"Free College:" A New and Improved State Approach to Increasing Educational Attainment?. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perna, Laura W.; Leigh, Elaine W.; Carroll, Stephanie
• Other Names: Tierney William G. guest-editor.; Ward James Dean guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: American behavioral scientist. Volume 61:Number 14(2017)
• Page Start: 1740
• Page End: 1756
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Promise programs -- free college -- higher education policy; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Political science -- Periodicals; United States -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 300
• DOI: 10.1177/0002764217744821
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-7642

Abstract

"Free college" has emerged in some states as a new approach for increasing educational attainment. But, these and other states have long had initiatives designed to improve college affordability. To inform how state free tuition programs may improve affordability, increase attainment, and close gaps across groups in attainment, this article begins by providing an overview of the role of state policy in promoting attainment, with particular attention to higher education finance policies. Recognizing the utility of examining free tuition policies within the larger state context, we describe recent initiatives in Tennessee, Oregon, and New York. Given their recent establishment, it is too early to conclude whether state-sponsored free tuition policies improve higher education attainment or close gaps in attainment across groups. We consider emerging and potential outcomes, building on themes drawn from across the three cases and research on other higher education finance policies. We conclude by offering questions to guide policy makers, practitioners, and researchers in further consideration of these policies.