The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS) is an independent, nonprofit research and policy organization dedicated to increasing college access, affordability and success through improvements in student financial aid policies, both nationally and in California. Since 2005, our Project on Student Debt has worked to reduce the burden of student loan debt and increase public understanding of rising debt and its implications for families, the economy, and society.
TICAS works with a broad range of partners to advance practical, evidence-based solutions, and we serve as an expert resource to the media, policymakers, and the public on issues ranging from the financial aid application process to student loan repayment. Our accomplishments include: championing changes that have made it much easier to apply for federal student aid; developing the model policy that resulted in the creation of income-driven repayment plans for federal student loans; leading a national coalition that secured greater regulation of federally funded career education programs; and leading analysis and advocacy in California that has increased college accountability and state need-based grant aid by millions of dollars annually.