Original Source Date: March 18, 2025
Impact Highlights
| Annual ROI | Time Horizon | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 26.2% | 10.0 years | 2 - Strong |
| Activities | Outcomes | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Opportunity, Schools | College graduation, Educational attainment rate, Income |
| Geography | Demographics |
|---|---|
| New York, United States | Age 15-19, Age 20-24 |
Article Details
Higher education is a critical pathway to economic mobility, yet many students, particularly those from underserved communities, struggle to complete their degrees. The City University of New York’s (CUNY) Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) has emerged as a game-changing initiative, significantly increasing college graduation rates and providing a scalable model for nationwide replication.
Proven Success in Doubling Graduation Rates
ASAP is a comprehensive student support program designed to help college students persist and graduate at higher rates. The impact of ASAP is undeniable:
- Doubling Graduation Rates: Students enrolled in ASAP graduate at double the rate of their peers who do not participate in the program.
- Higher Earnings Post-Graduation: Studies indicate that ASAP participants also see increased post-graduation earnings, helping to improve their financial well-being.
- Support for a Diverse Student Population: ASAP has demonstrated success across urban and rural areas, supporting students of all ages, including those needing developmental education.
Scalability and Nationwide Expansion
The ASAP model has proven adaptable and effective in various locations across the U.S., demonstrating its potential for national impact:
- Bronx Community College scaled ASAP to support half of its student body.
- Lorain Community College (Ohio) increased graduation rates from 10% to 40% after adopting the ASAP model.
- Skyline College (California) saw graduation rates climb from 10% to 45%.
- West Virginia and North Carolina colleges are currently implementing and studying ASAP’s impact at both two- and four-year institutions.
Key Components of ASAP
ASAP’s effectiveness stems from its holistic approach to student success, combining academic, financial, and advisory support:
- Academic Structure:
- Requires students to enroll in a full course load.
- Provides priority enrollment to ensure students access required classes.
- Includes summer and developmental courses to help students stay on track.
- Financial Support:
- Covers tuition and fee waivers for eligible students.
- Provides transportation benefits to ease commuting costs.
- Offers book subsidies, reducing financial barriers to education.
- Advisory Services:
- Assigns dedicated advisors to students for the duration of their college experience.
- Requires bi-monthly meetings to ensure students stay engaged and receive timely support.
- Uses text messaging and digital communication for continuous guidance.
- Academic Structure:
Policy Implications and Funding Opportunities
The success of ASAP has drawn national attention, influencing policy discussions and funding priorities:
- Federal Support: ASAP qualifies for funding under the Postsecondary Student Success Grant (PSSG), which has received bipartisan support since Fiscal Year 2022.
- Legislative Momentum: The proposed Postsecondary Student Success Act would solidify ASAP-style initiatives by requiring that at least 20% of grant funds be allocated to proven, scalable programs.
A Model for National Change
ASAP is a proven, scalable, and cost-effective solution to one of the most pressing challenges in higher education—college completion. By addressing financial barriers, providing structured support, and prioritizing student success, ASAP is reshaping the educational landscape and empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals. With continued investment and expansion, ASAP has the potential to transform college graduation rates nationwide, fostering greater economic mobility and social impact.
For institutions and policymakers seeking a data-backed solution to improve college completion, ASAP stands as a gold standard model worth replicating and expanding.
To estimate the annual Return on Investment (ROI) for the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP), we need to compare the program’s costs with its economic benefits, particularly higher graduation rates and post-graduation earnings. Here’s a rough estimate:
1. Cost of ASAP per Student
- Studies suggest that the additional cost of ASAP per student is approximately $3,900 annually beyond standard tuition costs.
2. Graduation Rate Increase
- ASAP doubles graduation rates, with participating students achieving rates between 40-50% compared to 20-25% for non-ASAP students.
3. Increased Post-Graduation Earnings
- ASAP graduates have been shown to earn $3,500 to $4,000 more per year on average than their non-ASAP counterparts.
4. ROI Calculation (Annualized)
We can approximate the ROI using these variables:
- Net Benefit (Earnings Increase Per Graduate): $3,500 – $4,000 annually
- Program Cost Per Year Per Student: $3,900
- Graduation Rate Difference: If ASAP raises the graduation rate by ~20-25%, this means more students reach the higher income bracket.
Using these numbers:
- If students see earnings of $3,500 extra per year, ROI would be around -10% in Year 1 but positive over a longer time horizon.
- Over 10 years, lifetime additional earnings could reach $35,000-$40,000, meaning a long-term ROI of 800-900% per student (or approximately 26% annually).
Long-Term Economic Impact
- The breakeven point likely occurs within 1-2 years post-graduation.
- Over a decade, ASAP generates up to 8-9x its cost per student in increased wages and economic contributions.
- Additional societal benefits include lower unemployment rates, reduced reliance on public assistance, and higher tax contributions.
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