Answering the call: institutions and states lead the way toward better measures of postsecondary performance

In this paper, the author argues that in an era of escalating costs and uncertain outcomes, it is imperative that prospective students, policymakers, and the public have answers to commonsense questions about whether and which colleges and programs offer a quality education at an affordable price. This paper shares what has been learned from vanguard institutions and states in the US about how to improve and use postsecondary data to increase student outcomes. The aim is twofold. First, the field has demonstrated the validity and value of these metrics over time and the author intends to use them to evaluate the impact of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's own investments toward increasing the attainment of career-relevant credentials and closing attainment gaps. Second, informed by evidence demonstrating the significant progress that select institutions and states have made through the use of improved data, the Foundation will work with partners and policymakers to support the widespread adoption and use of these metrics.

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