Once students finish a rigorous high school curriculum and obtain a high school diploma, they may still have the final gate closed to them because they can’t afford post-secondary education. Minnesota ranks substantially above the national average in tuition expense while availability of financial aid ranks below many states. In order to be in line with the nation’s highest ranking states for need-based aid grants,  Minnesota will need to invest an additional $115 million per year.

Along with reducing the financial barriers of college, increasing knowledge about post-secondary options and financing needs to be addressed. Minnesota has one of the worst student-to-counselor ratios in the country, ranking 48^th among the states. Providing better and more complete college-related information, as well as guidance on academic requirements needed for higher education, increases college enrollment rates.

Programs such as Minnesota based Admission Possible identify promising low-income students and provide help with ACT test preparation. college search and application processes, financial aid processes, and guidance in the transition to college. College acceptance rates for students in this program is 99 percent at a benefit/cost of $5 to every $1 invested.

Removing barriers and providing social supports for students transitioning from high scholl to college has to be one of our top priorities in order to increase the rate of post-secondary attainment. To learn more about cost-effective and promising interventions click here.