Resources
Jump to: Flagship Research | Policy Scans | College Planning Resources | White Papers & Occasional Papers
Flagship Research
TCASN's original research examines barriers to college access and completion for students across Tennessee and the Nashville region.
BRIDGE TO COMPLETION REPORTS
The Bridge to Completion series is TCASN's flagship research initiative, conducted in partnership with the Nashville Public Education Foundation. These in-depth, multi-level reports analyze what college-going students actually look like — examining enrollment trends, demographic patterns, and completion outcomes to help higher education institutions better understand and serve their students.
COUNTING THE COST
Counting the Cost examines the real financial barriers facing college students in Tennessee, going beyond tuition to document the full range of costs that affect student persistence and completion.
POINT OF DEPARTURE
Point of Departure: Navigating Nashville as a College Commuter (2023) examines how transportation barriers affect college access and completion for students at Nashville-area institutions, with recommendations for institutions and policymakers.
BUILDING PATHWAYS
Building Pathways (2020) examines how Tennessee's higher education system can better support adult learners and nontraditional students in completing credentials.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION TO HIGHER EDUCATION PIPELINE
This brief examines the pathway from adult basic education programs into higher education, identifying barriers and opportunities to improve transitions for adult learners.
Policy Scans
TCASN produces policy scans through the New Skills Ready Nashville initiative, examining postsecondary credential attainment pathways and workforce alignment across the region. These scans track state and local policy trends affecting college access and completion.
NEW SKILLS READY NASHVILLE POLICY SCANS
College Planning Resources
Practical tools and curated resources for students, families, and college counselors navigating the college search process.
BOB OBROHTA'S 2026 SELECTIVE AND AFFORDABLE COLLEGE LIST
This national list of 276 selective and affordable colleges serves as a starting point — not a final answer — for low-income students, families, and college counselors navigating the college search process.
Important Note: This list does not represent the full universe of opportunity. Many colleges not included here offer meaningful scholarship opportunities for low-income students, and for the right student, those awards can be life-changing. Exclusion from this list should not be interpreted as a negative reflection on any institution. Rather, based on available data, those colleges may not offer broadly affordable net prices for low-income families as a general practice. Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard (March 2026).
Criteria and Rationale
Must be public or private non-profit: Talk to the hand for-profits
Excludes colleges <500 students: Tend to be niche colleges like mortuary schools
College Admit Rates <85%: Excludes open access institutions and recognizes "undermatching" as an issue for low-income students, yet includes colleges still accessible
Net Price <$16,750 ($48K–$75K income bracket): Formula: ($75,000 × 15%) + $5,500 = $16,750 — The average amount a family making $75,000 spends on higher education is 15–20%. I picked the low end. Given that these are more selective colleges, with higher persistence and graduation rates, I make the assumption that it is worth it to maximize the federal sub/unsub student loans. Up for debate but I had to stick a flag in the ground somewhere.
College Retention Rate >60%: Lower than national avg but errs on caution
College 6YR Graduation Rate >40%: Lower than national avg but errs on caution
White Papers & Occasional Papers
TCASN regularly produces white papers and occasional papers on topics including equity in higher education access, college student success, and strategic priorities for the region.