Six-year study reveals College Possible Texas students are significantly more likely to enroll in and graduate from college, highlighting coaching’s role in closing higher education achievement gaps.
College Possible Texas today announced new research demonstrating the organization’s continuous impact on college enrollment and degree attainment for Pell-eligible students. The findings, drawn from a multi-year randomized controlled trial (RCT), show that students assigned to College Possible Texas were 5.6 percentage points more likely to enroll in college, primarily at four-year institutions, and up to 6.3 percentage points more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree within six years compared to their peers.
This release marks the first time College Possible Texas has been able to assess six-year bachelor’s degree completion outcomes for its earliest student cohorts, using data through Fall 2024. The results provide strong, statistically valid evidence of the organization’s role in helping Texas students overcome barriers to higher education.
As the authors wrote in the report: “Our paper makes multiple contributions to the existing literature. College Forward is the most comprehensive advising program of any that have been rigorously evaluated. Its advising starts a year earlier than other programs studied in the literature, and it provides advising throughout students’ college careers, regardless of where they enroll.”
“This study confirms what our team sees every day: when Texas students have the right support, they are more likely to achieve their college and career goals,” said Ben Castleman, education policy expert and advisor to the study. “The evidence is clear—these results show meaningful progress in helping more students from all backgrounds enroll in college, persist through challenges, and graduate with a degree. By connecting students with coaches who understand their goals and experiences, College Possible Texas is making a measurable difference that will benefit them, their families, and the communities they serve for years to come.”
Key Findings from the Six-Year Study:
- Increased college enrollment: Students assigned to College Possible Texas were 5.6 percentage points more likely to enroll in college — an 8 percent increase compared to the control group’s 62 percent enrollment rate.
- Four-year institutions drive the gains: The enrollment impact is entirely due to higher enrollment at four-year colleges and universities.
- Higher bachelor’s degree completion: Students in the program were 5.9 percentage points (29 percent) more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree within five years, and 6.3 percentage points (25 percent) more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree within six years.
- Consistent results across cohorts: Enrollment impacts were similar across all four cohorts studied, with positive results for each group.
- First time six-year outcomes measured: This is the first analysis where College Possible Texas has been able to measure six-year bachelor’s degree completion for its earliest cohorts.
“In Texas, too many capable students never make it to or through college because of financial, academic, and logistical hurdles,” said Jesse Hendrix, executive director of College Possible Texas. “This study shows that with the right guidance and encouragement, every learner can succeed. Our students’ success reflects not only their determination, but also the proven impact of our coaching model in helping them reach graduation.”
Since launching in Texas, College Possible has worked with thousands of students across the state, providing one-on-one support from high school through college graduation. The new report underscores the organization’s ability to not only boost initial enrollment but also drive momentum through degree completion—a key driver of economic mobility.
“The data reinforces what we know from experience: every student has potential, and the right support can help them reach it,” said Dr. Siva Kumari, CEO of College Possible. “When we invest in students with personalized coaching and a belief in their potential, we help them reach their college and career goals while also strengthening our workforce and our communities. The gains we see in Texas show what is possible when students have the support they need to succeed.”
The full report, including detailed data and methodology, is available at: Updated Impact Estimates
About College Possible: Founded in 2000, College Possible is one of the nation’s largest and most successful college access and success programs. Through its proven coaching model, the organization has supported nearly 100,000 students in earning a college degree and achieving economic mobility. With a proven coaching model, providing high-touch interventions that help students navigate college access, retention, and degree completion. Nationwide, College Possible students are three times more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree within six years than their peers from similar backgrounds. Headquartered in Saint Paul, MN, College Possible operates regional sites in Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; and Austin, TX, and has established Catalyze partnerships in California, Minnesota, New York, and Tennessee. Learn more at CollegePossible.org
