The phrase "data-driven" has been used with increasing frequency in the college access and success field in recent years. However, as with many frequently used phrases, its importance can get lost or written off as a buzzword. Being data-driven revolves around decisions being shaped by information and evidence rather than hunches, gut…

The persistently low college attainment rates of youth from poor families are partly attributable to their uncertainty about college affordability. The current federal financial aid system does not provide specific information about college costs until just before college enrollment and the information is only available to students completing a…