Institutions: Alcorn State University, Alabama A&M University, Auburn University, Mississippi State University, The University of Tennessee, University of Kentucky, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of Southern Mississippi, West Virginia State University, West Virginia University

Many students and their families struggle to navigate a maze of complex financial information about college. Despite their best efforts, they may be unable to access all the financial aid for which they qualify, miss out on ways to lower costs once enrolled, or even forgo college entirely. Powered by Publics institutions in the Southern Central cluster are developing new communications resources for universities to help ensure students – particularly those from low-income, first-generation, and minoritized backgrounds – have clear, straightforward financial information about college as well as personalized support they need. For more information, contact Gregory Thornton. In addition, read the Urban Cluster’s learning memo on several campus affordability efforts. Powered by Publics also undertook new research across four clusters on the pandemic, college affordability, and student debt; an examination of federal emergency financial aid during the pandemic, and a study on addressing student financial need beyond the pandemic.