SNAP Reimagined: Improving Postsecondary Education Access and Completion

The higher education to workforce pipeline is crucial for our country’s economic growth and longevity. However, almost half of students who enroll in college fall off and never complete. The outcomes are even starker for students from low-income backgrounds who face high levels of unmet needs and barriers to completion while in school. Ensuring that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) supports postsecondary education and access, both for enrolled students and SNAP participants who could enroll, would better support higher education outcomes that can lead to a stronger workforce and economy.

In its first analysis focused on student basic needs and anti-poverty, TICAS details the disconnect between higher education access and SNAP eligibility requirements and provides policy solutions to help improve pathways that lead to economic security.