Five major higher education associations unveiled the National Student Success Project on Thursday, bringing together more than 50 colleges and universities to address mounting concerns about the value of a college degree. The participating associations include the American Association of Community Colleges, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the American Council on Education, the Association of American Universities, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, with backing from the Strada Education Foundation.
The initiative was developed with guidance from an advisory board comprising 19 presidents and chancellors representing diverse institutional types, including rural-serving universities, faith-based colleges, large research institutions, and community colleges. Leaders announced the project during an event in Washington, D.C., emphasizing that colleges have long prioritized student success but have not adequately communicated these efforts to the public. The project aims to shift higher education’s focus from internal academic discussions toward publicly demonstrating student outcomes and rebuilding public trust.
The initiative centers on five core commitments designed to remove barriers preventing students from achieving success. Rather than imposing a universal definition of student success, the project identifies obstacles that institutions must address. According to leaders who spoke at the launch, student success encompasses academic support, college affordability, career readiness, and broader campus experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
Panelists highlighted the importance of developing students’ life skills and workforce readiness, noting that all campus employees contribute to student development. They also stressed the value of co-curricular activities and civil discourse in preparing students for post-graduation life. Leaders emphasized that universities must expose students to diverse viewpoints and train faculty to facilitate constructive conversations about difficult topics, equipping graduates to engage effectively in diverse communities and workplaces. The initiative plans to disseminate successful practices through media outreach and regional convenings to raise awareness of higher education’s contributions to student success.
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