The Problem

OUTCOMES
Up$tart’s outcomes are two-fold
First, integrating applications for social benefits for low-income students adds to their income and stabilizes family finances. This contributes to an increase of student retention by 5 percent. Beyond benefiting colleges and universities, benefit application integration increases federal revenues to students’ communities and states.
Second, Up$tart software provides training opportunities for NNMC students who will introduce benefit application integration to Hispanic-serving educational institutions in the Southwest. Versed in Up$tart software, NNMC graduates will be sought after employees at college and university financial aid offices.
Check the Facts
- Sara Goldrick-Rab, Paying the Price: College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream
- CollegeBoard - Trends in College Pricing
- CBPP - Pell Grants — a Key Tool for Expanding College Access and Economic Opportunity — Need Strengthening, Not Cuts
- Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab - Improving Take-Up of Tax Benefits in the United States
- Sara Goldrick-Rab, Paying the Price: College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream
- CollegeBoard - Trends in College Pricing
- CBPP - Pell Grants — a Key Tool for Expanding College Access and Economic Opportunity — Need Strengthening, Not Cuts
- Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab - Improving Take-Up of Tax Benefits in the United States
- Pew Research Center - Most think the ‘American dream’ is within reach for them
- Pell Institute - Indicators of Higher Education Equity in the United States
- Federal Reserve Bulletin - Changes in U.S. Family Finances from2013 to 2016: Evidence from the Survey of Consumer Finances
The cost of Up$tart to colleges and universities is exceeded during the first year of acquisition. Assuming increased student retention of 5 percent at an average social benefit increase of $8,144/year, participating institutions recover the costs of Up$tart in the first year.
Increased student retention of 5 percent
By complementing FAFSA with EITC and SNAP applications, communities and states in which students reside benefit as well. Assuming a $8,144/year per student income increase by bundling benefits, Up$tart generates significant income for localities and states, typically in the tens of millions of dollars.