2017-2018 College Track Annual Report CT_AR_JAN2019_digital | Page 11

Best Fit College Initiative We encourage students to attend “best fit “colleges, which have a better track record of graduating low-income students. In each city where College Track is located, we identify two types of affordable colleges: In both options, the college must also have strong student support services for first- generation and low-income youth. 1. Competitive option: Any college with an above average graduation rate where the student will borrow no more than $30,000 over the course of their studies. * We advise students and their families to explore, apply to, and enroll in these two types of colleges. We personalize this advice based on the student’s interests, family income, citizenship status and ability to apply for scholarships. 2. Accessible option: Any local four- year college where a student can live at home and pay for tuition, fees, books and transportation with grants, federal loans and, if applicable, parent savings. College Completion Advisors work one-on- one with students to minimize student loan debt, seek and secure summer internships, and access College Track’s merit-based and need-based scholarships. *The national 6-year graduation rate for students starting at a four-year college is 58%. University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Merced University of California, Santa Cruz University of Denver University of Pennsylvania University of San Francisco 2017–2018 ANNUAL REPORT 11