Independent-College Groups Pledge to Improve Access and Completion

Two of the nation’s largest associations of independent colleges are teaming up in an effort to identify and encourage the best ways to help more students enroll in college and complete their degrees.

The goal of the new effort is to help the nation meet President Obama’s goal for the United States to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world, according to a statement issued by the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, whose annual meeting opens here today, and the Council of Independent Colleges.

In particular, the associations are trying to help their members expand programs that keep first-generation students in college. About 24 percent of that group completes bachelor’s degrees at public or private colleges, compared with 68 percent of students whose parents have earned their own college degrees.

Both associations have surveyed their members to identify what programs are already in place. The council is also using a $5-million grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation to continue successful retention-and-completion programs at 50 institutions.

The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities is pushing for Congress to include in the proposed overhaul of federal student-loan programs competitive grants that would help colleges support programs to keep students enrolled.

The associations are also encouraging their members to set institutional goals for retention and degree completion. The groups plan to issue reports on independent colleges’ efforts every two years.