Promise for Whom? Free-College Programs and Enrollments by Race and Gender at Public, Two-Year Colleges

• In Event: 64.048 - Promise Programs and the Free College Movement: Fad or Future?

Abstract

Numerous policy interventions have sought to increase access to postsecondary education, particularly among low-income and racial/ethnic minority students. These initiatives affect different students in varying ways, and have the potential to narrow educational attainment gaps across demographic groups, but also carry the risk of widening existing inequalities. This study examines one type of intervention that enhances college affordability, or perceptions of affordability, and seeks to encourage college-going, Promise (or free-college) programs. Specifically, we examine the degree to which these programs are associated with changes in two-year college enrollments among different student subgroups. Results suggest Promise programs increase public, two-year college enrollments for all student groups except Asian students. Program-design features have varying effects on enrollments of different student groups.

Authors

• Denisa Gandara, Southern Methodist University

• Amy Li, University of Northern Colorado