Topic: Postsecondary Success and College Completion
Postsecondary Student Success
Creating jobs is a top priority in Southern states, and a better-educated workforce is an important strategy. Helping states with policy and practice to improve postsecondary student success is central to SREB’s mission.
Student success = increasing access and completion for postsecondary credentials that lead to successful careers and stronger economies
SREB’s Student Success Framework
The Southern Regional Education Board’s Student Success Framework is grounded in over 15 years of SREB research, providing a comprehensive approach to ensuring that all students can access and complete postsecondary credentials that lead to lifelong learning, fulfilling careers and economic strength.
Priorities for Raising College Student Success in the South
Report of the SREB Student Success Advisory Council
The report of SREB’s Student Success Advisory Council offers 10
recommendations to improve the success of students in
postsecondary education, particularly those from demographic
groups that have been underrepresented in higher education
historically. After examining the challenges of affording
college, navigating and persisting to graduation, and beginning a
career, the report outlines specific ideas for both states and
postsecondary institutions.
DOWNLOAD PDF
Higher Education Return on Investment for Students, Families and Society
With mounting focus on the return on investing in a college degree, this brief shows how the benefits outweigh the costs to individuals, communities and society. A postsecondary credential remains a profitable investment for individuals, who in general earn more and are less likely to be unemployed, as well as for economies that need a highly skilled workforce and residents who contribute to society.
Workforce-Driven Financial Aid: Policies and Strategies
Essential Elements of State Policy For College Completion
The rapidly evolving workplace has created a shortage of skilled and educated workers in many fields, leaving essential jobs unfilled and millions of adults unqualified for them. This policy brief summarizes statewide strategies to support financial assistance for students in programs designed to address workforce needs. It includes suggestions for states that are evaluating, or considering creating, workforce-driven financial aid policies.
Postsecondary Attainment Goals
in SREB States
| State | 2019 Attainment Level |
Goal | By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 45.1% | Add 500,000 high-skilled employees | 2025 |
| Arkansas | 43.6% | 60% | 2025 |
| Delaware | 47.9% | none | none |
| Florida | 52.8% | 55% | 2025 |
| Georgia | 52.8% | 60% | 2025 |
| Kentucky | 49.4% | 60% | 2030 |
| Louisiana | 48.1% | 60% | 2030 |
| Maryland | 55.9% | 55% | 2025 |
| Mississippi | 44.4% | Reach the national attainment level average | 2025 |
| North Carolina | 52.1% | Ensure that 2 million, age 25 to 44, have earned a postsecondary degree or credential | 2030 |
| Oklahoma | 46.5% | 70% | 2025 |
| South Carolina | 47.6% | 60% | 2025 |
| Tennessee | 46.8% | 55% | 2025 |
| Texas | 47.9% | 60% of adults ages 25-34 | 2030 |
| Virginia | 57.4% | 70% | 2030 |
| West Virginia | 42.6% | 60% | 2030 |
Community Colleges in the South: Strengthening Readiness and Pathways
Report of the SREB Commission on Community Colleges
The full report of SREB’s Community College Commission offers 21 recommendations for states and community colleges. It presents findings on readiness, placement, math standards and structurally guided pathways to help students clearly see entry, exit and re-entry points to continue their education. Recommendations ask states to commit increased funding and hold colleges accountable for improving student services and completion. The goal: increase college access and success so more students earn postsecondary credentials and enter careers in demand in their communities.
