This research uses first-generation college students' scores as reported on the Ruffalo Noel Levitz College Student Inventory (CSI) pre-college survey to investigate if attitudes students hold before starting college impact their academic outcomes. Additionally, CSI data is disaggregated by first-generation students' participation in a TRIO…

This dissertation includes three chapters focusing on policies directly related to improving college access and success. The first chapter focuses on lifetime eligibility of federal and state financial aid policies. The Pell Grant plays a critical role in helping students across the US to afford undergraduate education. In spite of its importance…