Data is key to student outcomes-here's how to use it

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series examining the aspects of recruitment, enrollment, and retention on U.S. campuses. Check back each Monday for a different look at some of the challenges–and successes–found in higher education today. Next week: A look at how the nation needs more than college access for success–student retention is the key.

Key points:

Institutions must be able to build and sustain a culture of data and measurement

Data use is critical at a time of declining enrollment and retention across much of the higher education landscape

A new guidebook from the nonprofit Complete College America (CCA) examines how states and institutions can use national and homegrown data and measurement tools to improve completion rates, close institutional performance gaps, and increase economic mobility for historically-excluded students.

Entitled “Using a Measurement System to Strengthen Student Success Reforms,” the report provides step-by-step guidance and tools that states and institutional leaders can use as they work to build internal data teams and create national and homegrown measurement systems to increase student success.

“Colleges today are awash in data about the student experience and outcomes, but merely collecting and analyzing data on student success isn’t enough. Ultimately, it’s about building and sustaining a culture of data and measurement,” said Dr. Yolanda Watson-Spiva, President of Complete College America. “This report lays out practical tools and guidance for states and institutions to develop measurement systems that will help them identify areas for improvement and take collective action to support student success.”

The release of the new report comes at a time of declining enrollment and retention across much of the higher education landscape, as colleges and their students continue to grapple with the far-reaching implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on access, persistence and equity in higher education.

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Laura Ascione

Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland's prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.