Expert Research and Solutions on U.S. Higher Education Policy Reform

Higher Education In America: A Research-Driven Perspective

Higher education plays a central role in shaping opportunity and economic mobility in the United States. But rising tuition, mounting student debt, and growing political pressure on colleges and universities have sparked national debate about the future of America’s colleges and universities—who they serve, how they’re funded, and what values they uphold.

The Scholars Strategy Network includes researchers who study today’s most pressing higher education challenges. Explore briefs and No Jargon podcast episodes, where SSN members discuss current policies and share research-based solutions

Featured Policy Briefs on Higher Education

View of University of Texas, Austin from above

Causes and Consequences of Ending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on Texas College Campuses

By Natalya M. Green

Texas’ ban on DEI in public colleges may reduce support for minority students and faculty, potentially harming enrollment, retention, and long-term educational equity.

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Sad college student on floor of university hallway

How High Stress and Skyrocketing Tuition Contribute to a Growing Mental Health Crisis on College Campuses

By Krysia N. Mossakowski

Rising college costs and financial stress are exacerbating a mental health crisis among students, highlighting the need for better campus mental health services and policy interventions.

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Group of college students doing homework

Reducing Barriers to Free College Programs

By Denisa Gándara, Rosa Maria Acevedo, and Diana Cervantes

Reducing administrative, compliance, and psychological barriers can improve access to free college programs, making them more equitable and effective for historically underserved students.

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A college party with people standing and red solo cups

The Rise of Hookup Sexual Culture on American College Campuses

By Lisa Wade

Hookup culture dominates U.S. college campuses, shaping social norms and relationships, often making casual sex feel compulsory and emotionally challenging for many students.

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Featured Podcast Episodes on Higher Education

A group of multi-ethnic post secondary students work together to complete a group project.

Higher Ed on the Frontlines

Cecilia M. Orphan

Orphan highlights how threats to research funding and academic freedom are reshaping higher education, and argues that colleges must organize and push back to protect the public good.

Listen

Debt bills, credit cards, and calculator on a table

Who’s Really in a Student Debt Crisis?

Fenaba R. Addo

Addo explains who is really facing a student debt crisis, what contributes to student debt accumulation, and how race and family wealth factor into it all.

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Creating Inclusive Campuses

Bedelia Nicola Richards

Richards details how Black students still frequently experience discrimination on campus, what this means for their education and wellbeing, and how universities can make change to help create more inclusive campuses.

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Higher Education Experts

Jerry M. Whitmore

Boston University

Liliana M. Garces

Alliance for Higher Education

Stephanie Riegg Cellini

George Washington University

Sarah Yoshikawa

Loyola Marymount University

Debbie Hogan

Boston College

Douglas Webber

Federal Reserve Board

Classroom full of empty, brown, wooden desks

Education Scholars Training Program

SSN’s Education Scholars Training Program supports 15 scholars each year in bridging research, policy, and practice, helping their work shape U.S. education policy.

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