Statement on MDRC Study of CUNY Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP)

Few interventions in higher education reliably improve graduation rates. CUNY ASAP does, which is why Arnold Ventures has supported its expansion in more than five states. 

MDRC’s new long-run analysis of 896 students across 3 New York colleges starting in 2010 confirms ASAP’s sustained positive impact on graduation rates. At the same time, the study finds that those gains did not translate into higher average cumulative earnings for this cohort over the follow-up period. This differs from findings in Ohio, where a separate ASAP replication showed significant positive earnings impacts. 

Understanding why increased degree completion is associated with earnings gains in one setting but not another is one reason we support replicating strong research in multiple settings. Single studies rarely provide complete answers. Replication across different populations and contexts can help identify whether programs work, for whom, and through what mechanisms. The studies also highlight the value of focusing both on degree completion and whether students are earning credentials with labor-market value. 

That’s also consistent with how ASAP has evolved to place greater emphasis on career advising and steering students toward programs with demonstrated value. The MDRC study supports that move and further validates ASAP’s positive effect on completion.