about Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) participation in higher education. The report includes information about trends in AAPI participation in higher education; unique aspects of the AAPI student experience; and the effect of ethnicity, social class and other demographic indicators on educational experiences and outcomes.
The Ripple Effect of Virginia Tech: Assessing the Nationwide Impact on Campus Safety and Security Policy and Practice
The Midwestern Higher Education Compact surveyed chief student life officers and safety/security directors at colleges around the country to ascertain how policies have changed since the tragic events at Virginia Tech in April 2007. Results indicate that a large majority of campuses conducted reviews of their safety/security-related policies. The most common changes that were planned or implemented included expansion of emergency notification systems. Only a small percentage of colleges made changes to their admission procedures.
Rethinking High School: Supporting All Students to be College-Ready in Math
A new report by WestEd profiles three public high schools that are successfully preparing diverse students to be college and career ready. The three high schools were found to share three elements: offering high-level mathematics courses and support for all students; providing intensive professional development for teachers; and using student progress and evaluations to help teachers adjust their lessons.
The Condition of Education 2008
The National Center for Education Statistics’ annual “Condition of Education” report includes 43 indicators covering all aspects of education, from early childhood through postsecondary education and from student achievement to school environment and resources. Findings include:
- Minority students make up 43 percent of public school enrollment overall, 48 percent in the South, and 55 percent in the West.
In 2005–06, about a third of Black and Hispanic students attended high-poverty schools compared to 4 percent of White students.
- About three-fourths of public high school students in the class of 2005 graduated on time.
- Since 1970, women's undergraduate enrollment has increased over three times as fast as men's. Currently, women make up 57 percent of undergraduate enrollment.
Enrollment in Postsecondary Institutions, Fall 2006; Graduation Rates, 2000 and 2003 Cohorts; and Financial Statistics, Fiscal Year 2006
This report from the National Center for Education Statistics presents recent data on postsecondary institutions in the U.S. Findings include:
- In Fall 2006, Title IV institutions in the United States enrolled a total of 18 million graduate and undergraduate students—62 percent in 4-year institutions, 37 percent in 2-year institutions, and 2 percent in less-than-2-year institutions.
- The 4-year graduation rate of all bachelor's-seeking students was 50 percent at private not-for-profit institutions, 29 percent at public institutions, and 26 percent at private, for-profit institutions.
- During the 2005-06 academic year, 75 percent of the 2.7 million full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates attending Title IV institutions located in the United States received financial aid.
May 2008
The States and Their Community Colleges
An analysis conducted by the Rockefeller Institute of Government found that states differ widely in the extent to which they utilize their community college systems. The percentage of higher education students enrolled in community colleges ranged from a low of eight to a high of 47. The policy brief also presents data on enrollment growth and tuition.
Sizing Up State Standards 2008
American Federation of Teachers’ (AFT) annual assessment of state standards for 2008 uses new, more rigorous criteria to evaluate the clarity, specificity and content-focus of state standards in English, math, science, and social studies. Despite improvements since previous assessments, AFT found that 35 states have inferior standards, including seven that lack clear standards for any grade or subject.
It Could Happen: Unleashing the Potential of California’s Community Colleges to Help Students Succeed and California Thrive
A report from the Institute for Higher Education Leadership & Policy—based on three previous studies—describes six research-based strategies to help community college students succeed and describes how current policies impede the implementation of these strategies.
Engaged for Success: Service-Learning as a Tool for High School Dropout Prevention
A report from Civic Enterprises argues that service-learning programs should be made more widely available to help decrease dropouts. The authors point to results of their own survey as well as previous research showing that the service-learning format can bring relevance to classroom lessons, increase student engagement and improve academic performance.
Report to the Community on the Education for the 21st Century (e21) High School Redesign Initiative: 2002-2007 and Beyond
This report describes the Sacramento City Unified School District’s (SCUSD) efforts to redesign the District’s high schools to improve student learning and success. The report outlines the project’s accomplishments, lessons learned and challenges in hopes of serving as a model to other school districts.
Empowering Students: How Georgia College Early College Changes Student Aspirations
A case study from Jobs for the Future examines the features of the Georgia College Early College—college-going culture, small class sizes and other support structures—that result in increased aspirations and success for students.
Characteristics of the 100 Largest Public Elementary and Secondary School Districts in the United States: 2004-05
This National Center for Education Statistics’ report highlights key features of the nation’s largest public school districts, which enroll 23 percent of public school students. The report includes information about the numbers of students, teachers and counselors; the number of high school completers and the averaged freshman graduation rate; and revenues and expenditures.
Writing, Technology and Teens
A study conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project surveyed teens age 12 – 17 and held focus groups to learn more about the writing habits of today’s teens and how they are influence by technology. Results indicate that teens see benefits to using technology for school-related writing but make important distinctions between electronic social communication and formal writing for school.
April 2008
Parent Expectations and Planning for College
A report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) examines parents’ educational expectations for their children (grades 6 – 12) as well as the postsecondary education planning practices of families and schools. The survey results showed that roughly nine out of every 10 students had parents who expected them to continue their education beyond high school, with about two-thirds who expected them to finish college. Only about one-third had parents who perceived that their child’s school did very well at providing information to help their child plan for postsecondary education. Among students whose parents expected them to continue their education after high school, 82 percent had parents who reported that the family was planning on helping to pay for their child’s postsecondary education costs, and 66 percent of those parents thought they had enough information about postsecondary education costs to begin planning.
Window of Opportunity: Targeting Federal Grant Aid to Students with the Lowest Incomes
A report from the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), published in partnership with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), examines how Pell grant recipients finance higher education. The study found that the average Pell grant recipient is more likely to rely and loans, but is still left with about $4,500 in unmet need after all aid sources. The report presents policy options that would target Pell grant funds to the lowest income students.
Graduation Rate Watch: Making Minority Student Success a Priority
A report from Education Sector presents graduation rate data showing the gaps between black and white students’ six-year graduation rates at the nation’s four-year colleges and universities. The report highlights institutions that have particularly large and small gaps, and presents examples of institutions with successful programs for increasing minority success.
Additional Learning Opportunities in Rural Areas: Needs, Successes, and Challenges
A report from the Center for American Progress discusses the benefits of expanded learning opportunities for low-income students in rural areas. The report provides examples of successful after school, before school, intersession, weekend, holi¬day, and summer learning programs and describes best practices of these programs.
Beating the Odds: The Real Challenges Behind the Math Achievement Gap—And What High-Achieving Schools Can Teach Us About How to Close It
A report from Jobs for the Future describes the characteristics of small schools that are having success in raising the math achievement of at-risk students. A key characteristic seems to be the creation of a “culture of success” that addresses the psychological barriers to learning for students who have failed in the past.
Revenues and Expenditures for Public Elementary and Secondary Education: School Year 2005-06 (Fiscal Year 2006)
A report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) presents 2005-06 revenue and expenditure data for public elementary and secondary education at both the national and state levels.
Denied: Community College Students Lack Access to Affordable Loans
An issue brief from the Project on Student Debt discusses the potential consequences for community college students when their colleges don’t participate in the federal loan program. The authors found that almost one-quarter of community colleges representing one million students don’t participate and that both African American and Native American students are over-represented at these colleges.
Getting Ahead or Losing Ground: Economic Mobility in America
A report from The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Economic Mobility Project shows that the educational income gap has increased substantially since the mid-1960s. The report also examines economic mobility by race and gender, considers issues of immigration and intergenerational mobility, and provides international comparisons.
Paying the Price: The High Cost of Private Student Loans and the Dangers for Student Borrowers
A report from the National Consumer Law Center cautions that students are taking on too much risk with increased private loan borrowing. Private loans provide fewer protections for borrowers than government-backed loans, and they are more expensive for borrowers, particularly those with limited credit histories or low credit scores. The report reviews these differences in detail and makes policy recommendations for preserving affordable access to higher education.
The Nation’s Report Card: Writing 2007
Results of the 2007 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) writing assessment show that average writing scores and the percentages of students performing at or above Basic were higher than in the 1998 and 2002 assessments for both grades 8 and 12. To measure writing skills, the assessment engaged students in narrative, informative, and persuasive writing tasks. Results are also reported for student performance by various demographic characteristics such as race/ethnicity, gender, and eligibility for the National School Lunch Program. The report is issued by the National Center for Education Statistics.
Public Education Finances: 2006
School districts in the United States spent an average of $9,138 per student in fiscal year 2006, up from $8,701 in 2005, according to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau. The report provides in-depth information on the revenues and expenditures of public school districts at both the national and state levels. The Web site also provides access to data tables that include spending on instruction, support services, construction, and salaries and benefits of the more than 15,000 school districts.