Promise scholarship consequences: Early evidence from Tennessee and Oregon

Abstract

AbstractThe article describes enrollment, retention, and institutional expenditures on instruction, academic support, and student services at community colleges in Tennessee and Oregon after these states implemented Promise scholarship programs. This article highlights that college attendance and choice among recent high school graduates changed after the adoption of the Promise scholarship but fall‐to‐fall retention rates remain similar to pre‐Promise levels with the exception of the first cohorts of the Promise scholarships. In relative terms, institutional expenditures on instruction, academic support, and student services have not kept pace with increased enrollment in Tennessee. Based on the findings, this article identifies one potential unintended consequence of state Promise programs—diluting institutional expenditure per student. To promote student success, college presidents and system leaders should use existing channels, such as professional associations and presidents’ councils to communicate with elected officials and policymakers and present a united front to advocate for additional financial support.