Higher education is transforming to better serve all students.
There’s growing momentum in higher education to better serve all students, regardless of their academic preparation, income level, age or race.
However, the system still lacks equity for students of color.
While large numbers of students from all demographics are placed in ineffective developmental education courses, participation is highest among African American and Latino/a individuals.
Students in Developmental Education, by Race
Low-income and first-generation students are placed in developmental education more often than their peers.
Pell grant recipients and first-generation college students are far more likely to be placed into developmental courses than non-Pell students or students with at least one parent who attained a bachelor’s degree.
Reforms are guided by evidence-based design principles.
Colleges and states across the nation have seen dramatic improvements in student success in their first year of college by implementing reforms consistent with a set of evidence-based design principles that transform students’ experiences.
Before Reforms
Nationally, only 22 percent of students in developmental education complete the associated gateway course within two years.
After Reforms
In states that implemented reforms, up to 68 percent of students completed the gateway course within one semester.