College and Career Exploration

This domain includes research on programs, policies, and practices that build students’ college and career awareness and readiness. The interventions reviewed support students in taking steps towards identifying and preparing for their preferred pathway, as well as taking early steps towards planning and saving for the costs of postsecondary education. Most of the interventions in this category focus on high school students, though a few are designed for middle schoolers. These interventions aim to help students explore options, make informed decisions, and successfully navigate the postsecondary pathways ahead, whether by offering college and career advising, counseling, and planning, exposure to college campuses, or clear information about the expected returns to potential college and career pathways. 

For studies focused on helping students navigate barriers they may face at the end of high school during the college application, enrollment, and matriculation processes, see the Navigating Steps to College Enrollment domain which includes the following topics: College Coaching and Advising; College Entrance Exam Taking; Helping Students Understand College Costs, Financial Aid, and Borrowing; Increasing Financial Aid Applications; and Summer Melt Mitigation.

College Exposure Activities

College exposure activities, such as campus visits or summer programs, help students gain a clearer understanding of what college is like and explore their postsecondary options. However, access to these opportunities is often limited, especially in rural or under-resourced areas, due to barriers like transportation, cost, or lack of awareness. 

To enhance the impact of college exposure activities, it is important to offer structured, engaging experiences that align with students’ age and interests. Even with limited resources, thoughtfully designed activities can significantly strengthen students’ postsecondary planning and motivation. 

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College and Career Pathway Exploration and Planning

Many students, especially in rural and under-resourced areas, find it challenging to connect their educational experiences with potential college and career options. When students lack sufficient planning resources, such as individualized advising or accessible information about educational and labor market outcomes, they may make choices that do not align with their aptitudes, aspirations or financial circumstances.

Studies show that providing students with accurate information and personalized coaching can improve postsecondary decision-making. Programs offering career coaching and information on education and labor market outcomes have been shown to increase students’ awareness of the long-term value of education and positively influence their expectations. Students benefit most when they receive individualized, sustained guidance—especially students from underserved groups or those pursuing non-traditional pathways.

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Mentoring and Counseling

High school counselors play a crucial role in helping students explore post-graduation options and prepare for their next steps. Yet rural schools face an average student-to-counselor ratio of 310:1 (Why Rural Matters, 2023)—well above the recommended 250:1 (ASCA, 2023)—and counselors juggle many responsibilities beyond college and career guidance.  

Access to counseling and mentoring during high school can improve student outcomes, like high school academic performance and college enrollment. Approaches shown to improve outcomes include lowering student-to-counselor ratios, improving counselor effectiveness, offering informal mentoring opportunities, and partnering with colleges or nonprofits to expand high school counseling capacity. The studies reviewed in this section highlight the importance of ensuring that students have access to meaningful, sustained guidance and support throughout high school. Strengthening these support systems can help students in identifying and navigating their post-high school pathways. 

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Encouraging Early College Savings and Financial Planning

For many families, the prospect of saving and paying for college can feel overwhelming or out of reach. This sections reviews interventions that aim to increase participation in early college savings programs and planning. Findings suggest that simplifying and supporting the process of opening a 529 college savings account—particularly when paired with a financial incentive—can significantly increase the likelihood that families open an account and make regular contributions. 

This lever is also included in the Increasing College Affordability domain. 

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Return to Postsecondary Research Clearinghouse.

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