Eligibility Criteria for Members

To fulfill our mission to increase college access, affordability, and success for all students, the Coalition has strict eligibility criteria for our member schools.

Coalition member colleges and universities must provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.

By meeting these rigorous standards, our members prove that they are dedicated to improving the college application process and to promoting access to higher education, making them smart college choices.

What we mean by a commitment to access, affordability & success

 

Access

  • Open to students of all backgrounds

  • Engage significant under-served and under-resourced populations

 

Affordability

  • Offer in–state tuition or

  • Meet full demonstrated need and/or

  • Graduate their students with low to no debt and low loan default rates

 

Success

  • Achieve high graduation rates, including strong rates for under-resourced students

Members must

 

Be an accredited, four-year, public or private, non-profit, degree-granting institution with reported access and success metrics through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Members must also be fully compliant with Title IX — with no documented exemptions with the Department of Education.

Interested in joining the Coalition?

Complete this form for institutions interested in becoming Coalition members, and we’ll be in touch.