The Impact of Oregon Promise on Low-Income Student Enrollment

• In Event: Policy Innovation and Future Trends

Abstract

College promise programs can serve as a mechanism for expanding access to higher education. However, there are critiques about equity and whether promise programs assist low-income students, especially when the awards are structured as a last-dollar scholarship. This study conducts a difference-in-differences analysis to examine low-income (Pell recipient) student enrollment at community colleges following the adoption of a state-wide promise program, the Oregon Promise. Preliminary results indicate that low-income student enrollment at community colleges increased following the adoption of Oregon Promise and the state also increased its share of Pell grant dollars.

Author

• Pooja R Patel, The University of Pennsylvania