Increasing College Affordability

This domain includes research on programs, policies, and practices that help students and families navigate the financial aspects of college. The interventions reviewed focus on helping students increase their financial knowledge, build early college savings, apply for federal and state financial aid, interpret financial aid offers, and consider borrowing options. Most interventions are designed for high school students, though some target families earlier in the college-going process. These interventions aim to help students understand what college is likely to cost, support early planning for how to cover those costs, and equip students to make informed choices about paying for college. 

While the individual lever pages focus on summarizing evidence from high school-based interventions that aim to increase college affordability, this domain also includes high-level overviews of the broader financial aid research—including what we know about the impacts of various types of financial aid on student outcomes. These summaries highlight findings from policies and programs that fall outside the direct control of high schools, but that offer valuable context for those working in high schools and relevant evidence for those working at other levels to improve students’ college access. 

Summaries of Broader Financial Aid Research

For this domain, we also include high-level overviews of the broader financial aid research. These summaries highlight findings from policies and initiatives that fall outside the direct control of high schools, but that offer valuable context for those working in high schools and relevant evidence for those working at other levels to improve students’ college access. We cover the following categories: "free college" programs; need-based aid; merit-based aid; state funding to public colleges; student loans; and education tax credits and deductions.

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Helping Students Understand College Costs, Financial Aid, and Borrowing

Financial aid information is often complex, and students may not always have access to the support they need to fully understand college costs and the range of available financing options. The evidence reviewed in this section suggest that while simplifying financial aid offers alone may not be enough to change enrollment or borrowing behavior, interventions that build financial literacy, improve knowledge of student loans and repayment options, or reframe how college borrowing is presented may better equip students to navigate college financing decisions.

This lever is also included in the Navigating Steps to College Enrollment domain. 

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Increasing Financial Aid Applications

Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meeting state-based financial aid requirements are key steps for students to access financial aid and make college more affordable. However, the complexity of these processes can create barriers for families, preventing them from completing the applications and accessing aid they would otherwise qualify for. In 2023, just over half (53%) of rural seniors completed the FAFSA (authors’ calculation of NCAN data). 

Evidence reviewed in this section shows that FAFSA completion rates can be improved by providing students and their families assistance with FAFSA filing. Intensive, hands-on support has the largest impact on completion rates, but more cost-effective approaches, such as text message-based reminders and advising, have also shown promising results when implemented at the local level. Studies aimed at boosting state financial aid applications and take-up show that informational nudges and promotional efforts can improve early steps in the process—such as submitting applications or creating accounts—but have limited effects on final aid receipt or college enrollment.

This lever is also included in the Navigating Steps to College Enrollment domain. 

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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 College and Career Exploration domain.

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Return to Postsecondary Research Clearinghouse.

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