Education Commons^™

Completion Grants: A Multi-Method Examination Of Institutional Practice, Sara Goldrick-Rab, Travis York, Clare Cady, Christy Baker-Smith

Journal of Student Financial Aid

Public universities are intent on increasing degree completion for many reasons. A stronger policy focus on completion and interest in removing students’ financial hurdles has led to a rapid proliferation of completion grant programs. This paper reports on a mixed method implementation study of completion grant programs at seven broad- and open-access universities. Drawing on case studies of completion grant programs and student surveys, we examine the work of the administrators and professionals who create and implement these programs. As it can diminish program efficacy and increase inequality, we pay particular attention to administrative burden for staff and students. We …