The Impact of Scholarship Access on College Participation: Evidence From the National Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)

• In Event: Connecting K–12 and Higher Education Policy Issues

Abstract

Research linking financial aid and scholarships to an increase in college access and success is well-documented. This study examined the impact of the U.S. Department of Education waiver of statutorily required GEAR UP state grantee scholarship through two research questions: 1) What factors are associated with state-level waiver requests of the GEAR UP scholarship; and 2) To what extent does the removal of the GEAR UP Scholarship impact state-level college participation rates? Results suggest the absence of the scholarship significantly impacts college access for GEAR UP low-income students, the statewide college participation rate, and may have downstream impacts of student debt burdens and retention rates. The paper offers policy recommendations to reduce the waiver of the GEAR UP scholarship component.

Authors

• Dennis A. Kramer, Johns Hopkins University

• Carol Cutler White, Mississippi State University

• Christa E. Winkler, Mississippi State University