By Chera Watson

Two colleges are implementing new tools designed to streamline enrollment and financial aid processes after researchers found that even small administrative challenges can derail students from completing their degrees.

Central Washington University and Hudson County Community College in New Jersey began rolling out a suite of guides, exercises, and communications in June 2025 as part of MDRC's "On the Path to a Degree 2.0" initiative, according to a report released this month.

The interventions address persistent problems first-year students face navigating complex administrative processes — challenges that research shows can lead students to "delay enrollment, reduce their course load, or drop out altogether," the report states.

"Students benefit when these processes are clear, streamlined, and supported with timely guidance," according to the MDRC report authored by Emily Marano and Caitlin Anzelone....

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