Insights and Implications for State Policy-Makers

Using a range of data and analytic approaches, the articles in this volume offer insights for understanding how state policy can increase higher education attainment and close gaps in attainment across groups. This concluding article begins by addressing the relationships between public policy and performance that cut across the volume. We then offer recommendations for state policy leaders-concrete steps that governors, legislators, and other policy actors can take to improve college access and success in their states. Finally, we propose directions for future research that will advance knowledge and understanding of how state policy can most effectively improve the higher education attainment of all students.