College Life Protected seeks to support educators, scholars, practitioners and students in uncovering insights that support greater college completion, build confidence in the value of higher education as a public good, and reduce the financial risks & cost of college.  

Of particular interest are research questions that address emerging and systemic risks impacting higher education. Many of these risks “live” at the intersection of disciplines and administrative functions on college campuses. Below are some of our focus areas for research:

Mental Health and Student Success 

• What factors lead to a student's decision to withdraw from school due to a mental health condition? 

• What percentage of students suffer the death of a parent or tuition payer during college, and what impact does it have on their mental health, and ability to return to school and complete their education? 

• What is the impact of mental health conditions across the student populations, with particular concern for historically marginalized / disadvantaged student populations? 

Campus Safety 

• What is the impact of deferred capital improvements on student safety and student housing safety?

• What is the impact of crimes, fires and damages that occur within on-campus student housing on a) student satisfaction and b) college completion.

• What are the best practices for reducing disruptions to student lives due to crime, fires, water events, theft and other factors? 

Student Collections & Student Financial Services

• Which types of students have account balances, and how are those balances typically managed by institutions of higher education?

• To what degree are small debts preventing students from re-enrolling in school?

• To what degree is a student's decision to re-enroll in a post-secondary institution of higher education impacted by their account being sent to third party collections? 

Evaluating Impact of Medical Conditions on Student Withdrawals 

• Why do students not return to complete their degree after a medical withdrawal?

• What is the financial cost of medical withdrawals to the institution, and to students and families?

• What physical health conditions may adversely impact a student’s ability to persist in school? 

On-Campus Housing & Student Success

• How does living on campus influence students' mental health outcomes, stress levels, and overall well-being?

• What specific interventions or support structures (within on-campus housing) positively impact mental health outcomes among students?

• What are the long-term effects of on-campus living on alumni outcomes, career success, alumni engagement, and philanthropic support?

All grant recipients will be expected to either present their research findings in a whitepaper, an industry conference, or a webinar.

If you are not sure if your research idea aligns with our agenda, then email walberto@gradguard.com with your idea and we will be in touch.