#  Rural Postsecondary Research Clearinghouse 

 



The Rural Postsecondary Research Clearinghouse, compiled by the National Center for Rural Education Research Networks (NCRERN), synthesizes the existing evidence on policies and practices implemented in high schools to improve students’ college and career readiness and access. Our goal is to help education leaders make informed, evidence-based decisions tailored to their local context. Through this Clearinghouse, we offer practitioners evidence-based strategies they can tailor to their local context and highlight areas for future research.

For each topic below, we reviewed existing studies and include quantitative studies that meet high standards of methodological rigor. Inclusion in the Clearinghouse is limited to quantitative impact studies that use a comparison group and a research design that allows the authors to measure the causal effect of a given intervention. We synthesize key findings across the available research and provide summaries of individual studies. [Learn more about the methodology used to find and review studies for the Clearinghouse](/rc-methodology).

Since limited research exists on what works in rural education, we draw broadly from studies conducted across all locales. We offer implementation considerations for rural leaders, including factors related to capacity, staffing, and tools needed for the interventions reviewed.

When complete, the Clearinghouse will cover the six research domains listed below. We will build out the Clearinghouse over the next year, so be sure to check back regularly to explore all the latest information.



 

##  Key Statistics on Rural College Access and Outcomes 

Curious about national trends in postsecondary access and outcomes for rural communities and students? We have gathered descriptive statistics related to the prevalence of students in rural schools, high school experiences, educational attainment, and college pathways. Together, these facts provide valuable context about rural education, support for college and career readiness, and postsecondary outcomes.



 

 



 [ Explore key statistics arrow\_circle\_right ](/fast-facts-rural-college-going-overview) 

 

 

 

 

##  Explore the Clearinghouse 

 



  [### Navigating Steps to College Enrollment

 ](https://ncrern.provingground.cepr.harvard.edu/addressing-complexity-and-providing-support-college-going-process)Topics include college coaching and advising; college entrance exam taking; increasing financial aid applications; helping students understand college costs, financial aid, and borrowing; and summer melt mitigation.



 

   ![Students](/sites/g/files/omnuum3601/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-03/Untitled%20design%20%2872%29.png?itok=SeBsj97t) 

 

 

 

  [### College and Career Exploration

 ](https://ncrern.provingground.cepr.harvard.edu/college-and-career-exploration-0)Topics include encouraging early college savings and financial planning; college exposure activities; college and career pathway exploration and planning; and mentoring and counseling.



 

   ![Students listening to a speaker in an office](/sites/g/files/omnuum3601/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-11/Untitled%20design%20%2837%29.png?itok=80YHCLuL) 

 

 

 

  [### Increasing College Affordability

 ](https://ncrern.provingground.cepr.harvard.edu/increasing-college-affordability)Topics include encouraging early college savings and financial planning; helping students understand college costs, financial aid, and borrowing; and increasing financial aid applications.



 

   ![Increasing College Affordability](/sites/g/files/omnuum3601/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-09/increasing%20affordability.jpg?itok=nV0KaRsy) 

 

 

 

  [### Comprehensive College and Career Support Programs

 ](/comprehensive-college-and-career-support-programs-0)Topics include federally funded college outreach programs; career-connected pathways programs; school-embedded college readiness programs; and targeted outreach programs.



 

   ![Comprehensive College and Career Support Programs](/sites/g/files/omnuum3601/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-09/Untitled%20design%20%2834%29.png?itok=SLAZ_04A) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

##  More Research Domains Coming Soon! 

 



 ### Academic Preparation for College and Career

 

   ![](/sites/g/files/omnuum3601/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-11/Untitled%20design%20%2835%29.png?itok=2DKcyYJO) 

 

 

 

 ### Building Workforce Readiness Skills

 

   ![](/sites/g/files/omnuum3601/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-11/Untitled%20design%20%2836%29.png?itok=BVZdWHwy)